tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79967182731081776962024-02-28T18:44:33.984-05:00Jainism RevolutionAbout Jain scriptures, Jain logic, Jainism, Jain Stotra their meanings and translations. A small attempt to distribute the immense knowledge of Jain Literature to the mass. Request to Read... Learn... Spread... Enlighten... your self. Credits to all Jains....Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-59863695493460672702018-04-16T13:15:00.001-04:002018-04-16T13:15:21.901-04:00Jaina Education: Hats off to Jain Center of Southern California (JC...<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">Hats off to Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) at Los Angeles</h3><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8000001907349px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8434068745289137882" itemprop="articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 12pt;">Hats off to Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) at Los Angeles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 11pt;">Only Jain Vegan food to be Served at JCSC Center of Los Angeles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">The Executive Committee of the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) at Los Angeles<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk511567262" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">(Buena Park CA) </a>announced on the Mahavir Janma Kalyanak day (April 8, 2018) that the Jain society will serve only Jain Vegan food (vegetarian food without dairy products and root vegetables) at all future programs of the Jain society. The implementation phase in period is year from April to December 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">Also on Mahavir Jayanti Day, it served complete Vegan food to more than 1000 people who attended Shri Mahavir Jayanti program in the evening. All members were very appreciative of the society action.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">This is the first Jain Society of America who has took such a bold step on its own without support from Jain Ascetics and popular Jain scholars of India. This is a history making decision for all Jains of North America as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">Three days later when I heard the news, I needed to verify its authenticity. I called the president Dr. Jasvantbhai Modi and talked to him at length about this announcement. Dr. Modi is a newly elected (4 months ago) first time president of the Jain Center. In such a short time period he was able to convince the majority of its 15 executive committee members to support the Vegan diet resolution presented to JCSC committee. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">Dr. Modi’s main point was that Jains should not consume dairy products due to animal cruelty (Jainism’s main tenet is non-violence), and its detrimental effects on human health. We should serve only vegan food at our Center and this will provide a good example to other Jain Centers of North America. We need to educate members of our society that why we should consume only vegan food. This way our members not only at the Jain Center but at their homes also consume vegan food. The resolution was passed by over whelming majority of the executive committee. I was very very happy to feel his enthusiasm in implementing Vegan food resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 11pt;">History Making Jain Center (JCSC - Buena Park CA)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">The Los Angeles Jain Center (JCSC) consists of more than 2000 community members. It is one of the largest and history making Jain Center of North America.<o:p></o:p></span></div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0in 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px 2.5em;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-IN">It is a birth place of the Federation of JAINA that occurred in 1981. The creation of JAINA was inspired by Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Acharya Shri Sushilmuniji.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-IN">The Los Angeles Jain Center is a home to a priceless, historical and more than 100-years old replica of a temple similar to the Palitana Temple. The replica is on display in the main lobby of the Cultural Complex. The assembled structure, weighing nearly 10,000 lbs measures 15 ft x 20 ft x 35 ft high, is carved out of teakwood. The structure has elaborately carved columns, wall panels, doors, a dome, two curved staircases and two ornate jarukhas (enclosed balconies).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-IN">Serving only Jain Vegan food at the Center is another major history making event that occurred in 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: red; font-size: 11pt;">Our heartiest congratulation to the president Dr. Jasvantbhai Modi, his supporting executive committee members and the members of the history making Jain Center (JCSC) of Los Angeles.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc424919752" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12pt;">Summary of Cruelty that Exist in Milk Product<o:p></o:p></span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN">Universal Law of Nature</span></b><b><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="EN-IN">The following law of Nature explains in brief the reasons why Jains should not use milk and other dairy products. This is true for mothers of human as well as for animal under natural healthy environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN">No mother (cow and human) produces milk unless she delivers a baby first.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN">After the birth of a calf, the cow starts to produce milk only to feed her calf. She also produces just enough milk that is needed for her calf (same as human).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN">The cow slowly stops producing milk after her calf reaches a weaning age (same as human).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN">Nature has not made any provision for mother cow to produce more milk than the need of her calf so that human can drink her excess or surplus milk.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="EN-IN">In conclusion, under natural environment we can safely state that:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c00000;">Any drop of milk that we drink or we use in dairy products is considered stolen from the mother cow that was meant for her baby calf.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="EN-IN">Any other reasons that we hear (we use excess milk of mother cow) from our religious scholars and leaders or from other sources are <b>totally incorrect.</b>. They do not possess good knowledge of this subject and makes an authoritative statement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">From the Jain principle point view, by <span style="color: #c00000;">consuming dairy product we commit the highest sin of violence which is:</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 11pt;">“Stealing and consuming the food from mother cow that was meant for her child”</span></b><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 11pt;">Gurudev Chitrabhanuji’s Mission<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">After confirming the news, I called Shri Gurudev Chitrabhanuji in Mumbai and talked to Smt Pramodaben. For about last 15 years Gurudev’s full time mission was to promote Veganism among Jain communities across USA, India and other places of the world. Shri Chitrabhanuji was extremely happy and joyful to hear this great news from Smt Pramodaben (Gurudev is now 96 years old and cannot communicate over the phone). He has felt that his tireless effort to promote Veganism finally produced a great result in America.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">Jain Center of Chicago, which will be celebrating its 25<sup>th</sup> temple anniversary in June 2018, will honour Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji by installing his Bust at the Center. We earnestly request the executive committee of Chicago Jain Center to serve only Vegan Food during 25<sup>th</sup> year celebration function. This will be real honour to Gurudev Chitrabhanuji’s mission and work.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 11pt;">Various JAINA Committees’ Work on Veganism<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For the past 10 to 20 years, several JAINA committees (YJA, YJP, Ahimsak Eco Vegan Committee and Jaina Education Committee) and several Jain Vegan WhatsApp groups promote Veganism across USA, Canada, India and around the world. During this time, these committees have educated few thousands Jains who practice Veganism in their daily lives. </div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0in 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px 2.5em;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-IN">For the last 10 to 15 years, YJA convention has served 95%+ vegan food, and used environmental friendly paper products for their national conventions. Several young speakers were invited to speak on Veganism.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-IN">Ahimsak Eco Vegan Committee is a resource center for Veganism and Ecology related literature<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-IN">Jaina Education Committee is fully committed to the practice Vegan way of life. It prepared all new Pathashala books about 13 years go and dedicated to the people who are committed to live Vegan way of life. All Pathashala teachers’ conferences and Jain Education workshops conducted at various places serve only Jain Vegan food.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span lang="EN-IN">The education committee has published the Book of compassion which consists sever articles related to animal cruelty, Veganism, Environmental protection, and complete elimination of animal products from Jain rituals.</span> </li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12pt;">Vegan Movement at UK and India<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">Shri Digambar Jain Association (SDJA) 400 member society of London declared in September 2014 that they will serve only Jain Vegan meals to the members at any Jain society function.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">Jain Vegan Group in UK is very very active promoting Vegan way of life across UK. Please visit its website www.jainvegans.org to review their activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">Jain Vegan Transition and Veganize Jain Monks and Nuns WhatsApp groups of India are very active promoting Veganism. Few Jain Swetambar and Digambar monks are actively participating in the Jain Vegan Movement of India. However no high level Jain Acharyas and scholars are promoting Veganism.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN">There may be more Jain Vegan organisations promoting Veganism but I am not aware about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN">_________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN">Pravin K. Shah, Chairperson<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN">JAINA Education Committee<br />Jain eLibrary Website in-charge<br />Jaina JAB competition coordinator<br />919 889 1900 Cell</span></div></div></div></div>Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-69878471245083621962017-06-06T17:21:00.000-04:002017-06-06T17:23:20.885-04:00Part 1 - Source of Illumination - Mangal Sutra - SamanSutra Gatha # 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/OHOQVB0ev8XJR1PxYJRtX_mDy01fnI4LTXtDx2d43HhETXUMKS-JV2vEK13aP6bcDWQbLQ=s400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="400" height="451" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/OHOQVB0ev8XJR1PxYJRtX_mDy01fnI4LTXtDx2d43HhETXUMKS-JV2vEK13aP6bcDWQbLQ=s400" width="640" /></a></div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
</h1>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-67321322328621614442017-04-19T10:04:00.000-04:002017-04-19T11:03:02.626-04:00समणसुत्तं<div style="text-align: justify;">
`समणसुत्तं' नामक इस ग्रन्थ की संरचना या संकलना आचार्य विनोबाजी की प्रेरणा से हुई है। उसी प्रेरणा के फलस्वरूप संगीति या वाचना हुई और उसमें इसके प्रारूप को स्वीकृति प्रदान की गयी। यह एक विशिष्ट ऐतिहासिक घटना है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
विश्व के समस्त धर्मों का मूल आधार है--आत्मा और परमात्मा। इन्हीं दो तत्त्वरूप स्तम्भों पर धर्म का भव्य भवन खड़ा हुआ है। विश्व की कुछ धर्म-परम्पराएँ आत्मवादी होने के साथ-साथ ईश्वरवादी हैं और कुछ अनीश्वरवादी। ईश्वरवादी परम्परा वह है जिसमें सृष्टि का कर्ता-धर्ता या नियामक एक सर्वशक्तिमान् ईश्वर या परमात्मा माना जाता है। सृष्टि का सब-कुछ उसी पर निर्भर है। उसे ब्रह्मा, विधाता, परमपिता आदि कहा जाता है। इस परम्परा की मान्यता के अनुसार भूमण्डल पर जब-जब अधर्म बढ़ता है, धर्म का ह्रास होता है, तब-तब भगवान् अवतार लेते हैं और दुष्टों का दमन करके सृष्टि की रक्षा करते हैं, उसमें सदाचार का बीज-वपन करते हैं।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">अनीश्वरवादी परम्परा</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
दूसरी परम्परा आत्मवादी होने के साथ-साथ अनीश्वरवादी है, जो व्यक्ति के स्वतंत्र विकास में विश्वास करती है। प्रत्येक व्यक्ति या जीव अपना सम्पूर्ण विकास कर सकता है। अपने में राग-द्वेषविहीनता या वीतरागता का सर्वोच्च विकास करके वह परमपद को प्राप्त करता है। वह स्वयं ही अपना नियामक या संचालक है। वह स्वयं ही अपना मित्र है, शत्रु है। जैनधर्म इसी परम्परा का अनुयायी, स्वतन्त्र तथा वैज्ञानिक धर्म है। यह परम्परा संक्षेप में `श्रमण-संस्कृति' के नाम से पहचानी जाती है। इस आध्यात्मिक परम्परा में बौद्ध आदि अन्य धर्म भी आते हैं। ईश्वरवादी भारतीय परम्परा `ब्राह्मण-संस्कृति' के नाम से जानी जाती है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
किसी धर्म की श्रेष्ठता अथवा उपादेयता उसकी प्राचीनता अथवा अर्वाचीनता पर अवलम्बित नहीं होती, किन्तु यदि कोई धार्मिक परम्परा प्राचीन होने के साथ-साथ सुदीर्घकाल तक सजीव, सक्रिय एवं प्रगतिशील रही है तथा लोक के उन्नयन, नैतिक विकास तथा सांस्कृतिक समृद्धि में प्रबल प्रेरक एवं सहायक सिद्ध हुई है तो उसकी प्राचीनता उस धर्म के स्थायी महत्त्व तथा उसमें निहित सर्वकालिक एवं सार्वभौमिक तत्त्वों की सूचक ही कही जा सकती है। जैनधर्म की परम्परा आचार और विचार दोनों दृष्टियों से निःसन्देह सुदूर अतीत तक जाती है। इतिहासज्ञों ने अब इस तथ्य को पूर्णतया स्वीकार कर लिया है कि तीर्थंकर वर्धमान महावीर जैनधर्म के मूल संस्थापक नहीं थे। उनसे पूर्व और भी तीर्थंकर हो गये हैं, जिन्होंने जिनधर्म की पुनर्स्थापना की और उसकी प्राणधारा को आगे बढ़ाया। यह ठीक है कि इतिहास की पहुँच जैनधर्म के मूल उद्गम तक नहीं है, किन्तु उपलब्ध पुरातात्त्विक एवं साहित्यिक तथ्यों के निष्पक्ष विश्लेषण से अब यह निर्विवाद सिद्ध हो गया है कि जैनधर्म एक अति प्राचीन धर्म है। वातरशना मुनियों, केशियों, व्रात्य-क्षत्रियों के विषय में ऋग्वेद, श्रीमद्भागवत आदि महत्त्वपूर्ण ग्रन्थों में प्रचुर उल्लेख उपलब्ध हैं।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
जैन-इतिहास में तिरसठ (63) `शलाका-पुरुषों' का वर्णन आता है। अवसर्पिणी और उत्सर्पिणी नामक प्रत्येक सुदीर्घ कालखण्ड में ये शलाका पुरुष होते हैं, जो मानव-सभ्यता के विकास में अपने-अपने समय में धर्म-नीति की प्रेरणा देते हैं। इन शलाका-पुरुषों में २४ तीर्थंकरों का स्थान सर्वोपरि है। वर्तमान अवसर्पिणी कल्प में, उसके चतुर्थ कालखण्ड में जो २४ तीर्थंकर हुए हैं, उनमें सर्वप्रथम ऋषभदेव हैं जो राजा नाभि तथा माता मरुदेवी के पुत्र थे। इन्हें आदिनाथ, आदिब्रह्मा, आदीश्वर आदि भी कहा जाता है। सबसे अंतिम, २४ वें तीर्थंकर, भगवान् महावीर ढाई हजार वर्ष पूर्व हो गये हैं। तथागत बुद्ध भी इन्हींके समकालीन थे। भगवान् महावीर के २५० वर्ष पूर्व, २३वें तीर्थंकर पार्श्वनाथ हो गये हैं, जो वाराणसी के राजा अश्वसेन के पुत्र थे। बौद्धागमों में महावीर का उल्लेख तो निगंठनातपुत्त के रूप में मिलता ही है, पार्श्व-परम्परा का उल्लेख भी चातुर्याम-धर्म के रूप में मिलता है। महावीर भी पार्श्व-परम्परा के प्रतिनिधि थे। यों देखा जाय तो काल की अविच्छिन्न धारा में न तो ऋषभदेव प्रथम हैं और न महावीर अंतिम। यह परम्परा तो अनादि-अनन्त है--न जाने कितनी चौवीसियाँ हो गयी हैं और आगे होंगी।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
सांस्कृतिक विकास की दृष्टि से विचार करने पर ज्ञात होता है कि पारमार्थिक अथवा आध्यात्मिक भूमिका की अपेक्षा से वैदिक तथा श्रमण संस्कृतियों में विशेष अन्तर नहीं है, फिर भी व्यावहारिक क्षेत्र में, दोनों के तत्त्वज्ञान, आचार और दर्शन में अन्तर स्पष्ट है। दोनों संस्कृतियाँ आपस में काफी प्रभावित रही हैं, उनमें आदान-प्रदान होता रहा है और सामाजिक परिवेश तो दोनों का लगभग एक ही रहा है। जो अन्तर दिखाई पड़ता है, वह भी ऐसा नहीं है कि समझ में न आ सके। बल्कि, यह तो मनुष्य-सभ्यता के विकास के स्तरों को समझने में बहुत सहायक है। भारत के समृद्ध प्राचीन साहित्य में दोनों संस्कृतियों या परम्पराओं के पारस्परिक प्रभाव तथा आदान-प्रदान के विपुल दृश्य देखने को मिलते हैं। एक ही परिवार में विभिन्न विचारों के लोग अपने-अपने ढंग से धर्म-साधना करते थे।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">आत्मवाद</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
