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Mahavir spent his first monsoon-stay at Asthik-gram. (M-16)
The Embodiment of Love
Leaving Asthik-gram Mahavir proceeded in the direction of Shvetambika town. The trail to this town passed through a dense
and desolate forest. When some shepherds saw Mahavir entering the forest they shouted, “O Monk, stay put for a minute.
This is a dangerous trial. There is a black serpent with venomous gaze on this trail. His hissing and gaze burn plants and
trees. Even flying birds and standing humans drop dead. Please leave this trail and take a different route”.
Mahavir heard this fear filled call of the shepherds. With a serene smile he raised a hand as a gesture of assurance. With
firm steps Mahavir went near the snake-hole. All around human and animal skeletons could be seen. There was not a single
green leaf as far as the eye could see. Close to the snake-hole was a dilapidated temple. Mahavir stood in the shade of this
temple and started his meditation.
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After some time the giant black serpent came out of its hole hissing fiercely. It had seen a human being after a long time. The
man was standing firm and fearless with closed eyes. The serpent was surprised. It looked at Mahavir with its venomous red
eyes. Like flames from a ball of fire, its poisonous eyes emitted waves of venom. It hissed awesomely. But all this had no
effect whatsoever on Mahavir. The serpent was astonished-till today every man I came across has been consumed by my
first venomous hiss and this man stands still, absolutely unmoved.
The serpent glanced at the sun and once again focused its gaze at Mahavir and hissed at him with renewed anger, but in vein.
It slithered from the line of the expected fall of the body and then with all its force sank its fangs in Mahavir’s toe and injected
all its venom. It drew back and waited expectantly, again in vain.
The angry serpent, vexed further by its failure stung Mahavir twice again. All its three attacks were wasted. Mahavir stood
undisturbed. The serpent was astonished to see milk oozing out instead of blood from the spots where it had stung on
Mahavir’s toe.
Bhagavan Mahavir was standing unmoved. His face was glowing and on his lips was a charming smile, like a blooming rose.
His eyes reflected the inner compassion.
The serpent continued to stare with surprise. Confused by its failure it was lost in its thoughts.
Involved in his spiritual pursuits, Mahavir uttered in his deep and tranquil voice, “O Chandakaushik! Open your inner eyes. Be
calm and remember you’re past life. Do not inject venom of anger in your life. Rise above the deadly poison of anger.
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Mahavir opened his ambrosia filled eyes. When the serpent met his gaze, it felt as if a wave of peace and tranquility had
engulfed its inner self. It appeared that its venom was slowly vanishing. It was lost in deep thoughts. Its dormant memory
started unfolding and it acquired Jatismaran Jnan. Incidents from its past two births surfaced in its memory. It realized that
it had suffered excruciating pain and degradation due to extreme anger and acute attachment during those births. The heat
of repentance melted its vices.
Its spirit embraced enlightenment and mind became tranquil. It touched the pious feet of Bhagavan Mahavir and resolved, “O
Lord! Now I will not look at any one at all throughout my life. I will not eat anything. I will not drink also. I will just put my mouth
in the hole and lie still in the shadow of your feet. I will now at one for all my sins committed during the last three births and
improve my future”.
Knowing that the serpent had become harmless, throngs of people started arriving from nearby villages. They worshipped
the serpent-god by offering milk and sweets. But the serpent was lying, keeping its hood in the hole, in meditation without
even a trace of movement. Swarms of ants were attracted by the sweets. They started stinging the serpent. But the serpent
tolerated these afflictions with equanimity. It silently took the last vow (fast unto death). It almost perforated, but it did not
react at all. After fifteen days it died and was reborn as a god in the Sahasrar dimension. (M-17)
Quashing of the Flames
Once, leaving Shravasti, Shraman Vardhaman was going to Haliddug village. On the way he saw a large banyan tree.
Finding it suitable, he went under it and started his night meditation. It was winter and a cold wind was blowing. Gaushalak
was also following him. As Gaushalak could not tolerate the piercing wind, he shifted to the other side of the tree. After
sometime some wayfarers also stopped under the tree. They collected dry wood and started a fire to cook food. They spend
the night there and kept the fire burning.
Early in the morning they broke camps and went away. The fire was left burning. Slowly it spread and engulfed the surrounding
dry twigs and leaves gathered under the tree. The wind was blowing in the direction of meditating Mahavir. The fire slowly
spread and reached the spot where Mahavir was standing. Gaushalak shouted a warning. But Mahavir had no awareness
Amar Muni - Tirthankar Charitra - Surana # 37
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