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DISCOURSE 10
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began to weep bitterly. "I did this only to help the Queen get rid of her fever but the Queen is plunged in great anguish. Moreover, the name of the Chief Minister also has been stained." Pathamini advised the attendant not to worry over it and assured her to do whatever she could. There arose a great commotion in the mind of Pathamini. "What may the angry King do? He can ruin the lives of those who are within his power". This, Pathamini knew very well. In her mind, a fear arose a worry also appeared. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister came into the bungalow. His face was calm and cool without any distortion or agitation. He was quite well and quite calm. He knew that the King was angry with him but this did not affect his calmness and composure. After sending away Chatura, the Chief Minister turned his eyes towards Pathamini. Pathamini was sitting at his feet. The tears were flowing from her eyes. Pathamini was greatly sad because she felt that on account of her, her husband's good name was stained and an allegation had been made against the Queen. The Chief Minister said to Pathamini, "Why do you weep? Why do you worry? Though I am guiltless and innocent, there has been an accusation against me. This has happened because in my previous life, I might have committed the sin of making a false accusation against some innocent person and now we have to experience the fruit of that sinful Karma and punishment with equanimity. Do not worry. There is Dharma in our hearts and it will protect us. Be fearless in the refuge of Dharma. The King is not at fault. He is only an instrument for my sinful action to work through and punish me. We should not be angry with the King."
Pathamini imagined herself floating on the sublime waves of the Chief Minister's lofty utterances which were flowing like the Ganga. Her tears of sorrow changed into tears of joy. She kept seeing the Chief Minister's calm face. Fear and hatred disappeared. They did not fear the loss of the position of the Chief Minister and they did not hate the Queen Kadamba and the King who were making false allegations. Only such souls or human beings can perform spiritual austerities in accordance with the prescriptions in the Shastras and only such people can concentrate upon spiritual activities. There can be no vacilla
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