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THE WAY OF LIFE
Calcutta. At that time, the British were ruling over India. His friends were insisting upon his going abroad for higher studies. But Ashutosh did not go abroad because his mother did not like his going abroad. Once, the Governor-general of India, Lord Curzon said to him : "You tell your mother that the Governorgeneral has ordered you to go abroad for higher studies. If you say that to your mother, she will not oppose your going abroad".
Ashutosh replied: "I cannot say that to my mother because I value my mother's word more than the Governor-general's order."
Shri Aryarakshit gave greater value to his mother's wish than to the honour given by the King; didn't he ? He became a sadhu to fulfil his mother's wish. He became absorbed day and night in the study of Drishtivad. This was a lofty adoration of mother.
Phalgurakshit reached Ujjaini. He entered the Upashray. First of all, he saw Aryarakshit as a sadhu. He saluted the feet of Aryarakshit; and the tears flowed from his eyes. Aryarakshit helped Phalgurakshit to get up.
"Brother! What may be the purpose of your visit ?'' "I have brought the message of our mother”. "Mother's message ? Tell me what her command is”.
"Mother wishes that you should visit Dashpur soon. She is greatly agitated by your separation from her". Phalgurakshit began to cry. Weeping like a child, he communicated his mother's message to him. Aryarakshit heard the message clamly, with his eyes closed. He thought for a while; and said,
"Phalgu! Why should we have attachment for that which is not permanent ? Why should we be infatuated with the attachments of the Samsar which are transitory and perishable? Another point. My scriptural studies are going on. Why should the studies be interrupted ?. Yes ! I cannot forget mother's kindness and benefactions. But I have to stay here until I complete my studies. But Phalgu, if you love me, you too stay with me. You know you cannot stay with me unless you become a sadhu",
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