Lord Parshvanath - A Moral Story

Lord Parshvanath - A Moral Story

The story of Lord Parshvanath, demonstrating the importance of non-violence, detachment, and self-realization.

Introduction

The king of Varanasi, Ashwasen, had a son named Parshva Kumar, who later became the 23rd Tirthankar, Parshvanath. As a child, Parshva Kumar witnessed the severe penance of a mendicant named Kamath, who performed the Panchaagni ritual where living beings were sacrificed. This disturbed Parshva Kumar deeply, and he decided to stop Kamath from continuing this ritual.

Parshva Kumar's Compassion

Parshva Kumar attempted to save a snake from the sacrificial fire, but by the time it was rescued, the snake was already half-burnt and died. However, Parshva Kumar's compassion was so great that he recited the Navkara Mantra, and the snake was reborn as Dharanendra, the king of the Asur Kumars.

The Revenge of Meghmali

After Parshva Kumar renounced his kingdom at the age of 30, he became a monk and meditated for the rest of his life. Meghmali, the Lord of Rain, who had been a part of Kamath's previous life, sought revenge for the obstacles Parshva Kumar had caused in his penance. He sent harmful animals and heavy rains, but Parshva Kumar remained unaffected.

The Power of Detachment

Despite Meghmali’s efforts, Parshva Kumar remained detached, and soon, Dharanendra, who had been reborn as the king of snakes, protected Parshva Kumar. Dharanendra spread a fast-growing lotus below Parshva Kumar's feet and created an umbrella with his fangs to shield him from the rain. Eventually, Meghmali realized his mistake, repented, and sought forgiveness from Parshva Kumar.

Pearls of Wisdom

The story of Lord Parshvanath demonstrates two essential qualities for self-realization: non-violence and detachment. Parshva Kumar, even as a child, demonstrated non-violence by stopping the Panchaagni ritual and saving the snake. Later, as Lord Parshvanath, he showed detachment when Meghmali sought revenge, teaching us that no matter how people treat us, we must remain unbiased and detached.

1. What qualities did Lord Parshvanath demonstrate?

Lord Parshvanath demonstrated the qualities of non-violence by stopping Kamath’s sacrificial ritual and showing compassion for all living beings. He also demonstrated detachment when Meghmali tried to exact revenge, remaining unaffected and unbiased despite the adversity.

🌟 Moral: True self-realization comes from practicing non-violence and detachment, regardless of how others treat us. 🌟

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