Suheldev & the Battle of Bahraich (Indic Chronicles #1)

by Amish Tripathi

slowly peel away in some places. Even as the blaze intensified, the abbot’s face remained calm. ‘Buddham … Sharanam …’ His trembling voice showed the obvious struggle of his body. His tranquil face showed the magnificent serenity of his soul. ‘ … Gachchami …’ The soldiers stared at him, initially horrified, and then with increasing fascination. Some of them fell to their knees, tears streaming down their faces as they witnessed Chandrakirti’s supreme courage, dignity and obvious spiritual power, in the midst of a horrific death. They remembered the religion they had followed till just a few years ago. They remembered this chant only too well. For these Turks had also, once, chanted the same words of peace and love. Words they had been told to forget. Words that they had been told were those of ‘evil idol-worshippers’. The spell was broken by a loud command. ‘Archers, cut him down.’ ‘Buddham …’ Seconds later, a volley of arrows ripped into the abbot’s body, sending him toppling backwards. … Sharanam … Gachchami … The monk’s body died. But his immortal soul did not carry any of the burden of the pain and torture the body had been subjected to. The soul went in peace. It went with compassion. It went with love. It went to the lotus feet of Lord Buddha.