Agam 06 Ang 06 Gnatadharma Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi

Author(s): Amarmuni, Shreechand Surana, Surendra Bothra, Purushottamsingh Sardar
Publisher: Padma Prakashan

Page 26

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ज्ञाताधर्मकथांग सूत्र
In the next life it was born a red elephant named Meruprabh in the valley of the Vindhyas. Once, seeing a forest fire it recalled the experience from its last birth. It marked a large area of one Yojan and with the help of the herd cleared it of all combustible things like dry leaves, logs, etc. in order to take refuge in some such contingency. During the next summer once again a terrible forest-fire started. To save itself, the red elephant rushed towards the arena that it had cleared. In that arena numerous animals had already taken refuge. When the red elephant reached there it also squeezed in and stood where it found a little space.
"After some time it lifted one of its legs to scratch some itching part of its body. At that instant a small rabbit crept in and occupied that space. When the elephant wanted to put back its leg on the ground it found that a tiny rabbit is occupying that space. The realization that its leg would crush the rabbit to death overwhelmed it with compassion. Instead of putting its feet back on the ground the elephant kept it lifted. As a result of its pure feeling of compassion it reduced the period of the cycle of rebirths and also earned a human-life-span.
Doggade
"The forest fire burned for two and a half days. By then the elephant was completely exhausted. With the desire to rush away from that place, as soon as it stretched its cramped leg it toppled and fell on the ground. It suffered excruciating agony for three days and died. From there it descended into the womb of queen Dharini in this town of Rajagriha. Megh! You were that elephant in your earlier life.
"Megh! Just consider this that in the life you spent as an animal you were still inspired by the compassion for living beings. In this life as a human being though you have disciplined your senses, the very first night you have failed to tolerate even the slightest of inconveniences. The good deed from the life as an animal has pushed you towards spiritual light; do not be driven back to darkness by the infirm mundane attitude. Wake up, and know that tolerance inspired by purity of purpose leads to great achievements."
The inspiring rebuke by Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir shook him to the core and ascetic Megh's desire for spiritual upliftment redoubled. He fell at the feet of Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir and said, "Bhante! Since this moment I commit every part of my body excepting my eyes to the service of the ascetics." He then commenced a strictly disciplined ascetic life absorbing all the knowledge of the Canons and indulging in most vigorous of penances.
After observing the ascetic conduct for almost twelve years, Megh finally met his end. As a result of his great penance and purity of feelings, after death his soul has taken birth as a god in the Anuttar dimension of gods. He will be born as a human being in the Mahavideh area and attain Nirvana.
JNATA DHARMA KATHANGA SUTRA