Way of Life Part 4

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

Page 45

DISCOURSE 75
and bullocks. Accidentally, the lantern in my hand fell on dry grass. It caught fire. I set free all my cows and bullocks, at once, and I came here with my family."
The inspector said, “I see. Is that the case? You have suffered a heavy loss, May God help you". The police-officer went away with his party. The villagers kept looking at Ayyu with wonder, amazement and a heartfelt feeling of esteem and adoration. They fell at the feet of Ayyu. Gulla stood there for a while; and then he went back to his house. A tremendous turmoil appeared in his mind.
"What shall I think of Ayyu ? Should I consider him a friend or a foe ? He saved the life of my wife. He saved my house from being auctioned. He paid money to the lawyer. He saved me from being sent to jail. If he wants now, he can get me imprisoned for life. He has saved me and the villagers from being punished. No. No. Ayyu is not my enemy. He is a true friend of mine. His heart has become completely changed. He has stopped taking rent from the farmers. Now, I should not be hostile towards him".
There was a change of heart in Gulla. The people of the village gathered. Gulla said to the villagers, "Ayyu has shown an extraordinary kindness to us. If he wanted to do so, he could have got all of us imprisoned but he did not do so. He is a great man. We looted his house; and set fire to it. Now our first duty is that we should build a new house for him”.
All the villagers agreed with Gulla; and then they went back to their respective houses. That night, a torrential rain fell. There were floods in the river. The dam that had been built across the river breached. The night was dreadfully dark. The noise of the breach of the dam was heard by the whole village. The people came out of their houses. All knew that Ayyu's house was situated near the dam. They feared that Ayyu's house was flooded with water and that it might collapse. "What might have happened to Ayyu's family ?" All were full of sympathy for Ayyu and his family. Gulla said, "Somehow or the other we must save Ayyu's family. I will go into the