आज जिसे हम जैनधर्म कहते हैं, प्राचीन काल में उसका और कोई नाम रहा होगा। यह सत्य है कि `जैन' शब्द `जिन' से बना है, फिर भी `जैन' शब्द अपेक्षाकृत अर्वाचीन है। भगवान् महावीर के समय में इसका बोधक शब्द `निर्ग्रन्थ' या `निर्ग्रन्थप्रवचन' था। इसे कहीं-कहीं `आर्यधर्म' भी कहा गया है। पार्श्वनाथ के समय में इसे `श्रमणधर्म' भी कहा जाता था। पार्श्वनाथ के पूर्ववर्ती २२वें तीर्थंकर अरिष्टनेमि के समय में इसे `अर्हत्धर्म' भी कहा जाता था। अरिष्टनेमि कर्मयोगी शलाका-पुरुष श्रीकृष्ण के चचेरे भाई थे। श्रीकृष्ण के द्वारा गाय की सेवा तथा गोरस का प्रचार वस्तुतः अहिंसक समाज-रचना की दिशा में एक मंगल प्रयास था। बिहार प्रदेश में भी जैनधर्म आर्हत्धर्म के नाम से प्रचलित रहा है। राजर्षि नमि मिथिला के थे, जो राजा जनक के वंशज थे। इनकी आध्यात्मिक वृत्ति का जैनआगम में सुन्दर चित्रण उपलब्ध है। इतिहास के पर्दे पर समय-समय पर अनेक नामपट बदलते रहे होंगे; लेकिन इतना कहा जा सकता है कि इस धर्म का, इस परम्परा और संस्कृति का मूल सिद्धान्त बीज-रूप में वही रहा है जो आज है और वह है आत्मवाद, अनेकान्तवाद। इसी आत्मवाद की उर्वरभूमि पर जैन धर्म-परम्परा का कल्पतरु फलता-फूलता रहा है। जैनधर्म के साधु आज भी `श्रमण' कहलाते हैं। `श्रमण' शब्द श्रम, समता तथा विकार-शमन का परिचायक है। उसमें प्रभूत अर्थ निहित है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
जैनधर्म का अर्थ है जिनोपदिष्ट या जिनप्रवर्तित कल्याण-मार्ग। `जिन' वे कहलाते हैं जिन्होंने अपने देहगत और आत्मगत अर्थात् बाह्याभ्यन्तर विकारों पर विजय प्राप्त कर ली है। आत्मा के सबसे प्रबल शत्रु हैं राग-द्वेष, मोहादि विकार। इसलिए `जैन' शब्द अपने में एक अर्थ रखता है--यह जाति वर्ग का द्योतक नहीं है। जो भी `जिन' के मार्ग पर चलता है, आत्मोपलब्धि के पथ का अनुसरण करता है, वह जैन है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">वीतराग-विज्ञानता</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
जैनधर्म का लक्ष्य पूर्ण वीतराग-विज्ञानता की प्राप्ति है। यह वीतराग-विज्ञान मंगलमय है, मंगल करनेवाला है, इसीके आलोक में मनुष्य `अरहन्त' पद को प्राप्त करता है। यह वीतरागता सम्यग्दर्शन, ज्ञान, चारित्ररूपी रत्नत्रय की समन्वित साधना से उपलब्ध होती है। श्रद्धा, ज्ञान और चारित्र का मिला-जुला पथ ही व्यक्ति को मुक्ति या सिद्धि तक ले जाता है। दर्शन, ज्ञान और चारित्र मिलकर ही मनुष्य को पूर्णता प्रदान करते हैं। जैनधर्म की सबसे प्रथम और मूलभूत सिखावन यही है कि श्रद्धापूर्वक विवेक की आँख से संसार को देखकर उसका यथार्थ ज्ञान प्राप्त करो और उसे जीवन में उतारो। लेकिन सम्पूर्ण आचार-विचार का केन्द्र-बिन्दु वीतरागता की उपलब्धि है। वीतरागता के समक्ष बड़े से बड़ा ऐश्वर्य व्यर्थ है। प्रवृत्ति हो या निवृत्ति, गार्हस्थ्य हो या श्रामण्य, दोनों स्थितियों में अन्तरात्मा में निरन्तर वीतरागता की वृद्धि ही श्रेयस्कर मानी गयी है। किन्तु अनेकान्तदृष्टि के बिना वीतरागता की उपलब्धि का मार्ग नहीं मिलता। यह अनेकान्तदृष्टि ही है जो प्रवृत्ति में भी निवृत्ति, और निवृत्ति में भी प्रवृत्ति के दर्शन कराकर यथार्थ और निवृत्ति का मार्गदर्शन कराती है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">अहिंसा</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
जैन-आचार का मूल अहिंसा है। उस अहिंसा का पालन अनेकान्तदृष्टि के बिना संभव नहीं है। क्योंकि जैन दृष्टि से हिंसा न करते हुए भी मनुष्य हिंसक हो सकता है और हिंसा करते हुए भी हिंसक नहीं होता। अतः जैनधर्म में हिंसा और अहिंसा कर्ता के भावों पर अवलम्बित है, क्रिया पर नहीं। यदि बाह्यतः होनेवाली हिंसा को ही हिंसा माना जाय तब तो कोई अहिंसक हो नहीं सकता क्योंकि जगत् में सर्वत्र जीव हैं और उनका घात होता रहता है। इसलिए जो सावधानतापूर्वक प्रवृत्ति करता है उसके भावों में अहिंसा है, अतः वह अहिंसक है और जो अपनी प्रवृत्ति में सावधान नहीं है उसके भावों में हिंसा है, अतः वह हिंसा न करने पर भी हिंसक होता है। यह सब विश्लेषण अनेकान्त-दृष्टि के बिना संभव नहीं है। अतः अनेकान्त-दृष्टि-सम्पन्न मनुष्य ही सम्यग्दृष्टि माना गया है और सम्यग्दृष्टि ही सम्यग्ज्ञानी और सम्यक्चारित्रशील होता है। जिसकी दृष्टि सम्यक् नहीं है उसका ज्ञान भी सच्चा नहीं है और न आचार ही यथार्थ है। इसीसे जैन-मार्ग में सम्यक्त्व या सम्यग्दर्शन का विशेष महत्त्व है। वही मोक्षमार्ग की आधार-शिला है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
संसार एक बन्धन है। उस बन्धन में जीव अनादिकाल से पड़ा है, इससे वह अपने यथार्थ स्वरूप को भूल उस बन्धन को ही अपना स्वरूप मानकर उसमें रम रहा है और उसकी यह भूल ही उसके इस बन्धन का मूल है। अपनी इस भूल पर दृष्टि पड़ते ही जब उसकी दृष्टि अपने स्वरूप की ओर जाती है कि मैं चैतन्यशक्ति-सम्पन्न हूँ और भौतिक ऊर्जा शक्ति से भी विशिष्ट शक्ति मेरा चैतन्य है जो अनन्तज्ञान, अनन्तदर्शन, अनन्तसुख और अनन्तशक्ति का भण्डार है, यह श्रद्धा जगते ही उसे सम्यग्दृष्टि प्राप्त होती है और तब वह सम्यक् आचार के द्वारा अपने यथार्थ स्वरूप में स्थिर होने का प्रयत्न करता है। अतः जैनधर्म का आचारमार्ग सम्यग्ज्ञानपूर्वक वीतरागता तक पहुँचने का राजमार्ग है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">अनेकान्त</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
वस्तुतः देखा जाय तो इस विशाल लोक में सदेह व्यक्ति का अधिक-से अधिक ज्ञान भी सीमित, अपूर्ण और एकांगी ही है। वह वस्तु के अनन्त गुणों का समग्र अनुभव एक साथ कर ही नहीं पाता, अभिव्यक्ति तो दूर की बात है। भाषा की असमर्थता और शब्दार्थ की सीमा जहाँ-तहाँ झगड़े और विवाद पैदा करती है। मनुष्य का अहं उसमें और वृद्धि करता है। लेकिन अनेकान्त समन्वय का, विरोध-परिहास का मार्ग प्रशरत प्रदर्शित करता है। सबके कथन में सत्यांश होता है और उन सत्यांशों को समझकर विवाद को सरलता से दूर किया जा सकता है। जिसका अपना कोई हठ या कदाग्रह नहीं होता, वही अनेकान्त के द्वारा गुत्थियों को भलीभाँति सुलझा सकता है। यों प्रत्येक मनुष्य अनेकान्त में जीता है, परन्तु उसके ध्यान में नहीं आ रहा है कि वह ज्योति कहाँ है जिससे वह प्रकाशित है। आँखों पर जब तक आग्रह की पट्टी बँधी रहती है, तब तक वस्तुस्वरूप का सही दर्शन नहीं हो सकता। अनेकान्त वस्तु या पदार्थ की स्वतंत्र सत्ता का उद्घोष करता है। विचार-जगत् में अहिंसा का मूर्तरूप अनेकान्त है। जो अहिंसक होगा वह अनेकान्ती होगा और जो अनेकान्ती होगा, वह अहिंसक होगा।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
आज जैनधर्म का जो कुछ स्वरूप उपलब्ध है, वह महावीर की देशना से अनुप्राणित है। आज उन्हींका धर्मशासन चल रहा है। महावीर दर्शन और धर्म के समन्वयाकार थे। ज्ञान, दर्शन एवं आचरण का समन्वय ही मनुष्य को दुःख-मुक्ति की ओर ले जाता है। ज्ञानहीन कर्म और कर्महीन ज्ञान--दोनों व्यर्थ हैं। ज्ञात सत्य का आचरण और आचरित सत्य का ज्ञान--दोनों एक साथ होकर ही सार्थक होते हैं।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">वस्तु स्वभाव धर्म</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
जैन-दर्शन की यह देन बड़ी महत्त्वपूर्ण है कि वस्तु का स्वभाव ही धर्म है--वत्थु सहावो धम्मो। सृष्टि का प्रत्येक पदार्थ अपने स्वभावानुसार प्रवर्तमान है। उसका अस्तित्व उत्पत्ति, स्थिति और विनाश से युक्त है। पदार्थ अपने स्वभाव से च्युत नहीं होता--वह ज़ड़ हो या चेतन। सत्ता के रूप में वह सदैव स्थित है, पर्याय की अपेक्षा वह निरन्तर परिवर्तनशील है। इसी त्रिपदी पर सम्पूर्ण जैनदर्शन का प्रासाद खड़ा है। इसी त्रिपदी के आधार पर सम्पूर्ण लोक-व्यवस्था का प्रतिपादन जैन-दर्शन की विशेषता है। षड्द्रव्यों की स्थिति से स्पष्ट है कि यह लोक अनादि अन्त है, इसका कर्ता-धर्ता या निर्माता कोई व्यक्ति-विशेष या शक्ति-विशेष नहीं है। देशकाल से परे, वस्तुस्वभाव के आधार पर आत्मा की सत्ता स्वीकार करने पर समाज में विषमता, वर्गभेद, वर्णभेद आदि का स्थान ही नहीं रह जाता। ऐसी स्थिति में, व्यवहार-जगत् में महावीर जैसा वीतराग तत्त्वदर्शी यही कह सकता है कि समभाव ही अहिंसा है, मन में ममत्व का भाव न होना ही अपरिग्रह है। सत्य शास्त्र में नहीं अनुभव में है, ब्रह्म में चर्या करना ही ब्रह्मचर्य है। कर्म से ही मनुष्य ब्राह्मण होता है, कर्म से ही क्षत्रिय, कर्म से ही वैश्य और कर्म से ही शूद्र। चारित्रहीन व्यक्ति को सम्प्रदाय और वेश, धन और बल, सत्ता और ऐश्वर्य, ज्ञान और पोथियाँ त्राण नहीं देते। देवी-देवताओं या प्रकृति की विभिन्न शक्तियों को प्रसन्न करने के लिए तरह-तरह के कर्मकांडी अनुष्ठानों से भी मानव को त्राण नहीं मिल सकता। आत्म-प्रतीति, आत्मज्ञान और आत्म-लीनता--निजानन्द रसलीनता ही मनुष्य को मुक्ति दिलाती है। निश्चयतः यही सम्यक्त्व है। महावीर सही अर्थों में निर्ग्रन्थ थे--ग्रन्थ और ग्रन्थियों को भेदकर ही वे देह में भी विदेह थे। उन्हींकी निरक्षरी सर्वबोधगम्य पीयूषवर्षिणी वाणी की अनुगूँज वातावरण में है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">श्रावकाचार</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
साधना शक्त्यनुकूल ही हो सकती है। इसीलिए जैन आचार-मार्ग को श्रावकाचार और श्रमणाचार इन दो विभागों में विभाजित किया गया है। श्रावकों का आचार श्रमणों की अपेक्षा सरल होता है, क्योंकि वे गृह-त्यागी नहीं होते और संसार के व्यापारों में लगे रहते हैं। किन्तु श्रावक अपने आचार के प्रति निरन्तर सचेत रहता है और उसका लक्ष्य श्रमणधर्म की ओर बढ़ने का होता है। जब श्रावक की आत्मशक्ति बढ़ जाती है और रागद्वेषादि विकारों पर, क्रोधादि कषायों पर उसका नियंत्रण बढ़ने लगता है, तब वह धीरे-धीरे एक-एक श्रेणी बढ़कर श्रमण-पथ पर विचरने लगता है। बारह व्रतों का धीरे-धीरे निरतिचार पालन करते हुए और एकादश श्रेणियों को उत्तीर्ण कर श्रावक श्रमणदशा में पहुँचता है। वस्तुतः देखा जाय तो श्रावकधर्म श्रमणधर्म का आधार या पूरक है। यह उल्लेखनीय बात है कि जैनधर्म का सम्पूर्ण आचार आत्मलक्षी है, और श्रावक तथा श्रमण के लिए व्यवस्थित, क्रमिक विकासोन्मुख, ऊर्ध्वगामी संहिता उपलब्ध है। केवल नीति-उपदेश या पारस्परिक व्यवहार की दृष्टि से आचार-नियमों का प्रतिपादन जैनधर्म में नहीं है। शक्ति की सापेक्षता एवं विकास की प्रक्रिया में बाह्य क्रियाकाण्ड या रूढ़िगत लोकमूढ़ता, देवमूढ़ता या गुरुमुढ़ता को उसमें कतई स्थान नहीं है। अणुव्रतादि का पालन श्रावक को जहाँ साधक बनने की प्रेरणा देता है, वहाँ वह समाज के सुसंचालन में भी अपूर्व भूमिका निभाता है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">ग्रन्थ-परिचय</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
`समणसुत्तं' ग्रन्थ में जैन धर्म-दर्शन की सारभूत बातों का, संक्षेप में, क्रमपूर्वक संकलन किया गया है। ग्रन्थ में चार खण्ड हैं और ४४ प्रकरण हैं। कुल मिलाकर ७५६ गाथाएँ हैं।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ग्रंथ की संरचना या संकलना प्राकृत गाथाओं में की गयी है, जो गेय हैं तथा पारायण करने योग्य हैं। जैनाचार्यों ने प्राकृत गाथाओं को सूत्र कहा है। प्राकृत के सुत्त शब्द का अर्थ सूत्र, सूक्त तथा श्रुत भी होता है। जैन-परम्परा में सूत्र शब्द रूढ़ है। इसीलिए ग्रंथ का नाम `समणसुत्तं' (श्रमणसूत्रम्) रखा गया है। गाथाओं का चयन प्रायः प्राचीन मूल ग्रन्थों से किया गया है। अतः यह समणसुत्तं आगमवत् स्वतः प्रमाण है।</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">प्रथम खण्ड `ज्योतिर्मुख' है, जिसमें व्यक्ति `खाओ पीओ मौज उड़ाओ' की निम्न भौतिक भूमिका या बाह्य जीवन से ऊपर उठकर आभ्यन्तर जीवन के दर्शन करता है। वह विषय-भोगों को असार, दुःखमय तथा जन्म जरा मरणरूप संसार का कारण जानकर, इनसे विरक्त हो जाता है। रागद्वेष को ही अपना सबसे बड़ा शत्रु समझकर वह हर प्रकार से इनके परिहार का उपाय करने लगता है और क्रोध मान माया व लोभ के स्थान पर क्षमा, मार्दव, सरलता व सन्तोष आदि गुणों का आश्रय लेता है। कषायों का निग्रह करके विषय-गृद्ध इन्द्रियों को संयमित करता है। सभी प्राणियों को आत्मवत् देखता हुआ उनके सुख-दुःख का वेदन करने लगता है और दूसरों की आवश्यकताओं का सम्मान करते हुए परिग्रह का यथाशक्ति त्याग करता है। स्व व पर के प्रति सदा जागरूक रहता है तथा यतनाचारपूर्वक मोक्षमार्ग में निर्भय विचरण करने लगता है।</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">द्वितीय खण्ड `मोक्षमार्ग' है। इसमें पदार्पण करने पर व्यक्ति की समस्त शंकाएँ, भययुक्त संवेदनाएँ, आकांक्षाएँ तथा मूढ़ताएँ, श्रद्धा ज्ञान व चारित्र अथवा भक्ति ज्ञान कर्म की समन्वित त्रिवेणी में धुल जाती है। इष्टानिष्ट के समस्त द्वन्द्व समाप्त हो जाते हैं तथा समता व वात्सल्य का झरना फट पड़ता है। सांसारिक भोगों के प्रति विरत होकर उसका चित्त प्रशान्त हो जाता है। घर में रहते हुए भी वह जल में कमल की भाँति अलिप्त रहता है। व्यापार-धन्धा आदि सब कुछ करते हुए भी वह कुछ नहीं करता। श्रावक तथा क्रमशः श्रमण धर्म का अवलम्बन लेकर उसका चित्त सहज ही ज्ञान-वैराग्य तथा ध्यान की विविध श्रेणियों को उत्तीर्ण करते हुए धीरे-धीरे ऊपर उठने लगता है, यहाँ तक कि उसकी समस्त वासनाएँ निर्मूल हो जाती है, ज्ञान-सूर्य पूरी प्रखरता के साथ चमकने लगता है और आनन्द-सागर हिलोरें लेने लगता है। जब तक देह है, तब तक वह अर्हन्त या जीवन्मुक्त दशा में दिव्य उपदेशों के द्वारा जगत् में कल्याणमार्ग का उपदेश करते हुए विचरण करता है, और जब देह स्थिति या आयु पूर्ण हो जाती है तब सिद्ध या विदेह दशा को प्राप्त कर सदा के लिए आनन्द-सागर में लीन हो जाती है।</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">तृतीय खण्ड `तत्त्व-दर्शन' है, जिसमें जीव-अजीव आदि सप्त तत्त्वों का अथवा पुण्य-पाप आदि नौ पदार्थों का विवेचन है। जीवात्मा पुद्गल-परमाणु आदि षट् द्रव्यों का परिचय देकर उनके संयोग व विभाग द्वारा विश्व सृष्टि की अकृत्रिमता तथा अनादि-अनन्तता प्रतिपादित की गयी है।</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">चतुर्थ खण्ड `स्याद्वाद' है। ऊपर अनेकान्त का संक्षिप्त परिचय दिया जा चुका है। यही जैनदर्शन का प्रधान न्याय है। इस खण्ड में प्रमाण, नय, निक्षेप, व सप्तभंगी जैसे गूढ़ व गम्भीर विषयों का हृदयग्राही, सरल व संक्षिप्त परिचय दिया गया है। अन्त में वीरस्तवन के साथ ग्रन्थ समाप्त होता है।</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
कहा जा सकता है कि इन चार खण्डों में अथवा ७५६ गाथाओं में जैनधर्म, तत्त्व-दर्शन तथा आचार-मार्ग का सर्वाङ्गीण संक्षिप्त परिचय आ गया है। यों तो जैन-वाङ्मय विपुल है और एक-एक शाखा पर अनेक ग्रंथ उपलब्ध हैं। सूक्ष्मतापूर्वक अध्ययन करने के लिए तो निश्य निश्चय ही उन ग्रन्थों का सहारा लेना आवश्यक है। किन्तु साम्प्रदायिक अभिनिवेश से परे, मूलरूप में जैनधर्म-सिद्धान्त का, आचार-प्रणाली का, जीवन के क्रमिक-विकास की प्रक्रिया का, सर्वसाधारण को परिचय कराने के लिए यह एक सर्वसम्मत प्रातिनिधिक ग्रन्थ है। </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">जैनं जयति शासनम्।</span></div>
</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-88468448528065773552015-03-24T09:48:00.003-04:002015-03-24T09:48:59.141-04:00Fourteen Auspicious Dreams of Mother Trishala<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 13.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queen Trishala, mother of
Lord Mahavir saw at mid night fourteen beautiful and auspicious dreams after
conception. They were:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><ol>
<li>Elephant</li>
<li>Bull</li>
<li>Lion</li>
<li>Goddess Laxmi</li>
<li>Garland of Flowers</li>
<li>Full Moon</li>
<li>Sun</li>
<li>Large Flag</li>
<li>Silver Urn</li>
<li>Lotus‑Lake</li>
<li>Milky‑Sea</li>
<li>Celestial Air‑plane</li>
<li>Heap of Gems</li>
<li>Smokeless Fire</li>
</ol>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first dream queen
Trishala saw was an ELEPHANT. She saw a big, tall and impetuous elephant. It
had two pairs of tusks. The color of the elephant was white and its whiteness
was superior to the color of marble. It was an auspicious elephant and was
endowed with all the desirable marks of excellence. This dream indicates that
her son will guide the spiritual chariot and save human beings from misery,
greed and attraction of life.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second dream queen
Trishala saw was a BULL. The color of the bull was also white, but it was
brighter than white lotus. It glowed with beauty and radiated a light all
around. It had noble, grand and majestic hump. It had fine, bright, and soft
hair on his body. Its horns were superb, and sharply pointed. This dream
indicates that her son will become a spiritual teacher of great sages, kings
and other great personalities.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third dream queen
Trishala saw was a magnificent LION. Its claws were beautiful and well poised. The
lion had a large well‑rounded head and extremely sharp‑edged teeth. Its lips
were perfect, its color was red, and its eyes were sharp and glowing. Its tail
was impressively long and well shaped. Queen Trishala saw this lion descending
towards her and entering her mouth. This dream indicates that her son will be
as powerful and strong as lion. He will be fearless, almighty, and capable of
ruling the entire world.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fourth dream queen
Trishala saw was a GODDESS LAXMI, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity and power. She
was seated at top of mountain Himalaya. Her feet had sheen of golden turtle. She
had delicate and soft fingers. Her black hairs were tiny, soft and delicate. She
wore rows of pearls interlaced with emerald and a garland of gold. A pair of
earring hung over her shoulders with dazzling beauty. She held a pair of bright
lotuses. This dream indicates that her son will attain the great wealth, power
and prosperity of this world.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fifth dream queen
Trishala saw a celestial GARLAND OF FLOWERS descending from the sky. It smelled
mixed fragrance of different flowers. The whole universe was filled with
fragrance. The flowers were white and woven into the garland. They bloom during
all different seasons. Swarms of bumblebees flocked to it and they made humming
sound around the region. This dream indicates that the fragrance of her son's
teaching will spread over the entire universe.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sixth dream queen
Trishala saw a FULL MOON. It presented an auspicious sight. The moon was at its
full glory. It awoke the lilies to bloom fully. It was bright like a
well-polished mirror. The moon radiated whiteness like a swan. It inspired the
