Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 48

As his sons grew, Kämdev began to entrust to them the routine activities of the trade so as to get himself increasingly involved in religious aspects. He used to observe Paushadh whenever possible and during that time he remained concentrated about the true nature of the soul. In due course he became known as a staunch devotee of the Lord. His fame for the purpose became so wide spread that even the heavenly king Indra once praised in his assembly the sense of Kämdev's devotion to the Lord. He said that the faith of Kämdev is so strong that no one can disturb him when he starts concentrating about the soul.
In that assembly there was one member named Amarsen. He thought that Indra was exaggerating in showering that much praise for Kämdev. He was of the opinion that human beings have limited capacity to bear and no human can stand the ordeal that can be perpetrated by the heavenly beings. He therefore decided to test the tenacity of Kämdev.
In due course the sons of Kämdev took over the entire burden of trade. He was therefore feeling free to resort to the spiritual pursuit to an ever increasing extent and started devoting his attention to cultivate higher and higher level of concentration. Depending upon the length and intensity of the concentration, Jainism lays down eleven different levels of such concentration. Those levels are known as Pratimas. Kämdev successfully tried ten Pratimäs one after another and then decided to undertake the eleventh Pratimä which is considered the toughest. Securing the permission of his family members for the purpose, he undertook the Paushadh and adopted the concentration required for that Pratimä.
Amarsen noticed that and decided to use that opportunity for testing Kämdev's mettle. He assumed the form of a ferocious demon and coming to the place where Kämdev was meditating, he told the latter that he was the presiding deity of the place and wanted every one to obey his command. As such, he told Kämdev that he was totally wrong in resorting to the pain resulting from the meditation and concentration. It is far better to enjoy the pleasures of household life than to unnecessarily undergo such pain. He therefore asked Kämdev to give up the meditation and to go home for enjoying the family life.
As Kämdev remained silent, the demon threatened to kill him if he disregarded his advice. Since Kämdev did not respond, Amarsen asked him to face the consequences of disobeying him. He assumed the form of a huge elephant and started hitting Kämdev with the tusks. That caused much pain to Kämdev, but he did not pay any heed to that. Thereupon, the elephant picked him up by his trunk and began to wave him wildly. Since that too failed in dissuading Kämdev from meditation, Amarsen took the form of a large cobra and began to bite Kämdev. Noticing that even the severe bites did not disturb the concentration of Kämdev, the cobra wound itself round the neck of Kämdev and tried to smother him. Kämdev however remained unaffected and continued his meditation.
When all his efforts failed to have any impact on the concentration of Kämdev. Amarsen realized that what Indra had said in the assembly was right. He therefore presented himself in his true form and said to Kämdev that he had doubts about his firmness while listening to the praising words of Indra. He had therefore been there to test the truth. He added that he was happy to note that Kämdev rightly deserved the admiration of Indra. Then requesting Kämdev to forgive him for the pain caused, Amarsen went back to his place.
After the end of that Paushadh when Kämdev happened to go to the Lord's assembly, the Lord also praised the devotion and bearing capacity of Kämdev and asked others to emulate the same. Thereafter Kämdev continued his spiritual activities and observing the life of a true follower of the Lord for twenty three years, he attained heavenly life at the end.