Walk With Me

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

Page 82

Walk With Me
The samsara, (the cycles of death and rebirth) and the resultant
suffering, is due to the The samsara, (the cycles of death and rebirth) and the
intertwining of 'Me' and the mind. resultant suffering, is due to
Being able to recognize these two the intertwining of Me' and the mind. Being able to recognize
as separate entities is to know the these two as separate entities Self. This knowledge enables you is to know the Self.
I to be free of all miseries and enjoy bliss.' Mahavir was focused on this insight."
WOOR
Ajja Chandana saw this as an opportunity to express her concern. She was apparently disturbed by the implication that Bhagwan Mahavir was absorbed in rescuing his soul from the influence of his own mind because his mind was his internal enemy. Ajja Chandana's intense love for Bhagwan Mahavir had a protective streak. She said, “Bhagwan is such a peaceful and quiet person, and is totally withdrawn from worldly concerns. Why then did he have to suffer so much? I have heard stories about the insults and atrocities heaped on Mahavir by people without any provocation. Bhagwan had to face such provocations, several calamities, and also had to fight his internal enemy. How did he endure this pain and suffering, and still remain focused on his goal? So many challenges and atrocities, such inhuman treatment, yet Bhagwan always showered only love and compassion on every living being. Why? How?"
I was moved by Ajja Chandana's concern for Bhagwan Mahavir. I replied, "Chandana, natural calamities certainly did have their effect on Mahavir's body. After all, the body is an inevitable partner in our sadhana. When we are awakened to our soul's need for freedom, the body begins cooperate, stops its mundane demands, and prevents external
80
Jain Education Intemational