Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Kumarpal Desai

Page 10

THE ANGRY SNAKE
Lord Mahavir used to go from one place to another and one town to another during his monkhood. He usually spent his time in meditation. He fasted frequently for long periods of time. He spread the ideals of non-violence, self control and penance.
Once he wanted to go to another village. There were two roads leading to that village. The longer road a comfortable and easy route. The shorter road was through the dense jungle.
Mahavir decided to take the short-cut. Some cowherds came to him and asked him not to go on that route. They told him that this particular route was dangerous as fierce animals lived there. Moreover there was a deadly snake living in the middle of the jungle. The snake, which was called Chandkaushik, would not allow anyone to cross the path.
Mahavir listened to them carefully but insisted on going on that short route. Mahavir set out to go on his journey. He was never afraid of any creatures. He was neither worried about himself nor did he care for his own comfort.
After a while, he came to an area which everyone was scared of passing. Mahavir stopped and stood
there calmly and began his meditation.
Chandkaushik, the snake came there and saw a man standing on the path. Chandkaushik could not tolerate an invasion of his territory. He was fierce with anger and had a poisonous venom. Even his looks contained venom. He hissed and blew poisonous air on Mahavir. Mahavir Swami did not move at all. He did not even look at this angry snake.
On seeing this, the snake was even angrier. He was blind with rage. He moved forward, hissing and emitting poison. He came to the lord and bit his toe.
Lord Mahavir opened his eyes gracefully. He was not hurt. White coloured blood (milk) started pouring out of his toe. The white being symbolic of his love and compassion. Mahavir Swami looked into the cobra's eyes and said "Understand Chandkaushik, understand. Peace Chandkaushik, peace."
The snake at last got the message. He realised who he was and what he was doing. He calmed down and slowely retreated into his hole.
The miraculous effect of a few words of love and kindness!
d: jain story