A Woman’s Heart and her Power I pass, like night, from land to land; I have strange power of speech; That moment that his face I see, I know the man that must hear me: To him my tale I teach.⁵⁰¹ A drooping flower is a woman’s loving heart, Upheld by the stem of hope when two true lovers part.⁵⁰² Attired in her new ochre robes, Kumud went with her ascetic companions. Sarasvatichandra sat on the platform of the Saumanasya Gufa, a place that had given rise to noble dreams and sublime aspirations. He read the account of his dreams and pondered as to how the welfare of his country and her people could be secured. He also considered the means that would be required to fulfill these duties. As the different elements of his dreams revealed themselves and clarified his duties further, he spent the entire day in this happy frame of mind. The only interruption in his cogitations was lunch; and apart from Kumud no one or no other thought entered his mind. Kumud, the companion of his dreams, became a companion in wakeful state and contributed to his aspirations. He spent his day, till just before sunset, deep in thought. Having arrived at certain clarity and conclusions, he climbed up on the terrace of the cave and looked at the beautiful scenery around. He mused aloud in soliloquy, ‘Bodily strength increases and diminishes with use. Similarly the abilities of the mind expand and contract with use. But when mind and body are in harmony the prowess of both the mind and body increase or diminish together. Consumption in moderation increases both abilities, but when these limits are breached both mind and body wither. This sense of limits is known to these ascetics and the people of the West; our ancestors also had knowledge of it. The welfare of people can be ensured by growth and good use of these abilities. In labour, in penance, in industry, in pleasure, in pain, in enjoyment and in renunciation, this sense of limit has to be recognised and observed. In all these endeavours welfare is secured by observing these limits; any breach leads to harm. Ignorance with regard to this sense of limits has created fires of suffering in my country; it has withered all abilities in my country. All attempts by scholars and statesmen to raise my people from the mires of ignorance have been futile and have failed. Our ancestors believed, and people of the West even today believe, that fire—whether apparent or hidden— is dormant in wood itself. Similarly knowledge and ability in our people lie dormant, unseen. My only aspiration is to reveal what is latent, bring to light what is hidden. That is my duty. I shall perform a great sacrifice to fulfill my duty. My conduct shall be in accordance with my duties and I shall offer oblation in that sacrifice.’ In this land, virtue and ability Have for ages remained dormant; I shall offer