Page 153 - Faith Personified

not forget that both the sisters were daughters of a great
Shravaka and virtuous Shravikas themselves. They had faith
in Lord Mahavira and his preachings. If one commits a mistake
and decides to marry a non-Jain, shouldn’t the other stop
her? Should she instead decide to jump into the same well?
They might have had such a conversation.

Sujyeshtha and Chellana’s Conversation

Chellana asked, “But do you realise that King Shrenik is not
a Jain?”

Sujyeshtha replied, “What is the use if he is a Jain but not
brave? I agree that King Shrenik is not a Jain but he is brave
and courageous. Having him as our husband will add to our
beauty.”

Chellana then asked, “But how will you fulfil your religious
duties by marrying a non-Jain?”

Sujyeshtha confidently replied, “Why? What’s the problem?”

“Arre, he is a man, that too a great king! That means that we
have to stay under his dominance which may also lead to
losing out on our religion.”

Sujyeshtha answered, “Don’t be crazy! The one who has taken
such great pains to get the tunnel dug, the one who dared
to make our valiant father his opponent - imagine his
attraction towards us! Will he dominate over us or worship
us? Haven’t you seen the acts of men who are attracted by
women? One sweet word or facial expression can captivate
them and they agree to act as they are commanded.”

139