Page 80 - Courage Redifined

Sage Kamath, was doing severe penance without any true
knowledge about the soul. Hence, when Prince Parshwakumar
removed a half- burnt snake from the wood used by him in his
Yagna, he was astonished. Instead of thinking, “Oh no, what
a pitiful state the innocent snake is in due to the fire of my
Yagna! ”, he developed a feeling of hatred and animosity for
Prince Parshwakumar. Sage Kamath had not identified the real
nature of his soul. If he would have kept the eternal soul in
front of his eyes which was roaming in this cycle of birth and
death due to various sins like violence, dishonesty, etc., then
he would have surely regretted his act and would have felt
happy, after knowing the truth. But he was unaware about this
and hence, he was trapped in dejection and unhappiness.

Arre! After this incident, he did more severe penance and
followed stricter vows. Why ? To attain spiritual welfare ? No,
but to take revenge against Prince Parshwakumar because of
whom he had lost prestige amongst the people. He thought,
“I will increase my penance and become a Deva* with super
natural powers. I will show the world the result of harassing
me.” He really become a Vyantor Deva in the next birth, but
did he attain true happiness ? No. After Lord Parshwanath
become a saint, he was fuming with rage against him.

Envy and hatred is such a strong negative feeling that in spite
of abundant instruments of joy and comfort, it does not let
one stay happy and relaxed. Instead, one is always burning
with sorrow and anxiety.

Even in this example, Kamath had done severe penance. But
did his sorrow end ? No. Because, end of sorrow is impossible
without true knowledge about the soul.

Q. : This sorrow and mental disturbance is due to hatred.

* Deva - A celestial being possessing miraculous powers

70 Courage Redefined