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Mukesh Chhajer
Bemused by the presence of a mere human The demon resorted to his usual tricks Goading, clawing, creating frightening noises It appeared as a serpent and a mad elephant Tossing the monk high in air Then proceeded to pierce through his body parts That the monk bore all without any irritation At last exhausted, the demon realized He is not dealing with an ordinary being Filled with a new awareness, his anger subsided Prostrated before the Lord, seeking forgiveness
Eyes filled with loving compassion The young monk raised his hand, in forgiveness Counseled the demon to be rid of the anger Be filled with love and compassion towards all
Later, the young monk moved toward The town of Shwetambika, the road to which Passed through the path of Chandakaushik A venomous cobra with deadly poison Even its hissing was enough, to kill plants and animals The young monk, for whom fear was an alien word Proceeded towards the cobra's abode Through the animal and human remains With calm and without ill-will For it was his wish to bring it, to the path of love and peace
The serpent, surprised at the presence of a mere mortal So close to its abode yet perfectly calm, in deep meditation Hissed furiously, at first, but to no avail Next, it buried its fangs deep, in the young monk's feet As if paying respect
