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"Why this delay?" With this question, immediately a stretcher was called for. He was firm in his orders and said: "I am coming at once after my round to the theatre." He left.
Doctors and nurses hurried up. Injections and dozes of pills were given. Blood was transfused. I had my clothes changed and I was taken to the operation theatre. My wife had signed the form yesterday. She knew of the grave dangers of the operation. She was overcome with sorrow, looked at me grimly and began to shed tears.
I told her in full patience: "O Manjula! thanks to the blessings of gods and preceptors, I am perfectly conscious. I am not going to die. You are so wise. You very often advised me to take shelter in Dharma and I did not like it then! But now
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"I have returned after striking at the doors of death. My suffering has eased. Feel not frightened. I am entering the theatre so that garbage in the body is extracted. There is no risk now. I am going to recover fully, thanks to the blessings of gods and teachers, and thanks to the great powers of the Navakara Mantra. I am under the protection of Shri Navakara. No more of worries now.
In case my body is no more, return to India, look after our two daughters, give up all attachment to the mundane existence and proceed on the path of sublimity of the self.
Now "Michchami Dukkadam". My wife also consoled me and said: "O my lord! I keep your mind fully engrossed in the Navakara Mantra. Do not worry about us. All will end well. Continue with chanting the name of Shri Arihant."
