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The goldsmith thought that the monk would speak, when he could no longer bear the pain. But he did not realize that this monk was a real monk who was willing to give up his life, to save the life of a bird.
The monk suffered severe pain, but did not change his mind about telling the goldsmith what had happened. He didn't get angry with the goldsmith either. He remained calm by thinking, "This body is only temporary, so why should I worry about it?" He was truly happy that the bird's life was saved.
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Due to his good thoughts, the monk attained omniscience, Keval-jnän. At the very moment, the pressure of the leather band became so intense that he died. His soul was liberated from the
cycle of birth and death forever.
While the goldsmith was waiting, a woodcutter dropped a bundle of wood. The noise scared the bird and it threw out the grains. The goldsmith could not believe that and felt terrible for doubting the monk. He ran to the monk to let him go, but it was too late.
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