$JES 203 First Step of Jainism Level 2 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 51

LIFE OF BHAGAWÄN MAHÄVIR
Indra, the king of heaven, started praising the courage, valor, bravery and fearlessness of prince Vardhamän. Another heavenly god challenged the statement believing that fear is present in all humans. He decided to test Vardhamän's courage. In order to frighten the child he assumed the form of a formidable and frightening cobra and slithered near the tree where the children were playing. All the boys were frightened and started screaming but Mahävir stood there calm and completely fearless. He gently caught the cobra with his hands and placed it in the grass on the side. The god, who failed to frighten prince Vardhamän in the form of a cobra, decided to test his bravery again. Assuming the form of an ordinary child he joined the group of children and suggested playing
Vardhaman being bathed on Mount Meru There is great rejoicing in the country. The family is blessed with increasing goodwill, respect, wealth, and mutual affection, and everyone prospers. Gold and gems increased in the treasury of the kingdom. The general health, peace, happiness, and goodwill of the people increased many-fold. Thus, since the moment his soul was conceived there was continued enhancement in glory, wealth, health and fame. This is the reason the baby was named Vardhamän, which means ever-increasing prosperity. There are numerous incidences of courage and forgiveness throughout Vardhamän's life as a child and an adult.
One day prince Vardhamän, a young boy of eight, was playing with his friends on the outskirts of the city. At that very moment
Mahavir gently caught the cobra with his hands and placed
it in the grass on the side
THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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