________________
On the way to the Conquest of the World
141
Bharatheshwar. In all probability, he will destroy all the holy places in the Ashtapad mountain". Vali thought about the evil action of Dashmukh Ravan and its unholy consequences.
"But how am I concerned with it? I have no attachment for this world. I have discarded all my attachments for the materialistic world. When I have renounced even my attachment for my body why should I be concerned at what Ravan is trying to do? What is the use of thinking about the consequences of his action ?”
And then the Mahamuni Vali became deeply absorbed in the Ekatva-Bhavana (the feeling that one is alone). He remained detached and assumed an attitude of absolute neutrality to the enormity that Ravan was about to perpetrate. But he could remain in that state of neutrality only for a few moments. Again he began thinking. "When it is a question of the welfare of all people and the happiness of all people; when the welfare, and happiness of people are endangered, it will not bring glory to an enlightened man if he cares for his own progress and elevation and ignores the sacred duty of thinking of the welfare and happiness of all people. How can I remain calm and detached when in my very presence, the holy temples and Jivas are being destroyed ? At such a time, the attitude of neutrality brings not welfare; but harm. Instead of being detached and neutral, I will make him taste such a fruit of his arrogance that he will remember it throughout his life”.
The great Muni, Vali, who had mastered countless powers and miraculous accomplishments and who was a treasure-house of tremendous powers and potentialities, pressed the peak of the mountain with one toe of his. Suddenly, a miracle occurred. The Ashtapad mountain which was mounting into the air, sank down, Large rocks and boulders began to tumble down. The mighty trees that stood on the sides of the mountain became topsyturvy and fell on the ground with a deafening crash. Stones, pebbles and trash rose into the air as if thrown up by a mighty tempest. The entire sky was filled with them. The condition of Ravan who had cut open the earth and had gone in, was really pitiable.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
