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Kshamapana Bhagwan Mahavira's religion. In this miserable condition my mind is confused. I didn't remember even the day of this religious festival. Go and tell your king that I will fast today."
The chief cook told king Udayan everything from beginning to end. King Udayan heard this and thought, "Oh, this Pradyota is a follower of my religion. Today I am going to ask annual forgiveness (Samvatsari Kshamapana). Without asking for his forgiveness, my observance of the religious austerities would remain incomplete."
King Udayan's minister dissuaded him. They said, "Chandapradyota attends Mahavira's conference, but he has all the vices." Someone said, "Release the tiger from the cage and it will again assault." Udayan, the royal king, said "Bravery lies as much in punishing a strong enemy as in forgiving an enemy." Before the moon of the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada gilttered in the sky, king Udayan himself severed the chains of Pradyota, the king of Avanti. He seated him on a seat equal to his. He asked forgiveness for his immodesty and offence and said a few words about the upliftment of the soul.
Thus Mahavira's forgiveness is a brave man's forgiveness. It needs king Udayan's fearless heart. A weak mind does not forgive readily or become generous. A man of weak mind cannot stretch his hand for friendship.
A Mine of All Virtues
Forgiveness is the gift of an adamantine heart. Forgiveness is a promise of a pious heart. That is why they say that forgiveness is a brave man's virtue. Forgiveness means strength. Forgiveness calls for a strong heart. At the time of his
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| SR No. | 006587 |
| Book Title | Jainism The Cosmic Vision |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Kumarpal Desai |
| Publisher | UK Mahavir Foundation London |
| Publication Year | 2008 |
| Total Pages | 276 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 12 MB |