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Arjuna malakar
But Arjuna did not go. He stayed back. After the assembly dispersed he atoned for his bad deeds before Bhagavan and submitted —
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Bhante ! I have committed grave sins and I want to atone for them. Please guide me to salvation.
Arjuna! Observe equanimity in life. Purify your soul through austerities. You
will gain salvation.
Arjuna decided to take to the path of forgiveness and austerities. He got initiated as an ascetic by accepting five great vows. Garland-maker Arjuna now became ascetic Arjuna.
Arjuna ! Always remember that if a person is angry on an ascetic or
even abuses him, the ascetic should always remain equanimous and consider forgiveness to be the ultimate religion. He should bear no ill feelings towards such
ignorant.
Bhagavan ! I accept the vow of equanimity for life.
Ascetic Arjuna took the preaching of Bhagavan Mahavir to heart.
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