Sage Nandisen

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sage Nandisen" by the JAINA Education Committee:

The story of Sage Nandisen is presented as a narrative from the period preceding Bhagawan Mahavir. Sage Nandisen was a highly respected ascetic, deeply learned in Jain scriptures, who took a profound vow to serve other monks with unwavering devotion. His dedication to this service was so renowned that it was even recognized and praised in the heavenly realms.

One day, during an assembly of demigods, Indra, the king of the gods, commended Sage Nandisen's services. This high praise for a mortal surprised one of the demigods, who decided to personally witness the caliber of Sage Nandisen. Using their supernatural abilities, which allow them to change form and travel instantaneously, the demigod appeared on the outskirts of a village where Sage Nandisen resided.

The demigod assumed the guise of two monks: one appearing as very old and suffering from an injury, and the other as young and healthy. It happened to be the day Sage Nandisen was to break his fast. After collecting his alms (Gochari), he was about to eat when the "young" monk approached him. The demigod, in the young monk's form, informed Sage Nandisen that a very old monk was suffering from diarrhea, extreme thirst, and hunger, and urgently needed help.

Sage Nandisen, without hesitation or offense, immediately rose, gathered clean water, and went to the ailing monk. Upon seeing Sage Nandisen, the "old" monk reacted with anger and rudeness, accusing him of neglect. Sage Nandisen, embodying the virtues of tolerance, forgiveness, and compassion, was not perturbed. He calmly apologized for any perceived oversight and offered the clean water.

He then assisted the old monk in drinking the water, cleaned his soiled clothes and body, and helped him to sit up. The demigod, still testing, continued to be difficult. When Sage Nandisen offered to carry him to the Upashray (a temporary dwelling for monks) for greater comfort, the monk grudgingly agreed.

As Sage Nandisen carefully carried the monk on his shoulders towards the Upashray, the demigod gradually increased his own weight. This made Sage Nandisen tremble and nearly stumble. The monk further berated him, criticizing his walking ability and the rough handling of his weakened state. Despite these harsh and provocative words, Sage Nandisen remained undisturbed. He apologized again and continued to walk with greater caution, focusing on the task of serving the monk and even contemplating ways to alleviate his suffering.

Upon reaching the Upashray, the demigod, having observed Sage Nandisen's unyielding nature of service and lack of agitation throughout the ordeal, transformed back into his celestial form. He bowed to Sage Nandisen, acknowledging him as a true exemplar of a monk and stating that he deserved all the praise from Indra. The demigod offered to grant Sage Nandisen any wish.

Sage Nandisen, however, expressed his contentment, stating that human life is precious and that he craved nothing more. The demigod, deeply impressed and pleased, bowed at the sage's feet and returned to his abode, marveling at the sage's virtues.

The story concludes by highlighting the core Jain values demonstrated by Sage Nandisen: tolerance (abstaining from anger), discipline (dedication to service), and contentment (finding satisfaction in human life and non-possessiveness). His selfless act of service, performed without knowing he was being tested, underscores his genuine commitment to the principles of Jainism.