Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 16

Bhagawan Rishabhdeo replied, “No, he has not attained the eternal knowledge. He is still in meditation. An obstacle prevents him from attaining that knowledge."
They asked him what that obstacle was. “Well, shallow pride works as an obstacle in this case. He is required to offer his salutations and obeisance to monks senior to him. And he does not want to do this. Hence, he has still not called on the seniors. The moment this ego goes, he will attain the divine light."
Both the nuns went to the place where their brother Bahubali was meditating. They began to recite hymns before him. They asked their brother to get down from the back of · the elephant. They sang this throughout the day. They continued to sing even in the dark night.
Bahubali happened to at last hear that song. His consciousness was slowly returning to him. He then began to think. “Am I riding an elephant? Where is that elephant? The nuns can't be wrong."
The meaning of the whole song became clear to him. He realized that pride was the elephant. One cannot attain eternal bliss without giving up pride.
He then looked within. He rooted out his pride. He now had self-realisation. He regretted the pride that had blurred his vision.
Then, giving up his pride he stepped out to see Lord Rishabhdeo, and all the obstacles blocking the eternal light vanished.
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