________________
30 Kshamapana
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 tried to know why only on that day the question was asked. 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 Bhagavan Mahavir's religion. In this miserable condition my mind is confused. I didn't remember even the day of this religious festival. Go and tell you king that I 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 to ask annual forgiveness (Samvatsari Kshamapana). Without asking for his forgiveness, my observance of the religious austerities would remain incomplete."
Kshamapana 31 King Udayan's minister dissuaded him. They said, "Chandapradyota attends Mahavir'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 Mahavir's forgiveness is a brave man's forgiveness. It need 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 crucifixion, Jesus forgave them who sent him to
