________________
Journey into Jainism
Bhaavadeva: True, a monk has no wife, but I had accepted initiation just after my marriage. At that time I met muni Bhavadeva in the forest and thought it to be the right path for me, and yet now....
Naagala: O monk! As a friend of Naagala, I tell you frankly that she will not now like to live with you. Do not now astray from your path.
Bhaavadeva: How can you say that about her? If I am so fond of her, I think she too should be so fond of me. She might have been waiting for me a long time. She is a true devotee of her husband, and so would certainly wish me home.
Naagala: Tell me one thing, O monk! Where would you stay? Please dwell upon the problems herein while I go and find Naagala.
Bhaavadeva was ruminating on his future plans, on his household relationship with Naagala, when, all of a sudden, a child came running toward his mother, and the following conversation ensued:
Son : O mother! I thank you for the table of such sweet dishes as you did lay before me! I had not known such great delight before.
Mother: I am glad, my son.
Son: But mother! As I was finishing my kheer, there appeared a fly in the dish. I vomited, and then licked that vomit. I did not waste it.
Mother: Thank you, son! I am proud of you! I am sure that in the future you will again act with such frugality.
