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experience are only due to our own karmas. They are only temporary by their very nature. The everlasting happiness is achieved only upon liberation."
Meghakumar was spellbound by the Lord's words and realized his mistake. He requested the Lord to reinitiate him since he had virtually broken his vow of monkhood by strongly desiring worldly life. The Lord did so, and Meghmuni, as he was called thereafter, started leading a rigorous, austere life. Fasting for days at a time, he stayed in meditation a lot in order to eradicate his karmas. When his body became very weak and he could no longer observe the rigors of ascetic life, he decided to observe the fast until death. This vow is called Sanlekhanä. He fasted for a month on mount Vaibhärgiri near Räjgrihi. Upon death, he was born in heaven. Bhagawän Mahävir had stated to Gautam swämi that at the end of the heavenly life, Meghakumär would be reborn as a human being and would attain liberation.
MEGHAKUMÄR
Upon death, the elephant is born as Prince Meghakumär
Moral:
Here is a great example of compassion or Karunā bhavană. An elephant bears discomfort and pain to save a little animal. As we are more developed and more rational beings, we should learn from these animals to be helpful to each other. In addition, when one takes an oath to lead the life of a monk, one should not revert to a worldly life or even entertain thoughts of doing so. An ascetic life is a very tough and rigorous life which makes one realize and understand the true nature of the soul. In order to achieve this understanding, one must put aside the worldly life permanently because it tends to distort things. Suffering occurs because of one's past karma, so one should bear it with patience and focus on the soul for self-realization.
23 - Questions:
1. What was the effect of Lord Mahävir's sermon on Meghakumär?
2. What was happening to Meghakumär during the night? What did he decide to do?
3. When Meghakumär told Mahävir swämi about his decision, what did Mahävir swami do?
4. Why did Mahävir swämi tell Meghakumar the story of an elephant? Describe that story briefly. Elephant? Upon hearing story, what did Meghakumar decide to do?
JAIN STORY BOOK
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