oceans to surge skyward. The beautiful moon look like a radiant beauty mark in
the sky. This dream indicates that her son will have a great physical structure
and be pleasing to all living beings of the universe.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The seventh dream queen
Trishala saw a HUGE DISC OF SUN. The Sun was shining and destroying darkness. It
was red like the flame of the forest. Lotuses bloomed at its touch. The Sun is
the lamp of the sky and the lord of planets. The sun rose and put to end the
evil activities of the creatures that thrive at night. This dream indicates
that teaching of her son will to destroy anger, greed, ego, lust, and pride
from the life of the people.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The eighth dream queen
Trishala saw a very LARGE FLAG flying on a golden stick. The flag fluttered
softly and auspiciously in the gentle breeze. It was attracting the eyes of
all. Peacock feathers decorated its crown. A radiant shining‑white lion was on
it. This dream indicates that her son will be great, noble and well respected
leader of the family.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ninth dream queen
Trishala saw a SILVER URN (Kalash) with full of crystal‑clear water. It was a
magnificent, beautiful and bright pot. It shone like gold and was a joy to
behold. It was garlanded with strings of lotuses and other flowers. The pot was
holy and untouched by anything sinful. This dream indicates that her son will
be perfect with all virtues.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tenth dream queen
Trishala saw a LOTUS‑LAKE (Padma‑Sagar). The thousands of lotuses were floating
on the lake, which opened at the touch of the Sun's rays. The lotuses imparted
a sweet fragrance. There were swarms of fishes in the lake. Its water glowed
like flame. The lily‑leaves were floating on the water. This dream indicates
that her son will help to liberate the human beings that are tangled in the
cycle of birth, death and misery.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The eleventh dream queen
Trishala saw a MILKY‑SEA. Its water swell out in all directions, rising to
great heights with turbulent motion. Winds blew and created waves. A great
commotion was created in the sea by huge sea animals. Great rivers fell into
the sea, producing huge whirlpools. This dream indicates that her son will
navigate through Life Ocean of birth, death and misery leading to Moksha or
Liberation.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In her twelfth dream, queen
Trishala saw a CELESTIAL AIRPLANE. The airplane had eight thousands magnificent
gold pillars studded with gems. The plane was framed with sheets of gold and
garlands of pearls. It was decorated with rows of murals depicting bulls,
horses, men, crocodiles, birds, children, deer, elephants, wild animals and
lotus flowers. The plane resounded with celestial music. It was saturated with
intoxicating aroma of incense fumes. It was illuminated with bright silvery
light. This dream indicates that all gods and goddesses in heaven will respect
and salute to his spiritual teaching and will obey him.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In her thirteenth dream
queen Trishala saw a great heap of GEMS, as high as Mount MERU. There were gems
and precious stones of all types and kinds. These gems were heaped over the
earth and they illuminated the entire sky. This dream indicates that her son
will have infinite virtues and wisdom.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In her fourteenth dream
queen Trishala saw a SMOKE LESS FIRE. The fire burned with great intensity and
emitted a radiant glow. Great quantities of pure Ghee and honey were being
poured on the fire. It burned with numerous flames. This dream indicates that
the wisdom of her son will excel the wisdom of all other great people.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After having such fourteen
wonderful dreams, queen Trishala woke up. Her dreams filled her with wonder. She
never had such dreams before. She narrated her dreams to king Siddhartha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The king called the
soothsayers for the interpretation of dreams and they unanimously said,
"Sir, Her Highness will be blessed with a noble son. The dream augurs the
vast spiritual realm, the child shall command. Her Highness will become the
Universal Mother."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After nine months and fourteen
days, Queen Trishala delivered a baby boy. The boy was named Vardhaman meaning
ever increasing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immediately after the birth
of prince Vardhaman, Indra, the King of heaven, arrived with other gods and
goddesses. He hypnotized the whole city including mother Trishala and King
Siddharth. He took the baby Vardhaman to mount Meru and bathed him. He
proclaimed peace and harmony by reciting BRUHAT SHANTI during the first bathing
ceremony of newborn Tirthankara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 13.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After renunciation and
realization of Absolute self-knowledge, Prince Vardhaman became Lord Mahavir,
the twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara of Jain religion.</span><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-36361768843383495052014-10-02T14:57:00.000-04:002014-10-02T14:57:00.286-04:00Anitya Bhävanä <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">All external substances
including the body are transitory (Anitya). They are perishable and therefore,
we should not have attachment for them.</span>Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-51021276595396906482014-08-21T11:28:00.000-04:002014-08-21T11:28:09.079-04:00Bhagwan Mahavir - 24th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagwan Mahavir - 24th Tirthankar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Past-Incarnation</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagavan Mahavir was the last and the twenty fourth Tirthankar of this era in the Jain tradition. He had a highly developed multifaceted personality. He scintil-lated with the infinitely intense glow of the pure soul. All the virtues and powers of his soul were completely awakened and active. He had infinite power but, at the same he also had infinite compassion. Possessing ultimate powers of the soul, he was unconquerable, fully developed and absolutely composite human being.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the seeds of this grandeur and greatness of Bhagavan Mahavir were sown in the remote past. He had been doing vigorous penance, indulging in altruism and practicing deep meditation in many of his past incarnations. From this angle the incidents from earlier incarnations of this supreme soul are very important and inspiring. The first incident in this sequence is known as "the first touch of righteousness". It is from the 27th birth before the final birth of the soul of Bhagavan Mahavir. The story of this birth as the village elder Nayasar, goes like this-</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First Glimpse of Right Knowledge: Nayasar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the twenty seventh birth before being born as Bhagavan Mahavir, this soul was a village elder and forester working for king Shatrumardhan for Pratisthan city in the west Mahavideh area. He used to bring all the wood required for construction purposes from the forest. One day at noon time all the workers were taking rest after their lunch. Nayasar also sat under a tree in order to take the food he had brought along. Before starting to eat he saw some ascetics wandering at the foot of nearby hills. Nayasar thought that these ascetics are wandering without food or water in this scorching sun. If they happen to come this side, I will offer a part of my food to them. I will be benefited by this simple act of serving guests and my day will become purposeful.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Innocent Nayasar waited looking at the approaching ascetics. With deep devotion he offered them this pure food. When they proceeded towards the town, Nayasar accompanied them for some distance to show the way. When Nayasar bowed before the ascetics before taking their leave, they gave him sermons of the true path, the simple code of compassion, pity, simplicity, humility and equanimity. Devoted and respectful, Nayasar got enlightened and the seed of righteousness (Samyaktva) sprouted in his mind. As this is the starting point of the spiritual evolution, the moment when a soul lost in the darkness of illusion got the first glimpse of spiritual light, the counting of the earlier incarnations of the soul that became Bhagavan Mahavir begins here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Third Birth: Marichi</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After completing his age (the age of being, according to Jainism, is a fixed period determined by actions in the immediately preceding birth), the soul of Nayasar was reborn as a god in the Saudharm Kalpa. He then took birth as Marichi, the son of Chakravarti (sovereign of six continents) Bharat in the city of Ayodhya. After hearing the first dicourse of Bhagavan Rishabhdev he became a Shraman. But as he could not sustain the rigorous ascetic codes, he abandoned the dress of a Shraman, made desired relaxations in the harsh code of Shraman conduct, and became a Tridandi Parivrajak (a class of mendicants). He started keeping an umbrella and a pair of wooden slippers. He also used to take bath and apply fragrant pastes like sandal wood pastes. However, he still believed the path of Rishabhdev to be the best. He would sit just outside the divine pavilion (Samavasaran) of Rishabhdev and when asked about his strange dress, he would innocently accept his weaknesses and preach to the people around, inspiring them to accept the religion of Shramans.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day Bharat Chakravarti asked Bhagavan Rishabhdev, "Prabho ! Is there any great being (soul) present in this congregation who will become a Tirthankar like you?" Rishabhdev replied, "Bharat ! Outside this religious congregation sits your son Marichi dressed as a Parivrajak. After penances and other practices for many reincarnations, he will become the last Tirthankar of this cycle of time. during his passage from Marichi to Mahavir, he will also be born as Triprishtha Vasudev (the lord of three regions) in one birth and in another reincarnations Priyamitra Chakravarti."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hearing about the astoundingly bright future of the soul of his Marichi, Emperor Bharat burst with joy. He went to Marichi with the happy news and said, "Marichi ! You are extremely lucky, I greet you as the future Tirthankar."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Marichi was overjoyed hearing the prophecy of Bhagavan Rishabhdev. His happiness was boundless. But at the same time, thoughts of the glory of his clan stirred his conceit. Filled with pride for his clan, he uttered, "How great is my clan and what a superior family is that to which I belong! My grandfather is the first Tirthankar, my father is the first Chakravarti, and I will became a Vasudev, a Chakravarti, and finally the last Tirthankar of this cycle of time. How great, indeed!" And thus Marichi almost burst with conceit. Slowly he slid down from the heights of spiritual excellence, and was drawn into the whirlpool of the egoism of racial supremacy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the Jain tradition, Marichi was the founder of the Parivrajak school. Marichi used to say that the Shramans were free of the distortions of mind, speech, and body, but the Parivrajaks had these. As such, the Parivrajaks started keeping a trident, there symbol. In his last days he made prince Kapil his disciple. From that point on the derivative Parivrajak school gradually distanced itself from the Shraman school.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vishvabhuti</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The soul of Marichi moved from the human dimension to that of gods and back again alternatively for twelve incarnations. When born as human he became Parivrajak many a time and observed numerous austerities. In his sixteenth reincarnation he was born as prince Vishvabhuti the nephew of king Vishvanandi of Rajgrih. He became an ascetic and did harsh penance before breathing his last. In the seventeenth reincarnation he took birth as a god in the Mahashakra dimension of gods and in eighteenth as Triprishtha Vasudev.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Triprishtha Vasudev</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Queen Mrigavati of king Prajapati of Potanpur gave birth to an extremely powerful son. He was named Triprishtha. Prajapati was an ordinary king of subordinate kingdom of the Prativasudev Ashvagriv. Triprishtha was a very brave and valorous young man. When the fame of his powers and strength reached Ashvagriv he became apprehensive. He asked his astrologer about how he would meet his end. The astrologer said, "The man who would crush your powerful emissary-Chandamegh and also kill the ferocious lion of Tunga mountain will be the messenger of death for you." One day Ashvagiv sent Chanda to Potanpur. When this emissary misbehaved, Triprishtha threw him out. Then an order was issued to Prajapati, "A ferocious lion has created havoc in the Shali area. Immediately proceed to that area and protect the farmers from the lion. " When Prajapati prepared to go, prince Triprishtha requested, "Father ! When we are available you need not take the trouble to proceed for this insignificant venture. Your sons can easily take care of that petty beast."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Triprishtha and his elder brother Baldev Achal Kumar went to that forest and inquired about the lion from the local populace. As directed , they proceeded toward the den of the lion. Disturbed by the noise of the village folk, the lion came out of its den and charged towards the princes. Looking at the approaching lion Triprishtha thought, "The creature is alone moving on its feet, why do I need my bodyguards and the chariot? When it dose not carry any weapon, why should I ? I will face it alone and bare handed." Triprishtha got down from the chariot and threw away his weapons. He fought alone and bare handed with the ferocious men-eater. In the end he caught hold of the jaws of the lion and tore it apart. The driver of the chariot of the prince went near the writhing lion, said a few words of sympathy, and covered its wounds with medicinal hers. The dying moments of the beast became peaceful. This act infused a feeling of affection for the driver in the mind of the dying lion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the driver reincarnated as the chief disciple of Bhagavan Mahavir, Indrabhuti Gautam, this lion was born as a farmer. When the farmer saw Gautam he was infused with a feelings of fear and vengeance surfaced. Bhagavan Mahavir then revealed the cause of these dormant feelings by narrating the story of his earlier life. Prince Triprishtha conquered the evil king, Prativasudev Ashvagriv, and established his own empire over three continents. He became the first Vasudev of this cycle of time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lead in the Ears</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once the Vasudev was enjoying a musical concert in his assembly. When his eyelids became heavy with slumber he instructed his bed attendant, "When I am asleep stop the program?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a few minutes Triprishtha closed his eyes and went to sleep. Everyone present was engrossed in the lilting music. The concert went on throughout the night. Suddenly Vasudev was awake. When he heard the music going on, he turned crimson with anger. He shouted angrily at the attendant, "Why the music has not been stopped yet ?" With folded hands the bed attendant submitted, "Everyone was lost in the intoxicating waves of the melodious music. Pardon me, Sire! I too became lost." The negligence in following his instructions added fuel to the fire of Triprishthas anger. Directing all his anger on the negligent aide, he said, "Pour molten lead in the ears of this music buff. Let him realize the consequences of ignoring the instructions of his master for the sake of his live for music." Vasudevs order was carried out. Writhing with extreme and intolerable agony the bed attendant died on the spot.