Mahavir Swami and Cow Herder

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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STORIES DURING BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR'S LIFE The cow herder realized that he had made a mistake. He apologized to Mahavir-swami and went away silently. Then, the angel bowed down to Mahavir-swami and requested, "Oh Lord, I would like to be at your service as you will have to undergo many hardships during your spiritual journey." Bhagawan denying Indra's protection Mahavir-swami answered, "One cannot progress spiritually and attain Keval-jnan using others help and support. To attain Keval-jnan and become an Arihanta one has to undertake all the efforts personally on the journey towards omniscience and liberation." The angel went back to heaven feeling happy that he could stop Mahavir-swami's suffering. Mahavir did not have any bad feelings towards the cow herder because he held no anger towards anyone. We should not make hasty decisions because we could be wrong. One should think from all perspectives before acting. Secondly, we should not hurt anyone for any reason, but should forgive instead of displaying anger. This is the way we can stop the inflow of bad Karmas to our souls. 86 Jain STORY BOOK