Chandkaushik

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chandkaushik" in English:

The story of Chandkaushik, as presented by the JAINA Education Committee, recounts an event during the life of Bhagawan Mahavir when he was a monk. Bhagawan Mahavir, dedicated to fasting, meditation, and penance, traveled from place to place. His journey led him to intend to pass through a forest inhabited by a poisonous snake named Chandkaushik. This snake was known for its ability to kill living beings with just an angry glance and instilled great fear in the local villagers.

Despite the villagers' pleas for him to take a longer, safer route, Bhagawan Mahavir, who embodied supreme non-violence and held no hatred, fearlessly proceeded. He believed that fear and hatred were forms of violence against oneself and maintained inner peace and compassion. Upon entering the forest, Bhagawan Mahavir noticed the surroundings becoming barren and desolate, indicating his proximity to Chandkaushik's dwelling. He stopped to meditate, radiating peace and compassion.

Chandkaushik, sensing an intruder, emerged from his burrow and became enraged at Mahavir's presence. He hissed to threaten Mahavir, but Mahavir remained tranquil, which only fueled Chandkaushik's anger. The snake lunged, swaying its head to strike, but Mahavir showed no fear. In frustration, Chandkaushik spat venom at Mahavir three times, but it had no effect. Chandkaushik then bit Mahavir's toe. To his astonishment, instead of blood, milk flowed from the wound, and Mahavir remained unaffected.

Bhagawan Mahavir opened his eyes, his face calm and free of anger. He gently addressed Chandkaushik, urging him to calm down and realize his actions, speaking with love and affection. This compassionate approach caused Chandkaushik to calm down and experience a sense of familiarity. He suddenly remembered his past two lives and recognized the destructive impact of his anger and ego. Realizing the truth of life, Chandkaushik bowed respectfully to Mahavir and retreated into his hole.

Later, when the villagers discovered that Chandkaushik was no longer a threat, they approached him out of curiosity. They found him lying peacefully. While some began to worship him, others, still holding grudges for their lost loved ones, threw stones and beat him. Despite the suffering, Chandkaushik remained peaceful, without any trace of anger, willingly enduring the pain and abuse. He died a few days later.

The text concludes by explaining that Chandkaushik's self-restraint and control of his emotions helped him destroy a significant amount of his negative karma. As a result, he was reborn in heaven. The story emphasizes that fear, hatred, and ego are essentially violence against oneself. Chandkaushik's transformation, facilitated by Bhagawan Mahavir's intervention, allowed him to realize his mistakes, repent, and ultimately shed his bad karma, leading him to a heavenly existence. The moral of the story is to remain calm, avoid anger, ego, and all forms of violence, and to approach challenging situations with tranquility and fearlessness.