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LIFE OF BHAGAWAN MAHÄVIR
is without the help of heavenly gods or humans that one should shed all its Karma to attain liberation. On hearing this, Indra bowed with reverence and departed.
Afflictions by Sulpäni
ghost, an elephant, a cobra, a lion, but he did not succeed. He then tried to pierce his eyes, ears, nose, head, nails and back. Even this extreme agony failed to pierce the serenity of his composure. Sulpäni was drained of all his demonic energy, anda divinespirituallightilluminated in him. Slowly his anger subsided, fear dissolved, and a feeling of goodwill took over. He touched Mahävir's feet and with repentance and humility begged Mahävir's pardon.
When the wandering Bhagawan Mahävir came to a village called Asthikagräm, he wanted to spend the night in the temple dedicated to a demon (Yaksha) called Sulpäni. The villagers warned him that the wicked Yaksha tortures to death any traveler who spends the night in that shrine. But Mahävir insisted on staying there overnight. The Yaksha became enraged and furious as he thought that this was a challenge to his powers. He tried to frighten Bhagawan Mahävir by assuming various forms of a
Chandkaushik
Leaving Asthikagräm Mahävir proceeded in the direction of Shvetämbikä town. The trail to this town passed through a dense and desolate forest. When some shepherds saw Mahävir entering the forest they warned him about the black cobra with a venomous gaze living on the trail. The cobra's hissing and gaze burnt plants and trees, while flying birds and standing humans dropped dead. As a result no one crossed the forest where the cobra lived. Bhagawan Mahävir knew this by his divine knowledge and in order to enlighten the cobra by his universal love he entered the forest and stood motionless in meditation near the place where the cobra resided. The proud king-cobra rushed out of its hole, hissing and gazing at Bhagawan Mahävir. But Mahävir stood motionless and unperturbed. Blind with rage, the cobra sank his fangs into Mahävir's toe and injected all his venom. But a milk-like substance started howing irom nis toe. bhagawan Mahävir cast a gentle glance of compassion
Sulpäni harassing Bhagawan Mahavir by assuming various
forms
THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
55
ainelik
