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The Upasaka Dasanga Sutra tells the story of Revati, a woman from a noble family in Rajgriha, the wife of a respected and honorable Gahapati. However, she falls prey to vices and forgets her dharma, her reputation, and her noble lineage. She shamelessly tries to bring down her devoted husband.
As the great poet Kalidasa said, "True heroes are those whose minds remain unperturbed even in the presence of disturbing situations."
Mahataka was indeed a hero. This is why even such a disturbing situation could not corrupt his mind. He remained steadfast in his devotion.
Revati repeated her attempts, twice, thrice. The Shraman Upasaka Mahataka, who had been composed until then, was slightly disturbed. He saw Revati's future through his Avadhijnana and said, "You will be afflicted by a terrible Alsak disease within seven nights and die in great sorrow, anguish, pain, and distress. After death, you will be born as a Nairyaika in the Ratnaprabha Naraka, in the Lolupacyuta Naka, for eighty-four thousand years."
As soon as Revati heard this, she trembled. The woman who had been intoxicated by alcohol and consumed by sensual pleasures, suddenly saw the black shadow of death dancing before her eyes. She returned to her home with the same feet. And it happened exactly as Mahataka had said. Within seven nights, she was afflicted by the terrible Alsak disease, and died in agony and unbearable pain, destined for hell.
By chance, Lord Mahavira was in Rajgriha at that time. Being omniscient, he knew everything that had happened with Mahataka. He informed his chief Antavasi, Gautam, and said, "Gautam! Mahataka has made a mistake. For an Upasaka who has accepted the final Sanlekhana and Anashan, even truth, reality, and facts are not to be spoken if they are harmful, unpleasant, and distressing. He should not speak such truths to anyone that would cause them fear, terror, or pain. The truth that Mahataka spoke to Revati through his Avadhijnana was of this nature. Go and tell Mahataka to perform Alochana-Pratikraman and accept atonement for this."
This is how profound and elevated the Jain philosophy is. It shows that in the life of a self-realized seeker, there should be complete equality, non-violence, and friendliness.
Gautam went to Mahataka and delivered Lord Mahavira's message. Mahataka humbly accepted it, performed Alochana-Pratikraman, and became pure.
The Shraman Upasaka Mahataka, with renewed self-strength, continued his devotion with enthusiasm and joy. He left his body in Samadhi at the appropriate time and was born as a Deva in the Arunavatansaka Vimana in the Saudharma Kalpa.
2. "Those whose minds remain unperturbed even in the presence of disturbing situations, they are indeed heroes."
Kumarasambhava, Canto 5