Lord Rishabhdeo had a son named Bharat. He wanted to be sovereign over all kings. Hence He returned home after conquering all the kings of India. But he soon realized that his younger brother Bahubali was not under his suzerainty. Hence, he sent a messenger to Bahubali, the King of Takshashila to give up to him. He hoped that Bahubali would surrender to him.

But Bahubali was not prepared to see his brother, as a vassal. When Bharat came to know this, he was very much angry. He, therefore, ordered his army to march and invade Takshashila.

A long battle was fought. Many people were killed but there was no decisive outcome. Bharat saw that much of his army was decimated. Hence, he felt very anxious about the destruction.

After the battle hours Bahubali went to see his brother. He wanted to know if Bharat had any trouble.

Then Bharat suggested to Bahubali to stop the war and proposed a duel between the two. Bahubali agreed to this.

They decided to wage five kinds of duels. In four of the duels Bharat was defeated. There remained only the duel to be fought by fists. So Bahubali asked his brother to attack him first for he feared tthat his brother Bharat would not be able to bear the blow of his fist. Realizing his weakness, Bharat struck the first blow. This blow made Bahubali falter on the ground; but, then, he soon got up and regained his poise.

Now was the turn of Bahubali. Bharat became fearful when he saw his brother aiming a blow. So forgetting the canons of war, he threw his lightning disc. But the disc returned to Bharat, for it would not kill a relative. Seeing this unfair play, Bahubali got very angry. So he again aimed at Bharat to give him a blow of his fist.

But lo! A wonder happened. He stopped mid-wid and did not give the blow of the fist. He thought, “Why should I kill my brother?”

He began to shed tears. He said, “Take my kingdom of Taksashila. I am not going to gain anything by this kingdom of mine for I am not after the kingdom that gives external happiness.”

Then Bahubali became a monk and began to practice hard penance. He remained deeply engrossed in meditation for many months. And creepers grew round him and entwined his body. Birds had built their nests in his matted hair and beard.

Lord Rishabhdeo had two daughters named Brahmi and Sundari. They had become nuns many years ago. Once they asked their father, “where is Bahubali at present? Has he attained Kevalgnana, the highest knowledge?”

Bhagawan Rishabhdeo replied, “No, he has not attained the eternal knowledge. He is still in meditation. An obstacle prevents him from attaining that knowledge.”

They asked him what that obstacle was. “Well, shallow pride works as an obstacle in this case. He is required to offer his salutations and obeisance to monks senior to him. And he does not want to do this. Hence, he still not called on the seniors, the moment this ego goes; he will attain the divine light.”

Both the nuns went to the place where their brother Bahubali was meditating they began to recite intended hymns before him. In a parable they asked their brother to get down from the back of the elephant. They sang this throughout the day. They continued to sing even in the dark night.

Bahubali happened to, at last hear that song. His consciousness was slowly returning to him. He then began to think. “Am I riding an elephant? Where is that elephant? The nuns can’t be wrong.”

The meaning of the whole song became clear to him. He realized that pride was the elephant. One cannot attain eternal bliss without giving up pride.

He then looked within. He rooted out his pride. He now had self-realization. He regretted the pride that had blurred his vision.

Then, giving up his pride he stepped out to see Lord Rishabhdeo and the obstacles blocking the eternal light vanished.

Moral: – Ego and pride are the biggest obstacles in the path of liberation.