________________
20- Chandkaushik
This is a story about Bhagawän Mahävir when he was a monk. He used to fast, meditate, and perform penance. He traveled barefoot from place to place and village to village. Bhagawän 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.
CHANDKAUSHIK
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 people that everything would be all right and he proceeded to the forest where Chandkaushik lived. After a while, he noticed the beautiful green grass fading. The forest looked like a desert. Trees and plants were dead so he thought that this must be near the area where Chandkaushik lived. Mahävir stopped there to meditate. Peace, tranquility, and compassion for the wellbeing of each and every living being flowed from Mahävir's heart.
Bhagawan Mahavir enlightening a poisonous snake, Chandkaushik
JAIN STORY BOOK
83
