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capability. Similarly, the monk could remain unaffected because he remained tuned to his soul and its abilities, remaining vigilant about potential pitfalls. "As an acrobat, I have to remain constantly vigilant because the slightest unawareness on my part could result in a fall from the high rope and possibly die. Why, then, should I not use the same vigilance for the sake of spiritual upliftment?"
ILÄCHIKUMÄR
In an earlier life, he had trodden a long path of spiritual pursuit. The impact of that achievement was lying subdued within him, waiting for an opportunity to manifest itself. Now, the sight of the monk provided the needed catalyst, and he became fully awakened to the realization that he was a soul and that all the other situations were simply an illusion. While on the rope, Ilächikumär dwelt deep into his self and attained omniscience, or keval-jnän. Then, he quietly climbed down the pole and bid farewell to every one as he left the place
Moral:
The focus of this story is on the principle of detachment. The monk's detachment towards the beautiful woman guided lächikumar onto the right path. Attachment to materialistic things, people, or feelings often causes misery to others and to us. We should strive to minimize our attachment to the outer world (i.e. detach ourselves) and focus on our inner self. Attachment is an obstacle in the path of self-realization.
17 - Questions:
1. What happened when Ilächikumär saw the acrobats? What did he want to do?
2. Why could he not marry the daughter of the acrobat?
3. What did Ilächikumär do when the acrobats left town?
4. Whom did the King see while Ilächikumär was walking on the tight rope for the King? What did the King keep doing to make llächikumär repeat his performance several times?
5. While he was walking on the tight rope, what did he see? What did he realize?
JAIN STORY BOOK
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