________________
+
16
calf, the cow treated a cub with motherely affec tion, a peacock became friendly with a cobra, a cat loved a swan and so on. The inborn feeling of perpetual animosity disappeared merely at the sight of asceitic Mahavira. As his heart was replete with love towards all creatures, likewise the entire animal world reciprocated the similar feelings of affection and harmony.
12
Intrepidity
It is said that the glory of Mahavira's enchanting personality and spiritual attainments had influenced all persons, even the celestials. One Rudra was haunted with a mischievous idea to test the mental strength and tranquillity of the saint under horrifying and dreadful environments. He, by his devilish and satanic miraculous power created terrifying objects like hobgoblins, apparitions etc. to disturb the saint. But Mahavira was unmoved like a rock. His serenity of mind was like an ocean. This had won the heart of the Rudra who praised the Lord highly and called him by the name 'Mahati Mahavira'- a warrior whose valour and prowess are supreme and superb.
