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Sugandha: Sweet Fragrance
613
The acārya expresses his faith and confidence: jubilation
On the eight day, the ācārya, who was being kept regularly informed, sent a message, after mature reflection, to say that: "if the inner flow was slowing strongly, it should not be curbed; that he had total faith in her resolve and that Sādhvi Kümām, being on the spot, should herself assess the firmness of her decision and permit this saṁstāra-pratyākhyāna."71Immediately she heard the words of the ācārya confirming her in this new path, her face became radiant and she exclaimed: "Today I am truly blest; for me this dawn is full of light. . ." Some sādhvis had attempted to dissuage her because of her youth and delicate health, Sādhvi Kūmām, upon whom fell the responsibility of the final decision, was still hesitating, but Sādhvi Ratnavati began to urge her. Then, without the shadow of a doubt and in front of all those present, Sādhvi Kūmāṁ, having invoked the parameşthins, gave to Sādhvi Ratnavati the desired permission. A little later, Sādhvi Ratnavati, who was continuing to express her joy, attributing it to the blessing of the ācārya which was imparting to her the necessary strength, spoke words of great gratitude to Sādhvi Kūmāṁ for the guidance she had given her since her dikṣā.
For eight days already the gold had been tested in the fire; it must now be still further purified.
Dhyāna intensifies
The longer the fast went on, the more intense became Sădhvi Ratnavati's capacity for concentration. She spent long periods absorbed in dhyāna, but since during the day visitors came and went, she pursued her dhyāna during the night also. This dhyāna was not limited to certain hours only when there was complete silence; all day long she kept her mind fixed on the essential. From members of her family who had come from a distance to see her she firmly requested that they should only speak with her of spiritual things. Having discovered the importance of dhyāna, she conceived a desire to guide others in this regard, but she recognised that she had not strength
71 Another expression for the great and total fast-to-Departure. One is impressed by the wisdom of the acārya who did not give immediate permission for the great fast.
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