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ANGER/FORGIVENESS
Chandkaushik
This is a story about Mahävir-swami when he was a monk. He used to meditate, fast and perform penance. He traveled from place to place and from village to village. Once, Mahävir-swämi decided to go to the village of Vachala. On his way there lived a poisonous cobra named Chandkaushik. All the people of the nearby villages lived in absolute terror. It was rumored that Chandkaushik could kill just by casting his evil glance upon a person. When the villagers learned about Mahävirswämi's intentions to pass through the forest they tearfully requested him to use another route. Mahävir-swämi had no fear and practiced supreme nonviolence and compassion. He had no hatred towards anyone and considered fear and hatred as violence of the self. He was at peace with himself and all other living beings. There was a glow of serenity and compassion on Mahävirswämi's face. He didn't deviate from his route even after the villagers warned him of the danger.
burrow. To his surprise he saw a man standing there. He became furious that a man dared to come this close to his territory. He started hissing to threaten Mahävirswämi but he did not know the tranquility of Mahävir-swämi. He became angry, came closer to the human, and swayed his head, ready to strike. He saw no sign that the man would run away or even felt threatened. This made Chandkaushik very angry and he blew poisonous venom towards Mahävirswämi several times. The venom did not affect Mahävir-swämi nor did it disturb his meditation. Chandkaushik was not ready to see no effect of his venom. Now he concentrated all his power and bit Mahävirswämi's toe. When he looked at the man he was astonished to see the calmness on Mahävir-swämi's face. In addition, he saw pure, white like milk flowing from his toe instead of red blood. Mahävir-swämi opened his eyes. He was calm and there was no fear or anger on his face. He looked at Chandkaushik and seemed to be saying to him, “Understand, Chandkaushik, and realize what you are doing!!!” There was love and affection in Mahävir's eyes. Chandkaushik became calm and he felt as if he had seen such a person before. Suddenly, a miracle occurred and he visualized incidences from his previous lives. This is known as Jätismaran Jnän. In the past life he was a very angry person and because of his anger he became a cobra in this life. Chandkaushik realized the truth of life and
After a little while he noticed the beautiful green land fading and uninhabited, deserted land coming into view. Seeing burnt trees and plants he thought that this was the land of the poisonous cobra. Therefore, Mahävirswämi stopped here to meditate. Feelings of peace, tranquility, and compassion flowed through Mahävir's heart.
Chandkaushik sensed that someone had come near his land so he came out of his
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THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
Insation
