Journey Into Jainism

Author(s): Smitpragyashreeji, Vishrutvibhashreeji
Publisher: B Jain Publishers Pvt Ltd

Page 15

The Value of Non-Violence
After the demise of notorious butcher Kaalasaukarik of Rajgriha, there was to be a celebration of his son Sulas's ascension to the post of the head of the family'. The family wished to conduct it in the traditional manner, with great pomp and show. Therefore, a buffalo was ordered and Sulas was handed a shining sword and asked to slay it with one stroke.
Sulas was terrified. He had never imagined that such an abominable task would be allotted to him to perform. Yet, he was a butcher by family tradition-- his father could kill five hundred buffaloes a day. Under no condition or temptation would his father give up his daily routine. Even a royal punishment could not alter his tendency for killing.
Once, Shrenik, the king of Magadha, forbade the killing of buffaloes for one day. Kaalsaukarrik's disobedience of the order enraged the king, who then forced him to descend into a deep pit (a dry well). Kaalsaukarik, who regarded the killing of buffaloes as a duty in conformity with his family tradition, was perplexed at this attempt to annihilate it.
After a deep reflection over the problem, Kaalsaukarik at last found an outlet for the raging fire of violence that was burning in him. He collected the mud in the well