Page 121 - EJO0055

after he attained salvation. He wailed, “O Lord you left me
and went away forever. What will I do without you ? Who
will address me by saying Gautam ! Gautam ! ? Who will
show me the path of spiritual progress ?” If he had not liked
dependency, then he would not have cried out like this. If he
would have enjoyed freedom then he would have rejoiced on
Lord’s salvation. But he did not rejoice because,

He considered freedom and independence to be a wild
animal’s asset. This precious human life’s asset and glory
was undoubtedly dependence and obedience of elders.

Hence, great Ganadhar Gautam Swami weeped like a child
on losing this asset. He himself created the entire wide
Dvadashangi out of just 3 golden words given by Lord
Mahavira. In spite of such major creation to his credit, he
commenced the Dvadashangi stating “This is what I have
heard from Lord.” Thus he exhibited his dependence on Lord.

The scripture Dharmabindu states : Live a life which
is dependent on your elders. If in case your parents pass
away, then seek refuge of some elders who are mature, wise
and your well-wishers. From time to time take their advice
and implement it which will stop your life from going on
the wrong track. Thus living a life dependent on elders and
obeying them is a great virtue, a valuable asset.
Sitaji understood this very well and hence stayed completely
dependent on her husband. She obeyed, respected and served
him faithfully. Hence, “If Rama asks for forest exile, then
he should first ask me.” This thought never occurred to her.
Instead she believed that it was her duty to ask Rama and
not his duty to ask her. This was her remarkable quality of
dependence and obedience.

A life of dependence is truly admirable.

22. A Faithful Wife 111