19. REQUESTING NANDIVARDHANA TO GRANT HIM PERMISSION FOR INITIATION

The law of Karman is inexorable. Nobody can escape the fruit of action done in the past. But one is exhorted to bear it patiently and bravely, keeping one’s balance and without being swayed away by passions. Prince Vardhamana was leading an ideal life even as a householder, but at the age of twenty-eight he decided that it was then high time for him to renounce the world and fulfill the ambition cherished during the previous births. But it was and accepted convention that one must secure the permission of the elders before accepting initiation. He, therefore, approaches his elder brother for permission. Nandivardhana is shocked as the request came soon after the death of the parents. But realizing that his younger brother was no ordinary mortal, he requested him to postpone his decision for two years. Prince Vardhamana readily and graciously consented. And in doing so, he set a very noble example to the whole world. Even the great ones should observe the normal codes of conduct and discipline.