Page 138 - Courage Redifined

his parents sent him to study at school, he did not utter a
single word saying that, “What are you doing ? How much
knowledge does the teacher possess compared to me ?” Not
even a tinge of pride or ego.

Q. : Why did Lord Mahavira, as a child, hit the deva’s
shoulder with his fist when the deva had come to test
him and had taken the form of a ferocious demon ?
A. : Lord Mahavira hit him not due to pride but to make the
Mithyatvi* deva aware about the unmatchable powers
of Arihanta Lords. He hit him with the fist to remove
his Mithyatva and eventually the Deva realised his
folly and asked for forgiveness. Similarly even when
Lord had moved the gigantic Meru Parwat during his
Janmabhisheka, (ceremony held to celebrate the birth of
Lord) it was not out of pride but to eradicate the doubt
regarding Lord’s strength in the mind of the Indra* and
thus save him from Aashatna*.

It was evident from Lord Mahavira’s humble life that he did
not possess any pride or ego. Otherwise why would he accept
going to school on his parents’ wish ?

Continuing our story ahead,

Presuming their sister sadhvi to be dead due to Anshan, her
brother- saints carried her and left her in the jungle. But after
they went back, the cool breeze passing by brought life to the
sadhvi. She opened her eyes and saw herself in an isolated
forest. She tried to figure out her where abouts for a moment

* Mithyatvi - One who does not believe in Arihanta Lords and the
religion propounded by them.
* Indra - Head of all celestial beings.
* Aashatna - Sins committed due to the disrespect of Arihanta Lord
and their religion.
128 Courage Redefined