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224
SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
appeared in a fearsome and diabolical demeanour He lifted the demigod's club (mudgar) and did all the seven to death And still his fury was not quietened
Arjuna's flower-grove lay beside the highway It was a thorough arc but somehow the event of the temple evaded people's attention The florist killed the next batch of seven persons (six males, and one female) the next day The town was in terror The guards did their best but he could not be caught
Rajgriha, blessed with the sermons of fearlessness and where the Lord's non-violence flowed freely like a stream, the very air filled with the nectar of devotion and austerity, was smothered with a sinister environment It was a challenge to Mahavira himself His non-violence, will and dharma were at stake He took the challenge He went to Rajgriha and stayed in Gunashilak chatya Rajgriha people learnt of his arrival But who dare visit such an accursed and demonaic spot? The ghastly vision of Arjuna with his fatal mace froze their blood The people were keen to go but shortlived would be their enthusiasım
Sudarshan was not to be so easily disheartened He was determined to visit the Lord His cultivation of freedom from body-consciousness was absolute Little did he fear death
Said he to his parents, 'Dear parents! Mahavira camps at Gunashilaka chaitya'
'We have also heard of it, son' 'What should be our duty in the circumstances ? 'It is to pay him respects but' 'Where there is fear there is 'but'' 'Should not we value our life, then?'
'Spiritualism is valuable many times over If I sacrifice a less valued treasure for a precious one I should thank my stars'
'Dear sonl Shrenik, the king of Magadh has still to pay his respects to Mahavira What ails us then to out-Herod Herod ?'
