Answer

Mastush Muni’s story is a beautiful Jain example of sincerity, humility, and inner transformation. According to the traditional story, he was a monk who could not remember certain scriptural words properly, so his guru advised him to practice ayambil and keep repeating the instruction “ma rus ma tus” — meaning “do not get angry, do not get attached.” Over time, because of his difficulty in pronunciation, he began saying it as “mastush,” and that name stayed with him. ( jainonline.org)

Explanation

The story begins with a monk who had previously been learned, but due to the rise of karmas, he found it difficult to memorize a text. Feeling troubled, he told his guru, who gave him a simple spiritual remedy: control anger and attachment, and repeat the phrase with faith while observing ayambil. The monk followed this instruction devotedly, and even when others laughed at his changed pronunciation, he did not become angry. Instead, he continued आत्म-निंदा, repentance, and steady practice for twelve years. ( jainonline.org)

Because he kept repeating the phrase with sincere भावना, he gradually rose spiritually, reached the क्षपकश्रेणी, and ultimately attained केवलज्ञान. The story emphasizes that even if the words are imperfect, true faith, discipline, and purity of heart can lead to liberation. ( jainonline.org)

Spiritual Understanding

This story teaches an important Jain truth: outer perfection is not as important as inner purity. Mastush Muni could not pronounce the words correctly, but his devotion, equanimity, and non-anger purified his soul. The real practice was not just chanting the words — it was living their meaning: “do not get angry, do not become attached.” ( jainonline.org)

Takeaway

Mastush Muni’s story reminds us that spiritual progress comes through sincere effort, humility, and control over anger and attachment. Even a simple practice, if done with true faith, can lead the soul toward liberation. ( jainonline.org)