Book Title: Jainism For Beginners Level 02 Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji Publisher: SayampurnashreejiPage 74
________________ CHANDAKAUSHIK Mahavir stopped there to meditate. Peace. tranquility, and compassion for the wellbeing of each and every living being flowed from Bhagwan Mahavir's heart. Deaving Asthikagram Bhagwan * Mahavir proceeded in the direction of Shvetambika town. The trail to this town passed through a dense and desolate forest. he decided to go to the village of Vachala. On his way, he would have to go through a forest where a poisonous snake named Chandkaushik lived. It was said that Chandkaushik could kill a person or animal just by casting an evil and angry glance at them. All the people of the villages near that forest lived in absolute fear Chandkaushik sensed that someone had come near his land and so he came out of his burrow. To his surprise, he saw a man standing there. He became furious, thinking, "How dare he come this close to my land?" Chandkaushik started hissing to threaten Lord Mahavir. He did not understand Lord Mahavir's tranquility. He became angry, came closer to the Lord and swayed his head, ready to strike. He saw no sign that this man would be threatened or would run away. This made Chandkaushik even angrier and he blew poisonous venom towards Lord Mahavir three times. The venom neither affected Lord Mahavir no disturbed his meditation. So Chandkaushik became even more irritated and bit Lord Mahavir's toe. When he looked at the man again, he was surprised to see that not only had nothing happened to him, but instea of blood milk flowed from his toe. LIFE OF BHAGWAN MAHAVIR When the villagers learned about Bhagwan Mahavir's intention to pass through the forest, they begged him to take another longer route. However, Bhagwan Mahavir had no fear. He practiced supreme non-violence. He had no hatred towards anyone and considered fear and hatred as violence to oneself. He was at peace with himself and all other living beings. There was a glow of serenity and compassion on his face. He convinced the people that everything would be all right and he proceeded to the forest where Chandkaushik lived. Aste a while, he noticed the beautiful green grass fading. The forest looked like a desert. Trees and plants were dead so he thought that this must be near the area where Chandkaushik lived. Bhagwan Bhagawan Mahavir opened his eyes. He was calm and there was no fear or anger on his face. He looked at Chandkaushik and said, "Calm down, Calm down, Chandkaushik. Realize what you are doing." Their was love and affection in those words. Chandkaushik calmed down and felt as if he had seen this kind of monk before. He suddenly remembered 66Page Navigation
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