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SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
patronise Udayana Who was hitherto a foe was now the protector Mrigavati was sanctioned her long-cherished desire to be a nun The people of Kaushambi were wild with joy The war was an event of the past Mrgavati was secure from any nefarious human adventure Ujjaini and Vatsa were friendly nations once again
The Lord sponsored love and fellow-feeling Every bosom responded to his message of good-will. His maxim is
I forgive others' faults, Others forgive my lapses I count each as my friend, And feel enmity with none
The axiom inspired millions with good-will and wiped off their ill-will
There is no society without a bewildering variety of tastes, ideologies and habits Dissimilarity breeds resentment and the resultant hatred, the vicious feelings that ultimately explode into wars
The Lord prescribed three periodic occasions to win over such vicious feelings
1 Fortnightly introspection 2 Four-monthly introspection 3 Annual introspection
The moment ill-will for anybody creeps in, it should be ejected perforce, lest it should become a mental gland Instructed the Lord to the monks
'If there be mutual acrimony purge it before you take your next meal'
Once a monk came to the Lord and admitted, 'Sirel I had a tiff with a monk today I apologise for it Pray instruct me in these matters'
'Beg each other's excuse please' 'Sire! I fear the other monk will not pardon me'
'He may pardon you or not, respect you or not, stand up courteously for you or not, offer courtesies or not, dine to1 'Awashyakchurni, I pt p 91.
