Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
Steadfastness Of The Ascetic
Long time ago, a father and his son left their house and became monks. One day, along with other monks, they set out for a town. On the way, they had to cross a dense forest. The little monk felt thirsty but he kept following his father. On the way, they saw a river. Feeling the son’s thirst, the father-monk out of great affection told the little monk, “Drink the water of this river, quench your thirst and take punishment afterwards.” The father-monk got down to the river, drank water and later moved aside thinking that his son would drink the water without any hesitation. As soon as the little monk got down to the river, a thought entered his mind, “Why should I drink this water? Water itself has life. It is not proper to take other’s life for one’s own benefit.” After deep thinking his mind changed.
As a result, he went back without drinking the water. He kept walking forward and his thirst became intolerable. He became tired due to the scorching heat. He stopped and rested under a tree knowing that his mind was very near. Then he starting chanting ‘Namaskar mantra’ and passed away. He took rebirth in heaven. All the monks appreciated and praised the patience and wisdom of the little monk.
Jainism believes in non-violence. All the monks and nuns observe this view. That is why they do not kill any living being through mind, speech or body. Here we find that the little monk was steadfast in his principles, he chose to sacrifice his life rather than to drink the water and be responsible for the killing of living beings.
