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observed total non-violence. After having fully known the existence of living beings of earth-body, water-body, fire-body, air-body and mildew, seed and vegetation and mobile living beings, and after having recognised their existence and ascertained their animatedness, Mahavira carefully, rambled about doing no violence to them. He did not commit any violence to any living beings either by himself or with the assistance of others. Mahāvira would take every care not to cause any hindrance or apprehension to any one whether birds, animals or human beings while on his way for alms ( 1.9.4. 11, 12). Hardships
Mahavira had to bear terrible hardships of various types caused by inhabitants, animals, insects etc. While in meditation he would be bit even by a snake or a mongoose or a dog; occasionally 'attacked by ants which made his body bleed and frequently tormented by gad-flies, mosquitoes, bees and wasps. While meditating in a deserted hut, he would be discomforted by burglars or debauches, while meditating on the cross-roads, he would be upbraided or even hurt by villagers, equipped with lances or spears. He would often have to bear even sexual advances caused by women.
In the course of depiction of Sadhanā, one whole Uddeśaka has been devoted to hardships and adverse conditions, he has to face in Ladha country (i. e., the districts of Tamulaka, Midnapur, Hugli and Burdawan in West Bengal ) surrounded with prickly grass and hill area. The people frequently attacked him, dogs bit him. Instead of coming to his rescue, inhabitants set dogs on him. He would not brush away encroaching creatures or annoying insects either himself or make others to do so. Sometimes while entering some villages he was forcibly stopped and even hit by people with a slap or a blow or a stick or a spear. Some inhabitants would even mangle, spit, fling heaps and thus inflict hardships on him. Some would lift him up and throw him down, while in meditation some would push him out of his seat. But he had abandoned all cares of body. He was highly tolerant of his feeling of pain and anguish. Like a warrior, Mahavira wearing the armour of total abstinence from sinful activities, not subdued by hardships and would never be disturbed and would always meditate.
Just as an elephant fighting on the battle front is not easily baffled by piercing weapons, so also Mahavira remained completely unruffled by and
triumphed over various kinds of hardships, he experienced in Ladha area. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
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