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THE THUNDERBOLT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST NON-VIOLENCE
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Lord Mahavira- Probably, Gaushalak's prediction would come true and Mahavira expire within six months It was the chief topic of discussion there There was another chaitya called Maluyakachchha near Shankaushthak There Lord Mahavira's disciple-monk Singha practised religious austerities He also learnt of it He was anguished He left his seat where he practised austerities and entering Maluyakachchha wept bitterly
Lord Mahavira sent for Singha through some monks as he was shaken by an apprehension of his master's imminent death The monks did obeisance to the Lord and left for Maluyakachchha They found monk Singha crying like a child They consoled him and conveyed to him the Lord's desire to see him He was quitened and regained his composure a little He accompanied the monks to the Lord
Said the Lord, 'Singhal My ailment breeds fear in your mind that I may die You are afraid of Gaushalak's ominous forecast These trepidations made you weep Is it not so ?'
'It is so my Lord'
'Be not worried on that account Leave all fears and know that I will be amidst you for full sixteen years' The assurance of the Lord pleased him His face beamed with happiness However, the Lord's ailment was still there He importuned the Lord to take some drug
'The moment the right hour arrives I will be cured of all malady'
'I pray some medicine ought to be taken
'Singhal You visit Rewatı, the housewife She has cooked a pumpkin for me Pray don't accept it She has cooked a citron for her family Bring it for me'
Singha called on Rewati She showed him great courtesy and asked him the purpose of his visit Singha conveyed to her his mission Rewati was surprised to learn that her mind was read by somebody It is Mahavira who had divined