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The soul in the form of Triprishtha accumulated the bondage of tarnishing Karmas due to its extremely cruel attitude. It had to suffer the excruciating result in the form and life as Mahavir. The aide reincarnated as a farmer and hammered nails in Mahavirs ears when he did penance as a Shraman. As a result of the intoxication of power, passion for grandeur, and cruelty of attitude, Triprishtha Vasudev, after living his age was reborn in the seventh hell. In his twenty first incarnation he became a lion; in the twenty second he again went to the fourth hell, and after that he was born as Priyamitra Chakravarti in the twenty third birth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Right Direction : Priyamitra Chakravarti</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After seeing many auspicious dreams, the queen of Dhananjay, the ruler of Mukanagari, gave birth to a son. He was named as Priyamitra. As a result of his virtuous Karmas and his bravery he conquered all the six continents and became a Chakravarti. He enjoyed all these pleasures and grandeur befitting a Chakravarti. In the end, he got detached and became a Shraman by taking Diksha (the formal act of renouncing the mundane life style) from Pottilacharya. For about ten million years he indulged in serving the guru, studying and pondering over the scriptures, meditation, and a variety of austere penances. Though these he continued to wipe out the tarnishing Karmas acquired during previous lives. Living his age, he was reborn as a god in the Mahashukra Kalpa from where, in his next incarnation, he was born as the son of king Jitshatru of Chhatranagari.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Austere Practices : Nandan Muni</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The life of prince Nandan (son of king Jitshatru) was like a lotus flower in the swamp of passions and mundane indulgences. The attraction of the beauty and love of beautiful damsels did not divert him from his spiritual quest. Finally he became a disciple of Pottilacharya. Becoming an ascetic, he started purifying his soul with the fire of penance. He undertook the tough practice of the twenty step penance that includes discipline, penance, devotion for Arihant, service of the ascetic, and other such purifying acts. As a result of these practices, he earned the Tirthankar-nam-and-gotra-karma (the Karma that would make him a Tirthankar if future birth). He spent about a hundred thousand years as a Shraman with perfect discipline. During this period he did one hundred and sixty thousand one month fasts. Living his age with austure Pranat Pushpottar Viman (a specific dimension of gods). This was the birth preceding his reincarnation as Mahavir.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life as Householder</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Conditions before the Birth</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
About 2594 years back (599 BC) in the eastern region of India, a bright source of spiritual light dawned. He became famous as Vardhaman Mahavir.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the period of Bhagavan Parshvanath, the feudal system of rule prevailed in India. However, the beginnings of democratic system had started appearing on the political scene. It was the dawn of the localized republics. After his Nirvana the republics started expanding and Vaishali emerged as the capital of the federation of small republics. Maharaj Chetak, a staunch follower of the Parshva Tradition, was the president of the Vaishali republic and the federation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the northern shore of the Ganges a large and powerful group of Lichhavi Kshatriyas favoured democratic system. The six prominent clans that formed this republic were-Ugra, Bhog, Rajanya, Ikshvaku, Lichhavi, Jnat, and Kaurav, and nine chiefs represented them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another union was named Malla and it was divided into two parts-northwestern and south-eastern. The capital city of north-west was Kushinara and that of south-east was Pava. The nine chiefs of the Federation of Malla republics were also staunch supporters of the democratic system. Nine Mallas and nine Lichhavis combined to form a well organized apex union called the Union of Vajji Republics. The Lichhavis of the Vaishali republic were Suryanvanshi Kshatriyas, the descendants of Maryada Purushottam Ram. Before the advent of Bhagavan Mahavir and the Buddha, these were famous as the Videhas, but later, the name Lichhavi became more popular. Still, as a cultural group they always retained their identity as the Videhas. In the Jain literature Maharaj Chetak has been mentioned as Videgraj, his sister, Trishla, as Videhdinna. Mahavir has also been mentioned as Videh Sukumal. All this is indicative of the higher religious and cultural status of the state of Videh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Royal Family of Vaishali</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To the north of Vaishali, there was a suburb named Kundpur Sannivesh. There was a colony of Brahmans in the southern parts of Kundpur. The chief of these Brahamans was Rishabhdatta and his wife was Devananda. Although a rich Brahman and a scholar of the Vedas and Vedangas, Rishabhdatta was a devotee of Bhagavan Parshvanath.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the northern parts of Kundpur there was a colony of Kshatriyas of the Jnat clan. The colony was known as Kshatriya Kundpur. Siddharth was the chief here. Because of his great valor and wealth he was respectfully addressed as Raja or Narendra. He was a highly influential member of the Vaishali republic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trishla, the sister of president Chetak of Vaishali, was married to Siddharth; she was also known as Videhdinna and Priyakarini, Chetaks elder son Simhabhadra (commander-in- chief of the army of the Vajji Republic. Maharaj Chetak had seven daughters-</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Chelana-Queen of king Bimbsar Shrenik of Magadh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Shiva-Queen of king Chandapradyot of Avanti.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Mrigavati-Queen of king Shatanik of Kaushambi.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Pradmavati-Queen of king Dhadhivahan of Champa (mother of Chandanbala).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Prabhavati-Queen of king Udayan (Udayi) of Sindhu-Sauvir.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Jyeshtha-Wife of prince Nandivardhan, elder brother of Bhagavan Mahavir.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Sujyeshtha-Did not marry. Became ascetic in Mahavirs organization.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ajatshatru (Kunik), the famous warrior character in Jain and Buddhist literature, and king Udayan of Vats were own grandsons of Maharaj Chetak.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dreams: The Premonition</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One night mother Trishla is sleeping in her soft and cozy bed. Suddenly she dreams of auspicious things and gets up. She is filled with an hitherto inexperienced joy and ecstasy. She leaves the bed, sits on a chair and contemplates, "So many divine and auspicious things together in my dream. I had such astonishing dream for the first time in my life, what does this indicate, indeed some benefits in the near future?" She goes to king Siddharth and tells him about the dreams.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
King Siddharth beams with joy and says," Devi! Your dreams are bounteous. We will gain wealth, pleasures, happiness, and a son. We shall also have territorial gains. The interpretation of these dreams indicates that the son born to you will be the embodiment of the combined of the combined virtues of all the virtuous things and signs existing on the earth. (In scriptures like Acharang and Kalpasutra, it is mentioned that the descent of the soul that was to be Mahavir was originally the womb of Devananda Brahmani. The fetus was then transplanted into the womb of Trishla Kshatriyani by god Harinaigamehsi under instructions from Shakrendra.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After their morning chores, Maharaj Siddharth and Devi Trishla came and took their seats in the assembly hall. His younger brother Suparshva, his wife and other members of the royal family also took their seats nearby.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Famous dream readers of Vaishali arrived into the assembly hall. Maharaj Siddharth and Devi Trishla greeted the dream readers and scholars of eight pronged system of augury, and offered them high seats. The king said to them, "Scholars of augury! Last night in the early hours of the morning, Priyakarini, Videhdinna Devi Trishla saw 14 auspicious dreams. Kindly interpret these dreams on the basis of your knowledge and experience of the science of augury and satisfy the curiosity of all of us."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The augurs listened to the details of the dreams from Devi Trishla and beamed with joy. Pondering over, they interpreted the dreams as follows-</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"O king of kings! Maharaj Siddharth ! According to the science of dreams there are 72 auspicious dreams. Out of these, 42 indicate of ordinary benefits and remaining 30 of great benefits. The dreams the fortunate Devi Trishla has seen are the fourteen great dreams that indicate extremely auspicious and divine gains in the near future. According to these dreams Devi Trishla will give birth to a son who will become a Chakravarti, but..... Maharaj ! According to the scriptures there already have been 12 Chakravartis, the prescribed number for this cycle of time. However, one Dharm-Chakravarti (Emperor of religion) is still to be born. As such, all the signs and circumstances point at the fact that your son, the benefactor of mankind, will be a Dharm-Chakravarti.". King Siddharth amply rewarded the dream-readers and sent them home with due honor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Auspicious Birth</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was spring time and the nature was in full bloom. The atmosphere was clean and pure. Cool and fragrant breeze infused joy in every particle in the nature. In the soundless quietude of the midnight, the sky was fluorescent with milky moonlight. The auspicious date was the thirteenth of the bright half of the month of Chaitra. The moon was in conjunction with the Uttaraphalguni Nakshatra (lunar mansion), the sign of victory. At that auspicious moment Mother Trishla gave birth to a divine child. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The child was the embodiment of divine light. As soon as it was born, the world was filled with radiant light. It appeared as if, to behold this divine light even the blind were blessed with eyes. This light penetrated even the oppressive dense darkness of the hell. The hell beings forgot their pain. Quarrels, fights, and battles stopped. Those suffering from a life time of hunger and thirst experienced a divine feeling of fulfillment. All around cool and fragrant breeze started blowing. Patients of chronic ailments felt cured. Natural enemies too had a surge of a feeling of mutual goodwill and love. All the three worlds (heaven, earth and hell) were filled with waves of happiness. With the birth of the child, the whole atmosphere underwent a strange change for sometime. Hearing the news of the birth of Bhagavan Mahavir all the inhabitants of the dimensions of gods danced with joy. First of all the king of gods, Shakrendra, came and bowed before the Bhagavan and then circumambulated mother Trishla three times. All the gods goddesses and lower gods (Gandharva, Kinner etc.) sang and danced and celebrated the birth of the Tirthankar with gaiety.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the Kalpasutra, on the night of the birth of the child, first of all 56 divine maidens from all directions (Disha Kumaris) performed the first cleaning and other necessary post birth duties. Shakrendra and other gods, then, took the child to the peak of the Meru mountain and gave him the first bath and annointment. They sang songs in honor of the divine birth. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At dawn a maid named Priyamvada rushed to king Siddharth and announced, "Congratulations Sire! Many congratulations! Queen Trishla has given birth to a male child."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Filled with joy and ecstasy the king gave away all the ornaments on his body, save state emblems, to Priyamvada. He also released her from slavery. Thus, a slave woman was freed of her life long slavery just because she was the bearer of the good news of the birth of the Tirthankar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Strange Celebrations</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
King Siddharth called his prime minister and ordered, "Tell the officer-in-charge of celebrations to organize unique and special birth celebrations."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the kings order, all the highways, roads, and lanes in the town of Kshatriyakund were cleared, perfumed water was sprayed, and buntings, garlands, and leaves were lavishly put everywhere. Sweets and gifts were distributed. People danced with joy. The whole town echoed with felicitous songs and music. Maharaj Siddharth had an inspiration. He called the prime minister and said, "The celebrations of child birth in the royal family are part of the tradition. However, on this particular occasion I want something new, something unique."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The minister humbly submitted, "Sire ! Express your wish and it will be carried out like an order." King Siddharth said, "Today announce a general amnesty. Free all the prisoners; right off all the debts; distribute money to the needy; allow fifty per cent subsidy on all purchases from all traders; open centers for distribution of food and clothes to the poor, old, and invalid; and liberate old and sick slaves. Thus let the townsfolk join the celebrations free from misery, hunger and bondage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The order of king Siddharth was carried out. The celebrations continued for ten days with unprecedented enthusiasm. People hailed the occasion and muttered, " Some divine great soul has descended on the earth to liberate the world from pain and misery." When the name giving ceremonies approached, king Siddharth said to Devi Trishla, "Devi! There has been a continued increase in our wealth, power and happiness. As such I think we should name the child as Vardhaman (ever increasing)."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Queen Trishla consented with joy, "Maharaj ! You are absolutely correct. This child is certainly going to accelerate our all around development."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vardhaman : The Name</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the twelfth day after the birth of the child, king Siddharth organized a great feast and invited all his relatives and friends. After meals and other state courtesies, king Siddharth addressed the guests, "Since the day this child was conceived, our family has been blessed with increasing goodwill, respect, wealth, and mutual affection. Cash, gold, and gems have increased in our treasury. The public has gained health, peace, happiness, and goodwill. Thus since the moment this soul has descended, there has been a continued enhancement in our glory, wealth, health, and fame. As such I and Devi Trishla have thought of a befitting name for this child Vardhaman"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
