Kshamapana

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Page 8

14Kshamapana
Godliness in Humility
The incantation (Mantra) of forgiveness (Kshamapana) includes both forgiving and asking forgiveness. Before asking forgiveness, one has to climb down from the perch of arrogance. Greatness or smallness does not prevent one from asking forgiveness (michchhami dukkadam). Here all preferences, prejudices, status and dignity cease. The best illustration of asking forgiveness is found in the life of Bhagavan Mahavir's chief disciple, Gautama, who was a treasure of knowledge and a model of saintliness. Once Bhagavan Mahavir's chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama, was returning bare-footed and bare-headed after begging for a meal. Humility was glowing over the face of Gautama who had conquered the directions and the ends of the four quarters. All arrogance of knowledge had melted. This great disciple of Mahavir believed "What is true is mine." He did not believe - "What is mine is true."
Walking along the main road, Gautama knew that Bhagavan Mahavir's lay-disciple, Ananda, who was on fast unto-death was lying on a darbha (sacred grass)-bed. Gautama, the merciful, called to see Ananda Shravaka, the owner of eighteen crores of gold-sheets and six Vrajas (herds) of ten
Kshamapana 15 thousand cows each. When Ananda saw this chief disciple of Mahavir, he bowed down and asked "Bhagavan, can a layman attain clairvoyance ?"
"Surely, while living his worldly life, a monk's devotee can attain the third great knowledgeclairvoyance."
Ananda's face lighted up when he heard this. He said, "Bhagavan, I have attained clairvoyance. By virtue of it I can see fifty jojans (50 x 8 = 400 miles) deep in the Lavana sea to the east, the west and the south. I can directly recognize all things as far as Saudharmakalpa in the sky and as far as Lolachchua hellish abode in the nether regions."
Ananda's voice smacked of experience. Members of his family who had collected around heard this with surprise. Gautama Swami thought for a while and then said, "Ananda ! A shravaka can attain clairvoyance but it cannot be so far-reaching as you said. Your statement is delusive. You should immediately practise penance for it."
Shravaka Ananda had full faith in his contention. He said, "Bhagavan! Does Bhagavan Mahavir's dispensation perscribe penance for him who tells the truth?"