________________
Lord Mahavira : A Revolutionary
175
sighted him, they were thrown into consternation, for the memory of their beloved ones killed by him rose afresh in their minds, and they thought of sweet revenge. Stones were pelted at him. They abused him nd charged him severely with sticks. They clouted him and injured him. But he never deviated from the path of saintliness. Some shouted : “He has killed my father," There were others who shouted : “He has killed my mother and wife.” Yet another shouted with grief : “He has put an end to my beloved brother and sister.” But Arjuna thought : "Now I am ascetic." I have to bear all the mental pangs and physical travails similingly. A man's mettle is tested in adversity. I must retain the purity of my heart and never think ill of these people who are taking their revenge upon me."
Thus he pacified his mind and bore all his trials with equanimity of thought. He returned to the Lord. The Lord had known all the facts, He said : “Arjuna ! Let truth dawn upon you. Let the people trouble you with blows and revilings. Let them rave and rant, carp and cavil. Be calm. Enlightenment manifests in those who love their malefactors. He alone is beloved to me who does not know the world of hatred or attachment. Go ahead, let the inner light enlighten your path."
Lord Mahâvîra was a physician, not only to the elite, but to all beings irrespective of their calling or vocation. All were treated alike by him, extended his services. He to all those who were sick of evil.
Once Lord Mahâvîra was standing in meditation. A farmer, who was on his way to his fields to sow, passed that way. He saw Mahâvîra and said, “Oh, Monk ! I have to attend to some urgent work at home. Look after my bullocks till I return." Mahâvîra was in deep meditation. He did not reply but the farmer left his bullocks there and went back to his home. After some time he returned and was distressed to find his animals missing. He cried out loudly; and Mahâvîra, but the tater kept silent. The farmer repeated his question, but again he received no response. He abused Mahâvîra and thrust a long iron nail into his ear which came outside the next one. Mahâvîra was still silent. Not a cry came out from out his mouth. The paroxysm of the farmer's anger had not subsided, although he now noticed his bullocks grazing in