King Siddharth suggestion was unanimously approved and the child was formally named Vardhaman.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fearless Vardhaman</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day Shakrendra, while talking in the assembly of gods, stated, "There is no person more brave, courageous and strong than price Vardhaman." Praising an eight year old boy's bravery in the assembly of gods was a strange thing. A skeptic god jokingly said that Shakrendra was exaggerating. And he proceeded to test prince Vardhaman. Vardhaman was playing with children of his age in the Jnatkhand jungle. The game was to race to a target tree, climb up, and come down. The first one to reach the ground was the winner. Vardhaman ran the race and was first to climb the tree. Just then the boys on the ground, saw a ferocious cobra slithering up around the trunk of the trunk of the tree and hissing with its raised hood. The boys stated trembling with fear and ran away. From a safe distance they shouted, "Vardhaman, do not come down. There is a black serpent of the tree-trunk. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vardhaman, on his way down saw the snake and also heard the call of his friends. He shouted back, "Be quiet, and dont be afraid." He jumped down. The snake followed and, hissing, it leapt a Vardhaman. With astonishing agility, the prince caught the snake by its hood and with a jerk threw it away like a piece of rope.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After this, the boys started playing another game called Tindushak. This game was also a race to a target tree. The winner was to ride piggy-back on the losers and return to the base. The god who had come to test Vardhaman also joined the group in the disguise of a boy. In the game when Vardhaman won, the god got Vardhaman on his back and started back for the base. On way he transformed himself into a giant. With the prince on his back the god flew in the sky. The boys shouted with fear. Vardhaman, undaunted, hit the giant with his mighty fist. The god cried with pain and landed back on the ground. Vardhaman jumped from his back. The culprit disappeared and in his place appeared a god, who begged Vardhaman's pardon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Test by Indra in the School</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Vardhaman entered the ninth year of his age, his parents thought that it was time to impart martial and formal education befitting a Kshatriya boy to him. They decided to send him to school.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When he went to the school he offered his respects to the teacher just like any other ordinary student. In spite of having all worldly knowledge since his birth, by offering respect to his teacher, Vardhaman honored the age old traditional ideals. The teacher gave him the first lesson of the alphabets. Vardhaman listened silently. After sometime the teacher called him and asked, "Prince! You are just idling, why dont you repeat the lesson and memorize it ?" In reply, Vardhaman recited the full alphabets. The teacher was surprised.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While he was trying to fathom the surprising capacity of the little boy, an old Brahman, with a Tilak on his forehead, entered the school. The teacher greeted him and offered a seat. The Brahman asked some complex questions on grammar. The teacher could not reply and remained silent looking down in disgust. The Brahman smiled and said, "Acharya! Please do not bother yourself. May be, This new student of yours will solve my problem. If you allow me, I may ask him?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The teacher consented and the old Brahman put the complex questions before Vardhaman. Little Vardhaman, Without hesitating, gave correct and appropriate answers. The teacher stared dumbfounded at the little boy. The Brahman smiled and said, "Acharya! Please dont feel insulted. You are not aware that the sun of knowledge of this era is present before you as prince Vardhaman. He is the future Bhagavan Mahavir, the omniscient."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is believed that Indra compiled his questions and Vardhamans answers into a book named Aindra Vyadaran (the grammar of the Indra).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Family</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jnat clan to which king Siddharth belonged, was same as the Ikshvaku clan to which belonged Bhagavan Rishabhdev. Siddharth and Rishabhdev both also belonged to the Kashyap family. It is a matter of pride for the Ikshvaku clan and Kashyap family that 22 Tirthankars came from the same family. Devi Trishla was the sister of Chetak, the president of the Vaishali republic. Because of the paternal connection with Videh area she was also known as Videhadatta (dinna); her third name was Priyakarini. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vardhamans uncle or king Siddharths younger brother was Suparshva. Siddharthas elder son was Nandivardhan. Nandivardhan's wife was Jyeshtha. Vardhaman also had a sister named Sudarshana. When and to whom Sudarshana was married is not mentioned anywhere. However, her son Jamali was a famous figure. Although surrounded by unlimited wealth and grandeur, prince Vardhamans mind and attitude was completely detached and purified by the fire of discipline. It was like a lotus </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
flower in the pond. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The power and glory of the kingdom never attracted him. Even his marriage to Yashoda, daughter of prince Samarvir, was due to the affectionate persuasion and pressure by and from his parents. Yashoda gave birth to a daughter, who was named Priyadarshana. Prince Jamali married Priyadarshana. According to Acharang Sutra, three names of Vardhaman became very famous:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Vaddhamane - This name, Vardhaman, was given by his parents.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Samane Saman - or Shraman indicates his natural unblemished intellect.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Mahavir - This indicates his unique bravery, courage, and tolerance. This name was given by the gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another of his names was Sanmati. Because of his purity of thoughts he also became famous by his name. Other names of Bhagavan Mahavir, found in canonical literature are as follows: Jnatputra, Vaishlik, Vir, Ativir, Antya Kashyap, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Death of Parents</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Detached from all mundane activities and desirous of becoming an ascetic in order to pursue the spiritual goal, Mahavir was keeping the matter pending due to his earlier resolution. "As long as my parents are alive I shall not think of taking Diksha."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Mahavir became 28 years old his parents took the last vow of continued meditation without food. They gradually purified their souls and left their mortal bodies with a serene mental state. After their death Vardhaman told his elder brother, now king Nandivardhan, about his decision to become ascetic. Nandivardhan replied in a choking voice, "Prince! Loss of parents followed by your renunciation; how will I be able to bear these shocks at the same time? Honor my desire and postpone your program for two years."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vardhaman accepted his elder brothers request and stayed back for two more years. But during this period he lived like an ascetic. Indulging in spiritual practices with due discipline, he prepared himself for his impending renunciation. Knowing about his resolve for renunciation, gods from the edge of the universe arrived and put forth the formal request, "O benefactor of the world! Your resolve is great. Please proceed on the path of renunciation and propagate religion for the welfare of the world." Prince Vardhaman gave charity three hours everyday for one year. Rich or poor, whoever came to Vardhaman was awarded whatever he desired. At the end of one year Vardhaman was ready for renunciation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
THE LIFE AS AN ASCETIC</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Great Renunciation</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the tenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Margshirsh. Prince Vardhaman had observed a ritual fast of two days. A palanquin named Chandraprabh was prepared for his great renunciation. Sometime in the afternoon, Vardhaman came out of the palace and climbed into the palanquin. The procession with the palanquin proceeded to Jnatkhand garden in the north-east of Kshatriyakund. The palanquin was placed near an Ashok tree. Vardhaman got down from the palanquin. Thousands of eyes were staring at the prince. His golden body was adorned with a beautiful dress and scintillating ornaments. The next moment he had removed all the ornaments and his dress. The only cover on his body was a piece of cloth resting on his shoulders and provided by Indra. Vardhaman pulled out his hair in five fistfuls. Indra collected his dress, ornaments, and hair in a golden vessel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After this he uttered in his deep resonant voice, "Namo Siddhanam," (I bow to the Siddhas or liberated souls). Then he took the vow of ascetic life, "I take the vow of practicing equanimity all through my life and abandon all intentional sinful activities." Bhagavan Mahavir, accepting the rigorous ascetic vow, resolved, " In my ascetic life I will remain equanimous in all conditions and circumstances. I will tolerate every affliction of predicament caused by man, god, demon or animal equally, no matter how fearsome it is. As long as I do not attain omniscience, I will continue to tread the fire paved path of purity with unflinching and firm steps." A wave of reverence started and thousands of heads bowed with reverence and thousands of the throats uttered in unison, "Victory be to Shraman Mahavir."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Removal of Poverty</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the austere vow the Mahashraman acquired Manahparyav Jnan which allowed him to perceive the feelings and thoughts of all beings. His heart was filled with equanimity and compassion. His face beamed with a spontaneous smile. He walked with firm and steady steps towards the jungle without turning around or hesitating. Suddenly there was a feeble call from behind. The call of a pain filled heart retards the movement of a Mahashraman also. Next moment a wiry and weak Brahman, moving briskly with the help of a stick, arrived and fell at the feet of the Mahashraman. Tears were flowing from his eyes and there was an expressive pain on his pitiable face. he uttered humbly, "Prince Vardhaman! Kindly liberate me; give me something; remove my poverty."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shraman Mahavir recognized the old man to be Som Sharma of Brahmankund. Long back he used to come to king Siddharths court. The charitable king extended him all help by giving what he needed. He was happy then. But he was not seen after the kings death.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Som Sharma said, "Prince, I wandered around from one state to another after the death of king Siddharth, my mentor. Wherever I went, my bad luck followed me. After two years of wandering in vain, I have returned home this morning. On my return my family members informed me about your year long charity. Everyone got what he desired, but I, the ill-fated, got nothing from your charitable hands. Prince! As soon as I reached home I came to know that abandoning everything, you have become ascetic only today. Prince Vardhaman, have pity on this poor destitute. Remove my poverty with your kind hands."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mahavir was filled with compassion, but today he had nothing to give. He suddenly thought of the divine cloth on his shoulder. He tore it into two and gave one to the Brahman. The Brahman was filled with joy. He took this piece of cloth to a mender and inquired about its value. The mender said, "Brahman! How did you get this divine cloth? It is just a part of a whole. If you could bring the other part also, I will mend it back to its original form and you could sell it for a hundred thousand gold coins."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The greedy Brahman ran back to Mahavir and followed him wherever he went. After about a year the remaining piece of the divine cloth fell from Mahavirs shoulder. Som Sharma picked it up, got it mended, and sold it to king Nandivardhan for a hundred thousand gold coins.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Period of Practices: The Afflictions Rejection of the Divine Help</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The day after his renunciation Mahavir left Jnatkhand garden. At sunset he arrived near a small village called Kurmargram (identified as Kaman Chhapra today). He stopped under a tree, and, standing rock still, started his meditation. After some time a cowherd arrived there with his oxen. He wanted to go into the village to do his job of milking cows. He approached the meditating Shraman and said, "Ascetic! Please look after my oxen while I go into the village to milk cows. I will return soon." Without waiting for a reply the cowherd went away. The oxen, untethered and uncared for, strayed into the nearby jungle. On his return when the cowherd did not find his oxen, he asked, "Ascetic! Where are my oxen?" Mahavir remained silent. The cowherd grumbled and started looking around. He searched all around throughout the night in vain. The oxen, in the mean time, returned and lay down near Mahavir. When the exhausted cowherd returned in the morning and beheld this scene, he lost his temper. He took Mahavir to be a thief in disguise, whom he had caught just before the thief was to flee with the oxen that he must have hidden during the night. Without a second thought he started hitting Mahavir with the rope he carried for tying the oxen. The hard sisal rope left large inflamed welts on Mahavirs naked body. Even this excruciating pain did not distract Mahavir from his meditation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just then an overpowering divine person appeared and said in his commanding voice, "Stop it, you ignorant idiot! You are committing a grave crime. This person is no thief. He is the son of king Siddharth. He is Shraman Mahavir, a great yogi and a meditating ascetic." The cowherd fell prostate at the feet of Mahavir and, repenting for his ignorance, begged his pardon. The divine person who had interfered was none else but the king of gods, Indra. He bowed before Mahashraman. Disturbed by the inflamed marks on the body of Mahavir he said, "Prabhu! These ignorant people will continue to cause you pain due to their foolishness. Please allow me to be in your attendance to provide you protection. Mahavir replied in all humility, "Devraj ! You should know that an ascetic on the spiritual path reaches the goal of purity with the help of his own practice, courage, and discipline. It is never with the help of the king of gods or the king of demons that a soul sheds all its Karmas and becomes an Arhant or gets liberated." Full of reverence and praise, the king of gods bowed before Shraman Mahavir and departed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Afflictions by Shulpani</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wandering Mahavir one day arrived near a small forlorn village on the banks of river Vegvati. Outside the village on a small hillock stood a temple surrounded by scattered heaps of bones and skeletons. Considering it to be an appropriate place for his practices, Mahavir sought permission from the villagers. The villagers informed him that this forlorn village was once a prosperous town. The ferocious lance wielding demon, Shulpani Yaksha, who dances and laughs on heaps of bones, had turned this Vardhaman village into Asthik-gram, the village of bones. The temple under questions was his temple and he did not allow any one to stay there. If at all someone stayed he did not come out alive. The villagers tried to dissuade Mahavir from staying in the temple.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But Mahavir was determined to root out fear and sow the seeds of courage. He insisted, and by evening he was standing at a spot within the temple, completely lost in his meditation. When darkness descended, the air was filled with eerie sounds. Shulpani, the Demon with a lance, appeared in the courtyard and started emitting fearful trumpeting noise. He was surprised to see a human being standing fearlessly in meditation. He produced thunderous roar that shook the thick walls of the temple. But the ascetic still did not move, nor did he show horrifying atrocities. A mad elephant appeared and goaded Mahavir with its pointed tasks. It lifted him in his trunk and tossed around. When this had no effect on Mahavir, a horrible ghost appeared and attacked Mahavir with its large canines and claws. Next appeared a black serpent that attacked Mahavir with its large venomous fangs and toxic breath. Finally he caused extreme pain in seven delicate spots within Mahavirs body (eyes, ears, nose, head, teeth, nails, and the back). Mahavir had an endless capacity to tolerate pain. Even this extreme agony failed to pierce the serenity of his composure.