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DISCOURSE 94
293 VANKACHUL NEAR THE QUEEN
Vankachul set off to commit a robbery in the palace. By mistake, he broke into the sleeping-chamber of the queen. The queen woke up. She became infatuated with Vankachul on seeing his heroic and fascinating form and his intelligence. She begged Vankachul for his love. At that time, Vankachul remembered his 'vow. He said to the queen, "Honoured queen! kindly pardon me. I look upon you as my sister but I cannot accept your love". The queen made several entreaties to Vankachul but he did not agree to act according to her wishes. The queen raised a hue and cry and called upon the soldiers to come to her rescue. The soldiers rushed in and captured Vankachul. The next day, in the royal court, in the presence of the king, he confessed the truth, “I came to the palace with the purpose of committing a robbery".
The king stood up; ordered his soldiers to remove the shackles from Vankachul and then heartily complimenting him, said, "You may be a robber but in my view you are a great man. Last night, from a place of hiding, I overheard the conversation that took place between you and the queen. You are a man of great strength and valour. You possess nobility. I am appointing you the commander of my army. Henceforth, you need not commit robberies. You can stay in our palace”.
Vankachul said to the king, “Your highness! I heartily admire your benefaction. You wish to appoint a robber, the commander of your army. That shows your greatness but I am not alone. I have my wife and sister. It is also my duty to take care of the families of my companions who are dead”.
The king said, “You bring your wife and sister to our palace and they can stay with you. You may give enough lands on my behalf to the families of your companions. See that they will not have to commit thefts for their livelihood”.
Vankachul remembered his Gurudev. When he remembered the Acharya's benefactions, he was overwhelmed with joyful emotions. In his heart, addressing his Gurudev, he said, "Gurudev ! You have saved me from calamities and you have also
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