Yuvacharya Mahashraman
Spiritual Energy
There are many different types of energy in the world. The most common one is physical strength: strong body or physical power. Population power: when a society is strong in number. Money power: when a person or country has well financial / economic powers. Oratory powers: Some people have a good control on speech. Willpower: Some have a strong will power. All of these energies have their own significance.
Jainism stresses on spiritual energy. Here is the story of Sudarshan, how he develops the spiritual energy.
Sudarshan was a rich man who lived in Rajagrih in the times of Lord Mahavir the twenty fourth Tirthankar. Once Lord Mahavir was visiting the surrounding areas of Rajagrih. He did not come into the city but stayed on the outskirts in a garden.
When people heard about the Lord's arrival, they desperately wanted to visit him, but were helpless. The reason for their fear was Arjunamali, a demon-looking yaksha.
Arjunamali with his Mudgar (a weapon, mace) killed anyone who passed by. In order to see Lord Mahavir, people would have to venture near the demon territory.
Sudarshan also heard of the Lord's arrival. He went to his parents and asked for darshan of the great soul, who had conquered all desires, had full control over his emotions, who had liberated himself from vices like jealousy, who did not discriminate between followers of his path and non-followers. He wanted to meet the bestowals of happiness to all - namely Lord Mahavir.
Sudarsban’s parents said that it was very good he had desire to meet him, but there was an obstacles on the way to see him. Arjunamali might kill you, and you wouldn't be able to meet the Bhagavan.
Then Sudarshan replied to them that it is acceptable if there is danger in the way, when you want to do an auspicious act.
Sudarshan's parents finally consented to let him go. Sudarshan started his journey. The angry demon saw him coming. He ran towards Sudarsban with a mace. Sudarsban, who had given up food and misdeeds, practiced Kayotsarg. He was unafraid of the angry demon. He did not let the demon upset him.
Arjunamali looked at Sudarshan. He tried to distract him repeatedly from his Kayotsarg, but he stayed still in his practice. Arjunamali was observing Animesh Preksba. All at once the demon that had possessed him left and ran away. Arjunamali came to his senses. 5udarshan came out from Kayotsarg.
Both Sudarsban and Arjunamali went into the good company of Lord Mahavir. Lord Mahavir's words inspired Arjunamali to be a monk. After getting his inspiration from Lord Mahavir, he became a monk too.
It is rightly said that you are afraid of something only till you do not encounter it. Once anyone faces fear it can be dealt with or it can be overcome by taking the right measures.