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Drained of all his demonic energy, Shulpani became apprehensive. He thought that he was facing some divine power much stronger then he and he was heading towards his own destruction. All of a sudden a divine spiritual light illuminated his inner self. Slowly his anger subsided, fear dissolved, and a feeling of goodwill took over. He touched Mahavir for his pardon. Mahavir opened his eyes and, raising hand, said, "Shulpani ! Anger supplements anger and love begets love. If you do not cause fear, you will become free of all fears always. So destroy the poison ivy of anger." Mahavir spent his first monsoon-stay at Asathik-gram.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Embodiment of Love</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Leaving Asthik-gram Mahavir proceeded in the direction of Shvetambika town. The trail to this town passed through a dense and desolate forest. When some shepherds saw Mahavir entering the forest they shouted, "O Monk, stay put for a minute. This is a dangerous trail. There is a black serpent with venomous gaze on this trail. His hissing and gaze burn plant and trees. Even flying birds and standing humans drop dead. Please leave this trail and take a different route."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mahavir heard this fear filled call of the shepherds. With a serene smile he raised a hand as a gesture of assurance. With firm steps Mahavir went near the snake-hole. All around human and animal skeletons could be seen. There was not a single green leaf as far as the eye could see. Close to the snake-hole was a delepidated temple. Mahavir stood in the shade of this temple and started his meditation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After some time the giant black serpent came out of its hole hissing fiercely. It had seen a human being after a long time. The man was standing firm and fearless with closed eyes. The serpent was surprised. It looked at Mahavir with its venomous red eyes. Like flames from a ball of fire, its poisonous eyes emitted waves of venom. It hissed awesomely. But all this had no effect whatsoever on Mahavir. The serpent was astonished, "Till today every man I came across has been consumed by my first venomous hiss and this man stands still, absolutely unmoved."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The serpent glanced at the sun and once again focused its gaze at Mahavir and hissed at him with renewed anger, but in vain. It slithered from the line of the expected fall of the body and than with all its force sank its fangs in Mahavirs toe and injected all its venom. It drew back and waited expectantly again in vain. The angry serpent, vexed further by its failure stung Mahavir twice again. All its three attacks were wasted. Mahavir stood undisturbed. The serpent was astonished to see milk oozing out instead of blood from the spots where it has stung on Mahavirs toe. Bhagavan Mahavir was standing unmoved. His face was glowing and on his lips was a charming smile, like a blooming rose. His eyes reflected the inner compassion. The serpent continued to stare with surprise. Confused by its failure it was lost in its thoughts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Involved in his spiritual pursuits, Mahavir uttered din his deep and tranquil voice, " O Chandakaushik ! Open your inner eyes. Be calm and remember your past life. do not inject venom of anger in your life. Rise above the deadly poison of anger. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mahavir opened his ambrosia filled eyes. When the serpent met his gaze, it felt as if a wave of peace and tranquillity had engulfed its inner self. It appeared that its venom was slowly vanishing. It was lost in deep thoughts. Its dormant memory started unfolding and it acquired Jatismaran Jnan. Incidents from its past two births surfaced in its memory. It realized that it had suffered excruciating pain and degradation due to extreme anger and acute attachment during those births. The heat of repentance melted its vices. Its spirit embraced enlightenment and mind became tranquil. It touched the pious feet of Bhagavan Mahavir and resolved, "O Lord ! Now I will not look at any one at all throughout my life. I will not eat anything. I will not drink also. I will just put my mouth in the hole and lie still in the shadow of your feet. I will now at one for all my sins committed during the last three births and improve my future."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Knowing that the serpent had become harmless, throngs of people started arriving from nearby villages. They worshipped the serpent-god by offering milk and sweets. But the serpent was lying, keeping its hood in the hole, in meditation without even a trace of movement . Swarms of ants were attracted by the sweets. They started stinging the serpent. But the serpent tolerated these afflictions with equanimity. It silently took the last vow (fast unto death). It tolerated the agony of hunger, thirst and the stings of ants. Its body became almost perforated, but it did not react at all. After fifteen days it died and was reborn as a god in the Sahasrar dimension.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Quashing of the Flames</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once, leaving Shravasti, Shraman Vardhaman was going to Haliddug village. On the way he saw a large banyan tree. finding it suitable, he went under it and started his night meditation. It was winter and a cold wind was blowing. Gaushalak was also following him. As Gaushalak could not tolerate the piercing wind, he shifted to the other side of the tree. After some time some wayfarers also stopped under the tree. They collected dry wood and started a fire to cook food. They spent the night there and kept the fire burning. Early in the morning they broke camp and went away. The fire was left burning. Slowly it spread and engulfed the surrounding dry twigs and leaves gathered under the tree. The wind was blowing in the direction of meditating Mahavir. The fire slowly spread and reached the spot where Mahavir was standing. Gaushalak shouted a warning. But Mahavir had no awareness besides that for his soul. He was unmoved by the heat of the approaching flames. He was busy quashing the ultimate fire, the fire of rebirth. The flames reached him and scorched his feet. Even this acute pain did not reach the depth of his tranquillity. After some time the fire subsided on its own </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Torture by Kalahasti</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Leaving Chorak village Mahavir arrived at the out skirts of Kalambuka village. This village was ruled by two brother, Megh and Kalahasti. Although they were landlords and chieftains. they were still involved in unlawful activities like looting the neighboring kingdom. Tying people with ropes, he tortured them inhumanely. When he still could extract no information from them he ordered them, to be taken to his elder brother, Megh, for further torture and interrogation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shackled like criminals, they were produced before Megh, who felt as if he was looking at a known face. He suddenly recalled that once he had seen prince Vardhaman at the court of king Siddharth. This shackled spy seemed to have an uncanny resemblance with the prince. He came closer and recognized that the person in bondage was none else but prince Vardhaman who had become a Shraman. He fell at the feet of Mahavir and, with tears of repentance in his eyes he begged to be forgiven. When released Mahavir resumed his journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Among the Aborigines</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the fifth year of practices of Bhagavan Mahavir. He moved into the Radh (or Ladh) country. This area was also known as Vajra Bhumi or Shubhra Bhumi and was inhabited by scant and scattered population of rustic aborigines. Gaushalak also followed Mahavir wherever he went. The people of this area did not know anything about ascetics and their ways. They stared in astonishment when they saw a naked person standing like a statue at godforsaken places. When they did not get any response or even reaction on shouting at him, they would get irritated and hit him with sticks, lances, bones and stones. Some on his body. Shraman Mahavir equally tolerated all these tortures and continued his advance toward purity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He wandered from one place to another and once in a while came across small villages. Not so very often he would enter a village to beg food and mostly got dry and stale food. However, most of the time he went without any food. People would curiously stare at him and wild dogs would pounce on him and bite. For their crude entertainment, the aborigines would pick up Mahavir and throw him on the ground. Mahavir spent almost five months in that area during his first visit. Once again, during the ninth year of his practices, Mahavir returned to this area for about six months.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saving GOShalak</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once, while moving from Siddharthpur to Kurmar village Mahavir was passing through a dense forest. All of a sudden Gaushalak saw a Tapas ascetic in an opening on one side of the trail. On closer observation he saw that the hermit was busy doing some strange penance. He was standing facing the sun with his head hanging down and arms straight up. Long strands of his hair were hanging on the ground like roots of some old banyan tree. Due to the heat of sun rays, small insects, falling from his unkempt hair were writhing, and out of compassion, he was picking them up and putting them back in his dense locks of hair.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gaushalak could not control his laughter seeing this strange activity. Jokingly he said, "O abode of insects! What do you think you are doing? You are gathering insects and considering this act to be a penance." The hermit remained calm the first time. But when Gaushalak did not refrain from making biting remarks, the hermit looked at him with his burning eyes and said, "O vicious person! My name is Vaisyayan Tapas and I am the doom of ignorant fools like you." Instead of jolting him to sanity, this scornful comment drew an insulting laughter from Gaushalak. The hermit now took a few steps back and angrily started emitting fire from his mouth (this is a miraculous power called Tejoleshya, acquired through long and harsh penance). Within no time, a ball of fire rushed towards Gaushalak, who retreated with fear and ran to Mahavir shouting in panic, "Sire! Save me. This Tapas will burn me." Reaching Mahavir, Gaushalak fell at his feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hearing the pathetic call of Gaushalak, Mahavir was moved. Turning back he saw the approaching fire ball. From the compassionate heart of Shraman Mahavir flowed a spontaneous stream of cool pacifying energy. When the nectar-glance of Mahavir fell on the fire-ball, it subsided. The angry hermit was astonished to see his fire-ball extinguished. He recognized Mahavir as a much greater and more benevolent power than he, and said, "Pardon me, O embodiment of benevolence! I did not know that this man was your disciple." Gaushalak was saved from his imminent death.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gaushalak was relieved. He asked, "Sire! What does this abode of insects say?" Mahavir replied, "He was just going to turn you to ashes with his fire-power. You were saved by me by my pacifying power. Do not disturb anyone in the future."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Afflictions by Kataputna</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was an incident from the sixth year of the period of spiritual practices of Shraman Mahavir. It was the month of Magh, the peak of winter season. Chilling and biting winds were blowing. During the quiet part of the night in a lonely jungle, Mahavir was standing in meditation. All of a sudden, a witch named Kataputna came there. Seeing Mahavir deep in meditation she became angry for no apparent reason. But there is nothing that happens without reason. There must certainly been some antagonism from some previous birth. As soon as the feeling surfaced, Kataputna lost her reason, and, in order to take her revenge of some forgotten deed from some past life, she started torturing Mahavir. She took the form of a giant and ominous looking Parivrajak with long strands of hair. Filling ice cold water in her braided hair she sprayed that freezing water on Mahavir. The atmosphere was filled with the moaning sound of icy winds and demonic laughter of the witch. It was a horrific scene.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mahavir, elevated completely into a higher spiritual realm, remained unmoved and serene. At last the witch accepted her defeat. She bowed to the feet of Shraman Mahavir and left. As a result of his total absorption in the self and his high purity of soul, Mahavir acquired the special mental powers of perceiving the whole physical world at will.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the Prison</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the sixth year of his practices, Mahavir one day went to the Kupiya village in the state of Videh, east of Vaishali. The village guards caught him and, taking him to be a spy, put him in prison. There were two female mendicants in the village. When they, Vijay and Pragalbh, heard that a spy disguised as a nude ascetic had been apprehended, they came to see him. Shraman Mahavir, tied up, was standing in meditation in the prison. The mendicants recognized him and became sad. They approached the guards and said, "You call yourself guardians of the state and people and you fail to distinguish a thief from a honest citizen. You do not find any difference between a Shraman and a smuggler. For your information, you are torturing Shraman Vardhaman, the ascetic son of king Siddharth. Have you no fear of the wrath of the gods?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With this revelation the soldiers started trembling. They, at once, released Mahavir and sought his forgiveness. Shraman Mahavir just raised his palm a gesture of pardon and assurance and left for some other solitary place.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Deadly Torture by Sangam</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day Shraman Mahavir was doing a special one night meditation in the Polash temple in Pedhal garden outside the Pedhal village. In this practice one makes his body, mind, psyche and soul absolutely still and tranquil. Observing the high degree of engrossment in meditation, Indra exclaimed, "You are great, Prabhu Vardhaman! Today you have no equal as an ascetic and serene, brave, and equanimous spiritualist." Sangam, a god in Indras assembly, was peeved at this praise of a moral being. He retorted, "If Devraj promises not to interfere, I can disturb the concentration of Mahavir. It is a childs play for me."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Indra remained silent, through unwillingly. Considering it to be affirmative, Sangam, with all his cunning and power came to Polash temple. One after another he crated twenty almost fatal predicaments to disturb Mahavirs meditation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He created a terrible sand storm an in no time Mahavir was submerged in a heap of sand. Mahavir, in his unshakable determination did not even close his eyes. As soon as the storm stopped, arrived a swarm of ants. Mahavirs body was covered with biting and stinging ants, but he remained still. After this, innumerable mosquitos attacked Mahavirs body. After mosquitoes, came an attack by white ants turning him into a termite-hill. Scorpions crawled over his body and pierced it with poisonous stings. This was followed by biting mongoose, large cobras, and giant field rats.