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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kabatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
There he decided to fast for three days standing in continuous meditation. He stood so still, just like a wooden post, that cows came to rub against him as they would against the trunk of a tree. He was not disturbed even by this. Indra came to witness his feat of endurance and was lost in admiration
"O revered one, you grant forgiveness like the earth, you endure hardships like a mountain, you are steadfast like the ocean and your mind is steady as a rock. No man, demon or god can distract you from your spiritual course." These words of praise spoken by Indra were heard by a proud god named Sangama, who possessed great magical skills. To hear Mahavira spoken of so highly made him envious, and he vowed to find a way to distract the saint from his purpose.
First he created a dust storm that filled Mahavira's eves, ears, nostrils and mouth with dust so that he could hardly breathe. Then he sent swarms of insects to bite his tender body, followed by scorpions who stung him Next came rats who gnawed at his flesh. drawing blood, then came cobras who bit deep into his arms and legs. All these left the great hero unmoved.
More terrible creatures appeared: wolves, tigers, lions and an elephant. Urged on by spear-wielding demons they assaulted the lonely figure from every side. Still he did not flinch. Sangama's sorcery was not working, so he changed tactics.
The horrible visions disappeared, and in their place came apparitions of Mahavira's father and mother, pitifully weakened with age and sorrow
"Dear son, where have you been? Look at your condition, so thin and weak. and look at us, worn out with worry and ill health. Do not abandon us! Please come home and protect us." But Mahavira, who retained no attachment for his former life, was not taken in by this trick. He was not even slightly disturbed.
Having failed with all things fearful and ghastly, Sangama took the opposite approach. He conjured up three beautiful dancing girls, who gathered round the saint and pleaded for his love. Their beauty was unsurpassed in this world, and they used all their skills to seduce him, begging him to relieve their longing. But they were unable to attract him even slightly. Seeing their failure, they wept and vanished.
In desperation Sangama lit a fire beneath Mahavira's feet and tried to burn him into submission, and sent cruel men to beat him with sticks. Still the saint was unmoved. All these tortures and temptations, and many more besides, continued for six months, during which time Mahavira went on with his fasting and meditation without complaint. At last he opened his eves and looked upon Sangama.
"What will become of this pitiful creature, who only tries to give me pain?" he said. As he spoke two teardrops sprang into the corners of his eyes.
Seeing Mahavira's response of love, in the face of all he had done. Sangama felt ashamed. He fell at his feet and begged for mercy.
"Ogreat saint, I did not recognize you," he prayed, "Your self-control and compassion are without equal, and your greatness is celebrated among men and gods. Though I am a most miserable creature. I see from your tears that you have forgiven me Truly you are the most merciful."
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