Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 85

www.kabatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
"Friend called the farmer. "Where are my bullocks!"
But Mahavira remained silent unaware of the farmer's concern. The farmerleltin haste to search animals. It was non nighttime and it was worried that if they were unprotected in the jungle them e upon by a tiger. He looked as far as he could but found nothing. All night long he continued hin search, trying every hidden place, but without success. Tired and disappointed at dawn le returned to the original spot where to his surprise he found his bullocks sitting peacefully beside Mahavira, chewing the cud as it nothing had happened. Still Mahavira stood there in meditation, and still he said nothing the farmer flew into a race Brandishing the rope that he always carried with him he rushed at Mahavira
"You are trying to steal mi bullock," he velled. And you are making a lot of me So I will punish YOLL." He raised the rope, ready to strike Mahavira
At that moment Indra intervened. He had been watching all these events from the heavens, because he was anxious to protect the newly renounced prince from any harm Now he stepped between the angry farmer and the silent figure of Mahavira
"Stop! You do not know who this is cried Indra, restraining the farmer "This is your former prince Vardhamana, who has now renounced the world and is absorbed in deep meditation. He has no knowledge of your bullocks because he is concentrating on much more profound truths. He has left all such ordinary atlairs behind."
The farmer was astonished at the sight of India, and hearing his firm words of instructions. heat once understood that his behavior was wrong. Suddenly his vision became clear and he saw that he was about to strike a samnt. How could he not have seen this before?
"I beg your forgiveness for my offense," he said, falling at the saint's feet. "I was blinded by rage."
Nahavira opened hiseves and was surprised to see the farmer and Indra standing in front of him He smiled with compassion at this poor man who seemed so troubled and he blessed him. The farmer, promising to change his ways, soon lelt, taking his bullocks with him. Indra turned to Mahavira and expressed his concern,
re
"I am worried that this sort of thing will keep happening to you," he confided to Mahavira. When a person withdraws from the world and dedicates himself to the search for God, he encounters resistance from those around him People do not understand what he is seeking, and sometimes they show anger and cruelty toward him. You need to be protected from such attacks. Please let me stay to look alter you
But Mahavira did not want Indra's protection
"I have no need of your help," he said to Indra "On the path of truth one must be prepared to tolerate insults and mistreatment from others, and not be upset or even slightly disturbed. These are the tests. I must undergo in order to achieve my goal. I have vowed that will only feel compassion toward all whom I meet, however they may try to hurt or offend me."