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After all this, appeared a white elephant that goaded Mahavir with its large pointed tusks. This elephant than lifted Mahavir in its trunks and tossed him up. When Mahavir fell on the ground, it crushed him with its legs. This was followed by an attack by an ominous looking ghost. Then a tiger attacked and gored Mahavir with its sharp talons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When all these painful afflictions failed to disturb Mahavirs meditation, Sangam took a different approach. He created a realistic illusion of Siddharth and Trishla weeping and wailing profusely. But this too could not penetrate Mahavirs iron resolve. Sangam then lit a fire almost touching Mahavirs feet and started cooking. After this he took the form of a bird catcher and hung a number of cages on Mahavir. The birds attacked Mahavir with their beaks and talons through the gaps in the cages. Blood oozed from these new wounds. Then came a storm, torrential rain, and hail-storm. Nothing could disturb the rock hard resolve of Mahavir.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now came a giant whirlwind; lifting and swirling everything that came in its path. Mahavirs body swirled but his mind remained stable. At last Sangam himself lifted a large mace and hit Mahavir. It was a heavy blow that buried Mahavir in the ground up to his knees but he did not even blink. After all these physical blows, Sangam resorted to a psychological attack. He arrived in his divine form riding a Viman (space vehicle) and said to Mahavir, "Why are you suffering so much and still standing on the earth. Come, I will take you to heaven with this mortal body of yours." Mahavir did not respond.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lastly Sangam produced sparsely clad fairies who approached Mahavir and undulated their voluptuous bodies invitingly. He also created an atmosphere conducive to lust. Mahavir never even shifted his icy gaze and his body remained reactionless. All these twenty afflictions drained Sangrams energy and he was tired. On the other hand even after tolerating these painful tortures Mahavir remained poised in his elevated state of meditation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Refuge to the Demon King</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the Vindhya range there lived a hermit named Puran. As a result of his rigorous penances he was reincarnated as the king of demons, Chamarendra. He had a bloated ego due to his natural powers and miraculous capacities. When through his demonic perception, he came to know that the king of gods, Shakrendra, had more glory and luxuries, his ego was hurt. He decided to subjugate the king of gods. He prepared to attack the abode of Shakrendra, the Saudharm Viman, with his demonic arsenal. But in case he faced defeat he wanted support from someone more powerful than him. On searching he found that Shraman Mahavir was the most suitable person. He immediately rushed to Sumsumarpur, where Mahavir was standing in meditation. After bowing to Mahavir he said, "Bhante! I, demon king Chamarendra, am going to fight with Saudharmendra Shakra, please protect me." Saying thus and without waiting for a reply, he rushed to the assembly of gods and challenged the king of gods. For a moment Shakrendra was taken aback but when he saw that it was demon king Chamrendra, he calmly lifted his most potent weapon, the Vajra, and launched it at the demon king.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the Vajra sped in the direction of Chamarendra it emitted bright sparks and thunderous sound. Afraid of this fierce weapon Chamarendra fled in the direction of the tree under which Mahavir stood in meditation. When Shakendra realized where Chamarendra was heading, he became worried about any possible damage the Vajra could cause to Mahavir. He at once rushed after fleeing Chamarendra to defuse the Vajra. It was a strange seen in the sky; first the demon king crying with fear, then the sparkling Vajra followed by the king of gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The demon king transformed himself into a tiny being and took refuge behind Mahavirs feet. He uttered, "Prabhu! I am under your protection, kindly save me." As the Vajra was bout to hit him and explode, Indra caught it and disabled it Chamarendra was trembling with fear and Shakrendra was boiling with anger. Mahavir lifted his open palm and blessed them both. Indra said to Chamarendra, "Demon king! What you have done is unpardonable? But by taking refuge with Bhagavan Mahavir you have tied my hands. As he has forgiven you I am leaving you unharmed. You may go." The demon king, free of the fear of fear and the king of gods, free of anger, bowed before Bhagavan Mahavir and left for their respective abodes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Deliverance of Chandana</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the capital town Kaushambi, king Shatanik ruled over the state of Vats. His chief queen Mrigavati was the daughter of Maharaj Chetak of Vaishali republic. Anga was neighboring state and its capital was Champa. The king of this state was Maharaj Dadhivahan. His queen Dharini was the younger daughter of Chetak. Dharini had a daughter named Vasumati who was very beautiful as well as graceful.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once, when king Dadhivahan had gone with his army to assist a neighboring king, Shatanik attacked Champa. The cruel soldiers of Kaushambi plundered Champa. The general and a great Charioteer of Kaushambi, Kakmukh was attracted more by beauty rather than riches. He entered the palace and kidnapped queen Dharini and Vasumati. On the way when Kakmukh intended to violate her chastity, queen Dharini committed suicide. When Vasumati also threatened to do so, he had a change of heart. He took her to his home as a daughter. When his wife did not tolerate Vasumati, he was persuaded by Vasumati to auction her in the slave market and please his wife with the proceeds. Kakmukh took Vasumati to the slave market. In the auction the highest bidder was a courtesan from Kaushambi. There was an altercation when Vasumati refused to go with her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just at that moment a rich merchant from Kaushambi arrived there. Seeing the commotion he inquired, "What is going on here?" Someone from the crowd said, "Today a slave girl, lifted from Champa, has been bought for sale at a hundred thousand gold pieces. She looks like a divine beauty. A courtesan has bought her but she refuses to go with her. She appears to be a high born and chaste girl." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Immediately the merchant entered the slave market. He looked at the princes and was immediately drawn to analyzing the situation, "no, she cannot be a slave girl. She is a divine person. O lord! How evil the prevailing conditions have become! Such inhuman torture to such a delicate and cultured girl. A lovely girl in such a wretched predicament." The merchant was moved. He approached Vasumati and said, "Child, I am merchant Dhanavah. I am a follower of Nirgranth Shramans and live in this town. Looking at your troubles I feel depressed. If you do not wish to go with the courtesan I will not allow this to go with the courtesan I will not allow this to happen. I will buy you by paying a hundred thousand gold pieces. Would you come with me? Would you live with me as my daughter?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An orphan princess, sold as a slave, arrived at the house of merchant Dhanavah. But his wife, Mula, became doubtful as soon as she saw the divinely beautiful girl entering her household. The moment Mula set her eyes on Vasumati she saw a rival for the favors of her husband. Sown were the seeds of doubt even for her upright husband.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Due to her sweet demeanor Vasumati had a magical influence over the household. The fragrance of her poise and coolness of her nature inspired Dhanavah to call her Chandan (sandal wood). His wife Mula was smitten with envy. She thought that this poisonous flower should be nipped in the bud. One day, merchant Dhanavah left the town on some business errand. This was a golden opportunity for Mula. She relieved all the servants of the household, called Chandana, replaced her beautiful dress with rags, took off all of her ornaments, tied her in shackles and shaved her long silky hair. Chandana uttered in surprise, "Mother, what are you doing? I have done no harm to you. For what misdeed are you punishing me?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mula silenced Chandana, put her in a dark cell, locked it and left.Dhanavaha returned on the third day. When he saw the house abandoned he was taken aback. He called, "Chandan, O Chandan !" but no one replied. He went at the back of the house and shouted once again. Chandana shouted back, "Father, I am here, in the cellar on the back side."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The merchant went in and saw that the cellar was locked. Looking through the bars of the iron gate he saw Chandana in her wretched condition and started crying, "What happened to my daughter? What evil soul has done this to you?" Chandana replied calmly, "Father, get me out first and then I will tell you everything."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The merchant broke the lock and brought out Chandana. She asked, "Father, I have not taken even a drop of water for last three days. Please give me something to eat and drink." The merchant went around the house but everything was locked. Not even a utensil was available. He saw a basket containing a handful of dried pulse-bran meant for cows. He took the basket and put it before Chandana, "Child, eat some of this. I shall call a blacksmith to cut your shackles."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Impossible Resolution</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the 12th year of Bhagavan Mahavirs spiritual practices. Spending the monsoon-stay at Vaishali he came to a garden in Kaushambi. It was the time around which the incidents of Shataniks attack on Champa, fall of Champa, sacrifice of queen Dharini, auction of princess Vasumati as a slave, etc. were occurring. Bhagavan Mahavir with his penetrating knowledge and perception had a glimpse of all this. He made an almost impossible resolution on the first day of the dark half of the month of Paush. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I will accept alms for breaking my fast only from a princess that has become a slave. And that too only if she has a shaven head, her limbs are shackled, she has not eaten for three days, she is sitting on the threshold of a house, she has pulse-bran lying in a basket and she has a smile as well as tears in her eyes. Unless these conditions are met I resolve to continue my practice and not to break my fast." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Four months passed since Bhagavan Mahavir started going from door to door to beg in the town of Kaushambi. One day Mahavir approached the house of the chief minister of Kaushambi, Sugupta. Suguptas wife, Nanda was a devotee of Bhagavan Parshvanath and was acquainted with the ways of ascetic Shramans. Looking at Mahashraman Vardhaman approaching her house for alms, she became enthralled. She requested Prabhu to accept pure and ascetic food. Mahavir turned back without accepting anything. Nanda became disappointed. Cursing her bad luck she said, "Mahashraman Vardhaman came to my house and, what a misfortune, I could not provide him anything."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nandas maids reassured her, "Lady, why are you so dejected, this ascetic has been approaching almost every household in Kaushambi for alms and without taking a single grain or uttering a word he is returning back. We have been witnessing all this for the last four months. This is nothing unique at your place so why be dismayed?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The words of the maid added to Nandas distress, "What! The Mahashraman is returning without alms for last four months. That means Prabhu has been on fast for four months and I have not been able to serve him. How unlucky I am?" At that moment minister Sugupta arrived. Nanda told him everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sugupta also became worried. King Shatanik and queen Mrigavati also got the news that Shraman Mahavir was wandering in Kaushambi without food or water for four months. Everyone was sad and worried. The ruling family for Bhagavan Mahavirs Darshan and requested him to accept food. But he was unmoved. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Five months and twenty five days had passed since Bhagavan Mahavir had eaten anything. The twenty sixth day of the sixth month dawned. It was past noon when Prabhu Vardhaman, wandering for alms, was approaching the house of merchant Dhanavah. An expectant crowd followed him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chandana was sitting on the threshold of the cellar, one feet inside and the other outside. In her hand was a basket and in the basket, stale pulse-bran. When she looked at the shackles on her limbs a broken dream emerged in her memory and she became lost. All of a sudden she heard the sound of approaching footsteps, and a murmur of a crowd. She looked up and found that the great savior Sharaman Mahavir was standing at her door. Chandana became enthralled. She thought, "Thank lord! You have yourself come to my rescue from this pitiable condition." A glow of happiness dawned on her face. She forgot all her misery, the pain turned into joy as if every cell in her body was dancing. She tried to stand, "Welcome O lord! Please accept something from these wretched hands." Prabhu took a step forward and stopped. Twelve out of the thirteen conditions were visible, only Chandana had no tears in her eyes, Mahavir turned and started moving away.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As soon as Mahavir turned, Chandanas joy vanished as if struck by lightening, "How unlucky I am that even in this wretched condition Prabhu has returned empty handed from my door." Filled with self pity she started crying.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mahavir turned back and looked. All conditions of his resolution were visible now. He stepped ahead and extended her cupped palms before Chandana. Joyous Chandana took the pulse-bran from the basket and put it in the extended palms of Bhagavan Mahavir. Mahavir broke his fast.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next moment Chandanas shackles shattered to pieces. Divine drums sounded in the sky. Divine applause echoed from all directions, "Hail the alms-giving." Flowers, fragrant water and perfumes showered from the sky and the courtyard of Dhanvah was filled with heaps of gems. Her beauty had magnified thousand fol. Gods and goddesses adorned Chandana with beautiful garments and ornaments.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This resolution of the period of penance of Bhagavan Mahavir may be deemed as the first step of the human endeavor for womens liberation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last Calamity: Nails in the Ears</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After spending the twelfth monsoon-stay of his period of practices in Champa, Bhagavan Mahavir arrived outside a village named Chhammani and stood in meditation. It was dusk and a cowherd was returning home from his farm he said, "Ascetic! Please look after my oxen, I will return in a few minutes", and he left.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cowherd went into the village and returned a little late. The oxen had drifted away grazing. Not finding his oxen, he asked, "Ascetic, where are my oxen?" Mahavir was in deep meditation and unaware of all this. The cowherd asked again, and once again he did not get any response. He got irritated and shouted, "You hypocrite! Are you deaf, dont you hear anything?" Mahavir still did not respond. The cowherd lost his temper, "You pretender,-it seems that both your ears are useless. Wait a minute, I will give you proper treatment." He picked long nail like thorns from a nearby shrub of Kansa grass and pierced the ears of Mahavir deeply by hammering the thorns in. Even such excruciating agony did not move Mahavir from his meditation, neither did it evoke any feeling of anger or aversion in him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Completing his meditation in normal course he went inside the village for alms. He arrived at the door of a trader named Siddharth. A friend of the trader was sitting with him. He was a doctor. Both of them gave pure food to Mahashraman with due respect.