Mahavira was meditating in the ashram of Parshvanatha in Kannkhal.
The serpent called Chandakaushik raised its venomous hood. That did not have any impact on Bhagvan. It now coiled itself around the legs of Bhagvan and repeatedly started hissing at him.
From Bhagvan’s eyes came a continuous flow of the nectar of amity that kept washing away the poison.
Non-violence had conquered violence. The serpent’s anger subsided.The serpent took the oath of non-violence forever.
As Bhagvan Mahavira progressed in his penance he found the sun of equanimity shining with greater brilliance. Also glistening in that brilliance were
- Truth (satya),
- Non-stealth (achourya),
- Celibacy (brahmacharya) and
- Non-possessiveness (aparigraha).