The Social Aspects of Subtle Love And we shall sit at endless feast, Enjoying each the other’s good; What vaster dream can hit the mood Of love on earth?⁴²⁸ This lovely maid, The soft light of your eyes, assuredly, Regards you bound to her in love’s alliance. What should prevent your union? Fate and love Combined seem labouring to effect it.⁴²⁹ Kumud Sundari came down to the lowest floor of Vasant Gufa. Her ascetic companions were busy with their morning routines. Two sadhvis had gone to the adjoining forest and brought back fresh twigs for brushing the teeth, which they distributed to the rest. Two were considering the most suitable spring to bathe in. Two others were cleaning the cave, while the rest were debating the best way of securing the welfare of women. Bhakti Maiya saw Kumud descend the stairs. As their eyes met she said, ‘Madhuri Maiya, after you clean your teeth, we shall bathe in the pure spring water.’ Kumud: ‘I will follow after the ascetics.’ Pritimanini: ‘The joy on your face suggests that.’

Yamini: ‘Madhuri, last night there were dark clouds of accusations upon the ascetics; the moon must have dispelled it.’ Kumud: ‘Only the goodness and audacity of the ascetics could have purified a wretched householder like me. Like an owl, I was blinded during the day. But at night I saw it clearly.’ Yamini: ‘Has that audacity⁴³⁰ made you happy?’ Kumud: ‘That audacity has made me pure and tranquil.’ Bhakti: ‘Madhuri, your contentment will be a balm on Chandravali’s heart.’ A sadhvi named Buddha said, ‘Madhuri Maiya is at peace. She will also be content. So long as the beautiful flames of her union are not known to the world, she will spend time in great romance. Her contentment can come only when the great soul brings everything to a finale.’ Pritimanini: ‘Oh sweet Madhuri! The ascetic and virtuous force that has purified you and made you serene will also secure your welfare.’ Kumud: ‘Your wisdom can only lead to my welfare.’ Yamini: ‘Madhuri, we can be happy only when we know that you are happy. You seem to be in doubt still.’ Kumud: ‘I tremble at the fear of pain, but I seek salvation more than happiness. This desire makes me uncertain.’ Yamini: ‘When will you enter the Vihar Math? When will you become an ascetic?’ Kumud remained silent. Pritimanini: ‘Yamini! You are transgressing your limits. Madhuri Maiya has, as a result of the great endeavour of our leading ascetics, embarked upon a sacrifice of non-duality. Neither you nor I have any right to know what that sacrifice would entail. Once the two hearts meet, our task is over. One cannot raise the curtain and peep into their world of love. Among the ascetics it is considered a sin. Once love matures it manifests itself. This sense of limits is beneficial for all.

Navinchandra has taken to heart matters of her welfare. If we were to show undue concern for her, we would