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STORIES PRECEDING BHAGAWÄN MAHÄVIR
15 Sage Nandisen
Sage Nandisen was a great ascetic and well versed in the scriptures. He took a vow to serve other monks with utmost devotion. His devotion of serving the monks was popular even in the heavenly abode.
One day, Indra commended his services during an assembly of demigods. One of the demigods was surprised at such high praise for a mere mortal and decided to see the worthiness of sage Nandisen.
The demigods, due to their miraculous power, can assume any form they desire and can reach anywhere in a split second. The demigod arrived at the outskirts of the village and assumed the form of two monks. One became a very old and injured monk while the other became a young and healthy monk.
It was the day sage Nandisen was going to break his fast. He had just returned from collecting Gochari (alms) and was about to break his fast when the young monk came to him and said, "Oh blessed one! There is a very old monk suffering from diarrhea, extreme thirst, and hunger. He is weak and needs your help.”
Sage Nandisen helping and serving the old monk
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