Essence of Jainism Part 02

Author(s): Kushalchandravijay
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust

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always plotted against King Shripal and caused him endless troubles. While attempting to kill Shripal, Dhaval Sheth slipped, losing balance, He lost his life as he fell upon dagger held in his own hand; yet please see how Shripal viewed it. He had tears in his eyes as he thought that his benefactor who had carried him in his ship, was now no more. Shripal had an eye for spotting virtue only. He could see no evil even when he was wronged.
If we try to learn from the lives of Jagadusha, Vastupal, Tejpal, Minister, Vimal, Pethadshah, King Samprati, Kumarpal and Udayan Mantri etc; we will develop love for virtues and for four noble sentiments.
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto You". What we think, good or evil for others, will get reciprocated. We get paid back in the same coins which we use to pay to others.
Don't envy the person, who is philanthropic or famous or practises penance, or commands great respect. On the contrary, we should think that, may we also acquire the same talents and may we make good use of it. Be glad about those who serve others by the great qualities they themselves possess.
How was it that the farmer hated the Lord and was friendly towards Gautamswami ?
Once Gautamswami was sent by the Lord to enlighten a particular farmer. Having enlightened the farmer and initiated him as a monk, Gautamswami was returning to the Lord along with farmer. Impressed by the beauty, bearing and excellent qualities of Gautamswami, the farmer was greatly pleased. 'Oh, How great and wonderful my Guru is ! I shall certainly be saved'. The farmer asked Gautamswami as to where he was being taken to. Gautamswami replied that they were going to Gautamswami's Guru. The farmer admired, Oh ! How great must be the Guru of my Guru ? He eagerly looked forward to meet lord Mahavir.
As the farmer happened to see the Lord in the Audience place, (Samavsaran) he hurriedly left the place renouncing the symbol of initiation into monkhood (Ogho). Gautamswami was embarassed by the strange incident. Indra asked the Lord, 'This is indeed a strange happening my Lord ! What is the reason ?' The question came back, 'Indra, who had sent Gautam to the farmer ?' Indra replied, 'Your Worthy Self'. The Lord further asked, 'Who initiated
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