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Jainism: The Cosmic Vision of thunder and lightning. Chandapradyota, the proud king, could not reject the royal king Udayan's challenge to a duel and in no time he was defeated. The adamantine body of Udayan was so strong that even this lustful king, who knew a thousand treacheries, could not defeat him. Soon he fell supine and was bound in iron chains. King Udayan became victorious.
King Udayan entered the kingdom of Avanti. He spread the message of non-violence and declared that the innocent would be protected, and that nobody should fear brute strength. King Pradyota was imprisoned and the words 'a maid-servant's husband' were written on his forehead. Thus, king Udayan conquered Avanti and returned. These were the days of the months of Shravana and Bhadrapada. This devotee of Bhagwan stopped the march of the army for the eight days of Paryushana and pitched his tents at a safe place. The Samvatsari day came. In the morning King Udayan said, "We shall fast today. But don't keep them hungry who do not fast."
The chief cook of the army said, "Sir, all others have followed you. Only the prisoner Chandapradyota remains to be asked."
King Udayan said, "Ask him, but don't starve him. Ask him his wish and then cook."
The chief cook went to ask king Chandapradyota. Chandapradyota asked the question and tried to know why only on that day. The chief cook of the kitchen explained it all to him, but the deceitful mind of Chandapradyota had a doubt. He thought that perhaps it was a plan to give him poison in his food. So he, too, thought of fasting.
King Chandapradyota said, “I am also a follower of
Kshamapana Bhagwan Mahavira's religion. In this miserable condition my mind is confused. I didn't remember even the day of this religious festival. Go and tell your king that I will fast today."
The chief cook told king Udayan everything from beginning to end. King Udayan heard this and thought, "Oh, this Pradyota is a follower of my religion. Today I am going to ask annual forgiveness (Samvatsari Kshamapana). Without asking for his forgiveness, my observance of the religious austerities would remain incomplete."
King Udayan's minister dissuaded him. They said, "Chandapradyota attends Mahavira's conference, but he has all the vices." Someone said, "Release the tiger from the cage and it will again assault." Udayan, the royal king, said "Bravery lies as much in punishing a strong enemy as in forgiving an enemy." Before the moon of the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada gilttered in the sky, king Udayan himself severed the chains of Pradyota, the king of Avanti. He seated him on a seat equal to his. He asked forgiveness for his immodesty and offence and said a few words about the upliftment of the soul
Thus Mahavira's forgiveness is a brave man's forgiveness. It needs king Udayan's fearless heart. A weak mind does not forgive readily or become generous. A man of weak mind cannot stretch his hand for friendship. A Mine of All Virtues
Forgiveness is the gift of an adamantine heart. Forgiveness is a promise of a pious heart. That is why they say that forgiveness is a brave man's virtue. Forgiveness means strength. Forgiveness calls for a strong heart. At the time of his
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