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[ Lord Mahavira and Goshala
the strong and wild elephant can be brought under control by a sharp good (Ankusha ), various kinds of diseases can be treated with medicines, and even poison can be counteracted by means of different kinds of incantations; but it is impossible even for the Shastras ( scriptures ) to bring to the right path the people who are proud of the little knowledge that they have.”
Goshala again did the same mischief for the fourth time. At this, some people got ready to give him the severest possible bodily punishment; but they were prevented from doing so by some of their companions who said, “Whom are you going to punish ? Had he been a man, any punishment would have been fruitful. But as he is a brute, he ought to be pitied. To show anger to him is to throw ourselves in fire." Therefore, they knocked him in one corner of the temple, and indulged in their pleasures once more. They left that place before dawn and went to their houses. Goshala again ·complained to the Lord of the bad treatment meted out to him, and the Lord simply advised him to learn forgiveness.
After leaving that place, Lord Mahavira came to a Village named Haridru, and absorbed in meditation standing under a tree outside the village. Soon after this, there came a merchant bound for Shravasti. The night had set in, and it was impossible to find the way in the darkness. He therefore, stayed under the same tree where Lord Mahavira was meditating. He said to himself, "These hermits would serve me throughout the night as watch-keepers without any payment and I can sleep soundly untroubled by any cares and anxieties about my merchandise.” The night was very cold and the land was woody. The merchant was shiv.
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