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PART IV STORIES DURING BHAGAWAN MAHÄVIR
cleared up a vast stretch of land by removing all the plants, bushes, and trees. You also weeded out the grass that grew there."
"Once again there was a wild fire in the forest. All the animals came running and took refuge on that stretch. You were also there. During that time, you raised your foot to scratch your body because of an itch. At that very moment, a rabbit jumped into that space. As you tried to put your foot down, you saw the rabbit jump into that space and decided to hold your foot up in order to save the rabbit. The fire raged for two and a half days during which you continued to hold your foot up out of compassion for the rabbit."
Meghakumar in a previous life as an elephant saving a rabbit's life
"At the end of the fire, as the animals retreated, you tried to lower your foot. However, it was so stiff by then that you could not keep your balance and fell down. You felt agonizing pain and could not get up. You spent three days and nights suffering from severe pain. Ultimately, you died, and in your next birth you were born here as the prince of King Shrenik because of your compassion for the rabbit. If you could face that much distress for the sake of a rabbit and attain this priceless human life in return, how can you not face the accidental kicking and the dirt from the feet of your fellow monks? Do you realize that by renouncing this worldly life and becoming a monk you have taken the first step towards the long journey of liberation? Remember that all these sufferings and happiness we
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JAIN STORY BOOK
