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THE WAY OF LIFE
heart. She had affection for her son. Affection brings about a conflict or an agitation, in such a context. Sometimes she had joyful feelings, sometimes, she had sorrowful feelings. The separation from her dear son causes agitation in the mind of a mother. She thought : "My son Aryarakshit is one who gives great delight to my heart. His nature is serene and peaceful. Did I not send him away myself ? How ignorant a mother am I! Of course, my aspirations for him are radiant; but the darkness of separation from my son has enveloped me. I am unable to bear with the sorrow of separation from him. I know that he has become a shraman (an ascetic). Very good. He may observe the principles of the life of a Shraman very well; but I wish to see him. I must send for him. If I send for him he will surely come. He has not at any time disobeyed me. His heart is an ocean of affection for me. Shall I send someone to him ? Shall I send Phalgurakshit? I can send him because Aryarakshit loves him. All right. I will get his father's consent to send him. But will my husband give his consent to this? I sent away Aryarakshit without seeking his permission. I have not at any time opposed him or complained against anything said by him. He is a man of seriousness. He has love for me. He has faith in me. He will surely concede that I have not sent Aryarakshit on the wrong path. I will send Phalgurakshit only after getting his consent”.
Rudrasoma went to her husband, Somadeva, the priest and said in a very polite manner. "If you kindly give me your consent, I wish to send Phalgurakshit to Aryarakshit. He will convey my message to Aryarakshit. He will bring Aryarakshit here."
The priest Somadeva was a scholar; but he was simple and plain. He said, "I agree to whatever you do. You do whatever you think right”. How did Rudrasoma manage her household affairs? How charmingly did Somnadeva combine in himself profound scholarship and a bewildering simplicity! Whatever spiritual austerity you carry out on the firm basis of lofty virtues, there will not be any hostility, enmity or conflict. What is required is a firm foundation of lofty virtues. This foundation was firm in the family of Rudrasoma.
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