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[Sixth Chapter]
[121]
"He killed my father. He killed my mother. He killed my brother, sister, wife, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and my other relatives." Saying this, some would abuse, some would mock, some would disrespect, some would slander, some would criticize by pointing out caste or other flaws, some would threaten with fear, and some would beat with slaps, bricks, stones, sticks, etc.
Despite enduring such anger, abuse, mockery, disrespect, slander, and being beaten and threatened by many women, men, children, old people, and young people, Arjun Muni did not harbor any hatred in his heart. He patiently endured all the trials they put him through, accepting them with equanimity. He considered these hardships as a means to liberation. With right knowledge, he endured all these troubles, forgave, practiced forbearance, and considered these hardships as a means to benefit. While wandering for alms in the small, large, and middle-class families of Rajgriha city, Arjun Muni sometimes got food but not water, and sometimes got water but not food.
In such a situation, whatever little food was available, he accepted it with complete humility, without any desire, without any impurity, without any stain, without any anxiety or agitation, and without any resentment. He did not feel tired.
Thus, he wandered for alms. After wandering, he left Rajgriha city and came to the virtuous garden where the Lord Mahavira was residing. Upon arriving there, he performed the Pratikramana (reflection on his actions) regarding his coming and going, criticized the faults he had committed while begging, and then showed the food and water he had received to Lord Mahavira. After showing it to him and receiving his permission, he consumed it without fainting, without greed, without attachment, and without any desire. Just as a snake enters its hole straight, he consumed the food and water without any attachment or aversion.
Later, one day, the Lord Mahavira left that virtuous garden in Rajgriha city and went to wander in other regions.
Arjun Muni, with that generous, noble, and pure heart, having received the great benefit, and having inspired his soul with abundant penance, followed the Shraman Dharma for six months. Then, he inspired his soul with half a month of Sanlekhana (a fast leading to death) and completed the thirty-day fast of a devotee. He fulfilled the purpose for which he had taken the vow, and Arjun Muni became a Siddha, a Buddha, and a liberated soul.
**Discussion:** While wandering in Rajgriha city for alms, Arjun Muni suffered hardships at the hands of the people there. Yet, he remained steadfast in his virtuous conduct, did not harbor any hatred in his heart towards anyone, and instead, with equanimity, patiently endured all the hardships he faced. This equanimity resulted in his liberation from all karmic bonds and attainment of his desired ultimate welfare, Nirvana.
The meaning of the verbs "akkosanti, hilanti, nindanti, khinsanti, garihanti, tajjenti" is as follows: "akkosanti" - they criticize with harsh words. Criticism means - curse, blame, scold, speak ill of.