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F03 Stories Preceding Bhagawan Mahävir
06 - Monk Kurgadu
In amazement, the monks went to Dharmaghosh-suri and asked him the reason for what had happened. The achärya said that they were all feeling very proud of their austerities and were unnecessarily disapproving of Kurgadu for not observing a fast. Therefore, they were smeared by perception obscuring karma. He urged them to bear in mind that the primary purpose of observing austerities or any other religious practice was to gain modesty that leads to right perception, which in turn helps to attain equanimity. The monks had misjudged Kurgadu, who had realized the essence of religion. Earlier, he had acquired obstructing karma that did not allow him to observe the austerity. He sincerely repented for that karma which had become operative in his current life, and by properly comprehending the role of karma, he acquired right perception. By bearing the consequence of those karmas with equanimity, he was able to wipe them out without acquiring new ones. Thereupon, the monks realized that they were indulging in unnecessary vanity that obstructed right perception. The Acharya also explained that the soul had nothing to do with the state and activities of the body. The body is obtained as a consequence of the operative karma and should be used simply as an instrument for realizing the true nature of soul. It can be an effective instrument only if it is used purposefully. Moral:
Understanding the true nature of the soul is the essence of religion and it is the only thing worth pursuing in this life. We should never look down upon anyone who cannot observe austerities and penance or one who cannot follow the religious principles as much as others. Rather than putting these people down, one must encourage them to do so with compassion and realize that it is due to the karmas of that person that they are unable to do so. One must never be proud of the austerities that one is able to perform. Highlights:
Renounced life at a young age; studied hard but could not fast; other monks wrongly took pride in
fasting and looked down upon him • Could not observe fast on Samvatsari; while eating, meditated on his karma and attained Keval
jnän
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015
