Walk With Me

Author(s): Chandanaji Acharya, Vastupal Parikh
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 70

Walk With Me
have I found? What have I learned so far? All I can say is that I am like a child standing on the shore, trying to embrace the vast ocean!
Mahavir commands tremendous respect from every member of our sangh. His words are like a lifeline and his every move guides us. We truly crave seeing him, listening to him, worshiping him, fulfilling his every wish, and emulating his every action. Everyone desperately wants to know more about his long sadhana. Every now and then our intense curiosity unearths bits and pieces of information and a cloud of frustrated sadness spread over us. We feel sad because Bhagwan Mahavir had to endure such hardships for such a long period, and frustrated because we were not there to help and protect him. We are always anxious to enjoy the benefits of his advice and guidance, but where were we when he faced deadly dangers for those 12 long years?
These concerns are but empty words now. We know several stories and eye-witness accounts of Mahavir's ordeals. He was insulted, hassled, harassed, and even physically assailed by many of his detractors. However, Mahavir's response, if he ever did response, to all these atrocities was always equanimity and compassion not hatred or revenge. Thousands of Mahavir's followers have asked us about it, and perhaps millions more would ask in the future, but we do not know the answers. I don't believe anyone can understand the source and the fortitude that shaped Bhagwan Mahavir's extreme courage and determination. These are his innate qualities that defy explanation.
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