I am Mahavira

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 28

I AM MAHAVIRA
IN THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL
PRACTICE OR SĀDHANĀ
I undertook spiritual practices for twelve years. I traveled many parts of the country. This led me to learn the current shape of the society. During my wanderings -on - foot, I did not stay more than three days in a place except in the rainy season. I held my rainy residences (about four months rainy season) in Asthika (Bengal), Nālandã, Campāpura, Pțstha-Campā, Rājgrha, Bhaddilpura, (All in Bihar), Alabhika, Śrāvastī, Viśālā (all in Uttarpradesh) and Lādha (Orissa) countries.
I had varied kinds of experience during the days of spiritual practice and wanderings. On the very first day, I was undertaking an austerity in a standing posture at a place. The bulls of a farmer came to that place. When the farmer saw them near me, he thought that I have brought them there. He ran for beating me. But I was saved by the CID's of my brother. However, it came to my mind that no spiritual practice could be successful in this way. I am an ascetic and not a prince. I have left my home not only to safeguard myself, but to all others. After this thought, I made the CID's to go
away.