Walk With Me

Author(s): Chandanaji Acharya, Vastupal Parikh
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 58

Walk With Me
Nobody was paying attention to what Vardhaman was saying. He was calmly asking us not to throw stones at the cobra. "Have you noticed how the Prince's persona always has an aura of gentleness and kindness?" he asked me but then continued without waiting for my answer. "It was the same even when he was a child. We all knew and admired his friendliness, but little did we know that even animals could read his aura. Once we became quiet, Vardhaman slowly approached the cobra. His hands were extended to signal friendship. All of us shouted almost in unison, 'Vardhaman, don't! It is poisonous! It is deadly! Run, Vardhaman, run!
Vardhaman again signaled us to be quiet and moved closer to the cobra. We were watching this with fear and amazement, but Vardhaman was not afraid. The cobra must have sensed that Vardhaman meant no harm. As if to acknowledge this friendship, the cobra also slowly lowered his hood; it was no longer in attack mode. We were amazed. The cobra actually appeared to be longing for Vardhaman's friendship. It was inviting him to come closer. Vardhaman's love and kindness was transforming the vicious cobra into a harmless, friendly creature.
"You too, are my friend! Would you like to come and play with us?" Mahavir was gently saying to the cobra as he went very close. We were terrified. “Stop, Vardhaman! Do not go any closer. Are you crazy? Run! We were shouting again. Vardhaman signaled us to be quiet, extended his hand to the cobra, and gently sat down.
Believe it or not, the cobra actually started crawling up his arm. Once on Vardhaman's arm, the cobra raised his hood again and was
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