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CHANDKAUSHIK
20 Chandkaushik
This is a story about Bhagawan Mahävir when he was a monk. He used to fast, meditate, and perform penance. He was traveled bare feet from place to place and village to village. Bhagawan Mahävir once decided to go to the village of Vachala. On his way, he would have to go through a forest where a poisonous snake named Chandkaushik lived. It was said that Chandkaushik could kill a person or animal just by casting an evil and angry glance at them. All the people of the villages near that forest lived in absolute fear.
When the villagers learned about Mahävir's intention to pass through the forest, they begged him to take another longer route. However, Mahävir had no fear. He practiced supreme non-violence. He had no hatred towards anyone and considered fear and hatred as violence to oneself. He was at peace with himself and all other living beings. There was a glow of serenity and compassion on his face. He convinced the
Bhagawan Mahavir enlightening a poisonous snake - Chandkaushik
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