Tirthankar Mahavir

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Page 77

The head of the hermitage ir sisted that Mahavira sperd the nigh: at the hermitage. The next day when Mahavira came to him to take his leave. the head said to Mahavira, "O practitioner of great austerities Mahavira. your father was my friend. So, please, consider this hermitage to be yours. I request you to spend the four months of the rainy season in this hermitage. Your meditation and austerity will surely attain higher stages in this solitary. peaceful and holy place."
On seeing the love with which the head made the request, Mahavira decided to spend the rainy season there. This was his first four-month long stay at one place after renunciation. Mahavira, who had given up the royal palace and all the luxuries and comforts which came with that lifestyle, did not crave for any such comforts. It was only out of love and respect for the head of the hermitage that he accepted the proposal.
Mahavira was as calm as the moon and simultaneously he was as brilliant as the sun. He was as strong as an elephant, and at the same he was as firm as a mountain. His knowledge was as deep as an ocean. He was as fearless as a lion. He was not defiled by any craving for sensual pleasures just as a lotus growing in water is not made wet by it. He kept his mind unagitated and calm whether it was an occasions of misery or happiness, of gain or loss. He maintained perfect equanimity of the mind on all occasions - favourable and adverse. He was the embodiment of universal love. He was always vigilant and avoided injury to any living being. Insects and pests used to bite him often but he did not