Way of Life Part 4

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 32

THE WAY OF LIFE
if you adopt this method. You are the king. You are the lord. You can do as you like".
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The king's anger flared up to the skies. Meanwhile, the servant sent by Vimalashri came to take Dedashah home. She had sent word that he must go home and take his food.
Dedashah said, "You go home and tell my wife that I am suffering from a severe headache and a severe pain in the brain. I do not feel like taking food and that "Snuff' should be prepared at once".
The servant returned home. He conveyed to her, Dedashah's message literally. Vimalashri was very clever. She understood the meaning of "snuff" as "snuff away". She sent away the servant keeping him free for the day and she set out carrying the bundle of the essential and precious articles. She left the city and began to walk towards the forest. She searched for a safe place in the forest and hid herself there.
BEHIND THE BARS OF A PRISON
The king grew very angry and ordered his men to bind his legs and hands with chains and handcuffs and to throw him into the prison. He sent some officers to raid Dedashah's house. At once, they went to Dedashah's house. The door was open... but there was no wealth in the house. They returned disappointed. They narrated all this to the King. The King also was disappointed.
Dedashah who was in the prison thought thus. The king is so angry with me that he will take away all my wealth. He will of course, take away my wealth, my property and my gold and will cause a great loss to me and my family".
Dedashah was greatly worried. But he was a great devotee of the Paramatma. He was a pious shravak with an unflinching faith in the Paramatma. In those days, Bhagwan Stambhan Parshwanath was known for his astounding powers. Dedashah was a great devotee of Stambhan Parshwanath. He remembered Lord Stambhan Parshwanath Bhagwan. He felt delighted and