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In Search of the Ultimate
Mahavir had to go from place to place for his nominal requirement of food. He never stayed at any one place for a very long time, except during the monsoon season. He suffered a great deal of hardship during these years. There was trouble from some uncivilised, unsociable quarters. Some people harassed Mahavir but he always remained quiet and forgave all trouble-makers.
A FEW INCIDENTS IN MAHAVIR'S LIFE
An Yaksha ( demi-god) was jealous of Mahavir and could not tolerate His self-control and meditation. He tried to break this by his evil power and witchcraft. His name was Shulpani Yaksha. He harassed Mahavir by blowing a thunderous wind but Mahavir did not even move. Yaksha took the form of an elephant and tried to kill Mahavir but he did not succeed. When he saw Mahavir unperturbed and unmoved, he felt humiliated and begged for forgiveness.
Once when Mahavir was standing in the kayotsarga posture of meditation, a poisonous snake called "Chandakaushik" came and bit him. Mahavir did not open his eyes even to see what was happening. The snake, furious and angry wanted to break the meditation, and tried again and again with the most poisonous venom. It had no effect on Mahavir. He gently opened his blissful eyes and told the snake in a tender and compassionate voice to calm down.
Once some shepherd boys wanted to ask Mahavir which way their cows had gone, Mahavir was sitting in meditation and kaussagga (i.e. He had completely disassociated himself from worldly thoughts and actions and all the feelings associated with the body), He did not hear what they said, He did not move or open his eyes. The shepherds were very angry, they brought some long nails and drove them through Mahavir's ears but Mahavir was not affected, he forgave them all.
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