Illustrated Namokara Mahamantra

Author(s): Shreechand Surana, Surendra Bothra
Publisher: Diwakar Prakashan

Page 34

Sudarsana, the son of a merchant, had a surge of devotional feelings. He resolved that he will go to the garden alone to behold Lord Mahāvīra. He will win over violence with Ahimsā (non-violence) and destroy fear with courage.
See Illustration-1 : With the strength of unflinching determination and unwavering faith Sudarśana greets his parents and seeks their permission. Knowing of his intention to go out of town his parents became apprehensive. But could not move Sudarśana from his resolve. The doors were closed as soon as Sudarsana went out.
Sudarśana had but taken a few steps when the maniac Arjuna rushed at him like an angry mad elephant. Holding the mace in hand Arjuna appeared to be Satan himself. Sudarśana held his ground. He venerated Lord Mahāvīra silently and taking the vow of Sāgārī Santhārā (a temporary resolve to abandon the mundane body) transcended into the meditation of Ņamokāra Mantra.
See Illustration-2. Focusing his thoughts he created the protective Shield of Namokāra Mantra around his body. The five divine orbs of the five lines glittered like a steel armour around him. Arjuna with mace in his raised hand froze, as if someone had shackled his limbs. The divine power of the orbs around Sudarśana had subdued him. He could not even shift. His eyes were blinded. Within seconds the evil spirit possesing him eloped. Listless, Arjuna collapsed. The mace fell away.
Seeing fallen and unconscious Arjuna Sudarśana concluded his meditation. Chanting namokāra mantra he stepped forward and helped Arjuna get up. Sudarśana's touch brought Arjuna back to normalcy. He fell down on Sudarsana's feet and said, “O devoted one ! pardon this sinful murderer. In my mad anger I have committed hundreds of murders. There is no hope, now, of my deliverance."
Sudarsana comforted Arjuna tenderly and reassured him. He brought him to Lord Mahāvīra and from a sinner made him a devotee. With the help of the namokāra mantra, Sudarśana saved himself and reformed a cruel sinner.
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