The Life of Lord Mahavira: Saving Gaushalak, Part 2 of 3

So now, this disciple or friend or companion of Mahavira was going near, very near, and ogling the face of that ascetic. And then "He saw that the hermit was busy doing some strange penance..." "Gaushalak could not control his laughter seeing this strange activity. Jokingly he said, 'O abode of insects!'" This is an insult. The hermit remained calm the first time. But when Gaushalak did not refrain from making biting remarks... The hermit now took a few steps back and angrily started emitting fire from his month." Careful! So, "Within no time, a ball of fire rushed towards Gaushalak... Hearing the pathetic call of Gaushalak, Mahavira was moved." So, "Turning back, He saw the approaching fire ball. From the compassionate heart of Shraman Mahavira flowed a spontaneous stream of cool, pacifying energy... The angry hermit was astonished to see his fireball dead, extinguished. So he recognized Mahavira as a much greater and more benevolent power than he. So he said, 'Pardon me, O Embodiment of Benevolence!'" Yeah, you have to learn manners. So, we should be careful what we say, unless really necessary. If not necessary, keep quiet. If we cannot say something kindly, benevolently, beautifully, then don't say anything.