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Bhagwan Mahavir ]
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Mahavira was staying. Lord Mahavira had completed one month of his penance by now. The next day he went out from the Dharamshala in se: rch of pure food and water for his 'Parana' (food that is taken just after the completion of a fast or a penance), and came to the house of a rich man named Vijaya. Vijaya offered the purest food and water to the Lord, and immediately the gods showered the five kinds of precious stones over his house. The news spread like wildfire in the city. Goshala also heard it. He went out in search of the Lord, and when he reached the house of Vijaya the Merchant, he realized the truth of what he had heard. He, then, said to himself, "This beggar is not an ordinary man.. He seens to be a high soul. If there is a heavy shower of gold, jewels etc. on the house of a person who has given him food and water only for one time, what fortune may not be his who remains in his service day and night ? Could I become his disciple, my stars would surely shine one day. The service of great men never goes void. They are like big trees. Just as the big trees give shade as well as fruits, in the same way great men give protection as well as riches. And if by chance they are unable to give the latter they cannot help giving the former.” With this idea, he came to the Lord and said to him very modestly, “Lord, the doings of great people like yourself are always peculiar. They never boast of themselves. It is their actions that exhibit their greatness to the world. They themselves lead a very simple life, and can live upon dry crumbs of bread if they can get them; but they can make those rich and happy with whom they are pleased even for once. Thus they give not only material happiness but also spiritual happiness. Lord, you and I have been
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