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PART IV STORIES DURING BHAGAWAN MAHÄVIR
Bhagawän Mahävir declining Indra's protection
Then, the angel bowed down to Mahävir swami and requested, "Oh Lord, I would like to be at your service as you will have to undergo many hardships during your spiritual journey." Mahävir swami answered, "One cannot progress spiritually and attain Keval-jnän using others help and support. To attain Keval-jnän and become an Arihanta one has to undertake all the efforts personally on the journey towards omniscience and liberation."
The angel went back to heaven feeling happy that he could stop Mahävir swami's suffering. Mahavir did not have any bad feelings towards the cowherd because he held no anger towards anyone.
Moral:
We should not make hasty decisions because we could be wrong. One should think from all perspectives before acting. Secondly, we should not hurt anyone for any reason, but should forgive instead of displaying anger. This is the way we can stop the inflow of bad Karmas to our souls.
19 - Questions:
1. What did the cowherd ask Bhagawan Mahavir to do? Did he do it? Why not?
2. What happened when the cowherd came back? What did the cowherd get ready to do?
3. Who stopped him? Why?
4. What did the angel request Bhagawan Mahavir? What did Bhagawan Mahavir say?
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JAIN STORY BOOK