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Doctor Kharak told Siddharth, "Friend, the face of this Shraman has a divine glow but there is a shade of tiredness too. Some inner pain is visible in his eyes. I feel this great sage suffers from some inner agony." Siddharth replied, "Friend, if such a great sage suffers from some kind of pain, we should immediately go and treat him."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After taking alms Mahashraman returned. Taking Doctor Kharak with him, Siddharth followed. Going into the garden, where Prabhu rested, when the two exclaimed him they found the tow thorns stuck in his ears. Kharak shivered with remorse. The friends then arranged for necessary instruments and medicines. They used some medicated oil and forceps and pulled out he thorns. This caused such an unbearable agony to Mahavir that an anguished cry was forced out of him. Blood oozed out of his ears. The doctor dressed the wound with some coagulant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ten Great Dreams</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once after some deep and exhausting spiritual practice Bhagavan Mahavir was extremely tired. The exhaustion resulted in a slumber for a few moments during the last hour of the night and Mahavir saw ten strange drams.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ten scenes of Mahavirs dream and the interpretations of Utpal are as follows-</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Scene: Defeating a Tal demon</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: You will soon destroy the Mohaniya Karma (illusory Karma).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Scene: A bird with white feathers is in attendance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: You will always have purest attitude or feelings.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Scene: A bird with multicolored feathers is around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: You will propagate multifaceted knowledge through the twelve Angas (canons).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Scene: Two gem strings appear in front.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: Utpal could not understand the fourth scene. On his inquiry Mahavir explained....I will preach two way religion....the conduct of ascetics and the conduct of laity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Scene: A herd of white cows is in front.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: The four pronged organization (Shraman, Shramani, Shravak, Shravika) will serve you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Scene: A pond with open lotuses.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: Gods from four dimensions will serve you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Scene: Crossed a waxy ocean swimming.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: You will cross the ocean of rebirths.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. Scene: Sun rays are spreading in all directions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: Soon you will get enlightenment or omniscience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. Scene: You are encircling the Manushottar mountain with your bluish intestines.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: You will pervade the universe with your pure glory.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. Scene: You are sitting on a throne placed on the summit of the mountain Meru.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Int.: You will give religious discourse sitting on a high throne.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
KEWALI CHARYA</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Light of Omniscience</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Observing the details of Bhagavan Mahavirs twelve year period of spiritual practices it becomes evident that his practices combined four qualities-</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Deep and undisturbed meditation, </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Rigorous penance, </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Extreme tolerance of pain, and </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Ultimate equanimity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh. Twelve years five months and fifteen days had passed since the beginning of Mahavirs spiritual practices. Prabhu Mahavir sat in mediation under a Saal tree in a garden on the back of Rijubaluka river. Sitting on both feet with knees touching his chest, he was feeling calm even in the scorching summer sun. Focusing all his physical, mental and spiritual energies he was engrossed in deep and pure meditation. Gradually the sun was setting in the west and within the soul of Bhagavan Mahavir the sun of omniscience was rising. As soon as the dark clouds of four deeply binding Karmas scattered, the all enlightening sun of omniscience dawned. The physical world was being envelop by the darkness of night but the spiritual would was being filled with the light of infinite rays of knowledge. The endeavor had reached the summit of success and attained the goal. Mahavir had become Bhagavan (God), Jina (Victor), Sarvajna (all knowing), and Sarvadarshi (all perceiving). As soon as he became omniscient a soothing light spread in the three worlds for a few seconds. The living world was filled with a strange feeling of hitherto unknown bliss.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The First Discourse</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a twelve and a half year long period of extreme spiritual practices Shraman Vardhaman acquired the ultimate perception (Kewal Darshan), and ultimate knowledge (Kewal Jnan or omniscience). To greet and eulogize the first ray of the divine sun of Mahavirs infinite knowledge, innumerable gods and goddesses from heavens landed on the earth. Doing Vandana of Prabhu Mahavir they celebrated the ultimate attainment (Kivalya).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Traditionally a Tirthankar preaches the religion of equanimity (Ahimsa) immediately after his gaining omniscience. To take advantage of the first divine discourse of Mahavir the gods created the divine pavilion (Samavasaran) on the pious banks of Rijubaluka river. Numerous gods were engrossed in listening the discourse.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The gods may admire and eulogize truth, discipline, and virtues but they cannot do spiritual practices by taking vows. Only man is Capable of entering the discipline of spiritual practices. As such, it is said that in absence of a human being the first discourse of Bhagavan Mahavir was a failure in context of spiritual gains as none of those present took any vow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the bank of Rijubaluka river Mahavir came to Madhyam Pava. A divine pavilion was created in the Mahasen jungle. During that month of Vaishak Som Shrama had organized a great yajna. Eleven famous and great scholars with their 4400 disciples had come to participate in this Yagna. Thousands of people from far and near were arriving to behold the pious flames of the Yajna. Thus, Mhahyam Pava had become a place of pilgrimage. On hearing of the sudden arrival of Bhagavan Mahavir, Pandit Som Sharma become worried and disturbed due to the anti Yajan attitude of the Shraman culture. He went to the chief guide of the Yajna, Mahapandit Indrabhuti. They all confabulated but were short of ideas. Indrabhuti finally said, "Shraman Vardhaman is certainly a person to reckon with. He has the power of spiritual practice and fire of penance but still in knowledge he will prove to be no match for us. Without unmatched power of knowledge we should be able to defeat him now and subjugate a rising adversary in time. We need not worry. It is probable that this pious day may turn out to be the day of our ultimate victory."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This hope filled assurance form Mahapandit Indrabhuti made all the other scholars happy. Som Sharma started dreaming of the victory of the Brahman Yajna organization. Indrabhuti with this 500 disciples proceeded to confront Mahavir.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Indrabhuti and the Self</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Indrabhutis mind got a shock the moment he put his first step inside the divine pavilion. His mind got agitated. From the distance he saw the astonishing glow on the face of Shraman Mahavir. When the powerful sun rays fall on the Himalayan ice caps the ice starts melting. Similarly Indrabhutis ego started melting. He felt as if streams of doubt and uncertainty had started emerging and flowing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Indrabhuti Gautam! You have arrived?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The deep resonant voice of Prabhu Mahavir fell on Indrabhutis ears the moment he entered the third gate of the assembly. "Mahavir recognizes me!" Indrabhuti was astonished; he thought, "Of course, he must have heard of me, the world famous scholar."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Indrabhuti Gautam, although you are a great scholar of Vedas, you are still doubtful of the existence of soul." When these words in the imposing voice of Mahavir echoed in the ears of Indrabhuti he was stunned. Prabhu sweetly uttered in friendly tone, "Indrabhuti Gautam, you doubt about if the soul is based on your knowledge of the Vedas. But the same Vedas contain undeniable proof of independent existence of the soul. Have you ever thought what is a soul? Who is it? and who is it that has this knowledge is the cognizant factor of soul. Soul is an entity that is formless and beyond the sensory realm, it can be perceived not through the sense organs but through direct intuitive experience . . ."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Listening to the Vedic aphorisms and irrefutable logic of Mahavir about the existence of soul, Indrabhutis doubts were removed. His ego melted. With the rising of humility the divine ray of truth became visible. The darkness within Gautam was dispelled. With overflowing respect and curiosity Gautam fell at the feet of Prabhu Mahavir. "Prabhu, I came with a desire to be victorious, but now I am only a seeker of knowledge. Please bestow on me the infinite knowledge of truth. I wish to become a disciple and sit at your divine feet."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"You are welcome, O beloved of gods!" Mahavir uttered equally. Indrabhuti Gautam became the first disciple of Bhagavan Mahavir. His five hundred disciples were also initiated by Mahavir into the order. The sky reverberated with sounds of hailing. The news of initiation of Gautam brought shadow soft gloom over the Yajna site where the scholars were waiting. But the second great scholar, Agnibhuti, summoned courage and said, "I will go and bring back my brother by defeating Mahavir."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Agnibhuti also arrived at the religious assembly with his five hundred disciples. As soon as he entered the pavilion and approached Mahavir, Mahavir said, "Agnibhuti, your senior has his cobwebs of doubt cleared, he has now become unambiguous. Now you should also remove your quandary about the fruits of Karma. As the existence of soul is self evident, it is also established that it is soul that is the doer of the Karma (action) and the sufferer of its consequences (fruit)."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The moment his doubt was removed the shackles of dogmas shattered. With the vanishing of ego a stream of faith started flowing within Agnibhuti. He also submitted before the omniscience of Shraman Mahavir along with his 500 disciples. The youngest brother of Indrabhuti, Vayabhuti, also decided to try his luck with his 500 disciples. As a thirsty person stops at a source of clean water, Vayabhuti stayed with Mahavir and along with his 500 disciples joined Mahavirs order.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Great scholars like Vyakta and Arya Sudharma also came and removing their doubts became Mahavirs disciples along with 500 followers each. Similarly, Mauryaputra and Akampit with their 350 disciples each; Achalbhrata, Metarya, and Prabhas each with 300 disciples got initiated into Mahavirs order. Thus, eleven great scholars were inducted with their 4400 disciples into Mahavirs order during his first discourse.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Establishment of the Ford</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh is considered to be the date of the historical glory of the Jain tradition. On the tenth of the same month, Bhagavan Mahavir attained omniscience, so the day is important as the occasion of his personal triumph. But from the view point of establishing the religious organization (Tirth/Ford) the eleventh is the most important day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was on this day that the eleven great Brahman scholars rid themselves of their egos of superiority by birth and the misconceptions, and were initiated into the Shraman tradition based on equanimity and Ahimsa. They became the chief disciples or Ganadhars of Mahavir. In Jain tradition, the Ganadhar is the most exalted spiritual person after the Tirthankar. Thousands of other men and women were also converted, many of whom became ascetics and others who took vows for laity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Princess Chandanbala, who had fulfilled the complex resolve of Bhagavan Mahavir, was also waiting for this auspicious day. As soon as she received the news of Mahavirs omniscience, she was over-joyed. She reached divine pavilion by the fastest available means. She was also accompanied by many worthy women. After listening to the discourse she became the first woman ascetic disciple of Mahavir.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shankh and Shatak with many other rich and prominent citizens joined Mahavirs order as lay followers. Sulasa and many other women also joined the religious family. Thus, the land of Mahasen jungle in Madhyam Pava and the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh became the blessed land and the blessed day respectively.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Achievements</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The twelve year period of spiritual practices of Bhagavan Mahavir was the basis of his personal achievement of omniscience and the status of Arihant/Tirthankar. After his enlightenment the remaining thirty years of his life were devoted to the welfare of the living world. During this period he revolutionized human thought and shattered many long established misconceptions and curses of traditional dogmas. His deeds and achievements in the fields of human welfare and upliftment as well as his contribution to the storehouse of human knowledge may be briefly summed up as:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. He opposed the wanton human and animal sacrifice and the misleading rituals in the name of religious Yajnas for benefits in the next life. As a more humane and rational alternative he showed the path of Ahimsa.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. He broke the established tradition of depriving women in general and men of lower castes from the formal study of scriptures and indulging in many religious activities. He was bold enough to initiate people from this section of society into his religious order. he provided equal rights an opportunities to all for study and practice of religion. He successfully rooted out the caste system in his area of influence at social and spiritual level.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Under his influence the established norms of social status based on caste, wealth, power and grandeur were shattered and new norms of social status based on virtues and moral and ethical values were established.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. He used Ardha-Magadhi, the lingua-franca of that period for his discourses. Giving importance to folk culture and language of the masses over Sanskrit, the language of scholarly few and the upper class, he preached in eloquent and attractive style.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. For the ascetics of his school pursuing the path of detachment with the help of discipline, penance, chanting and meditation, he also prescribed regular indulgence in activities of social welfare. His order included people from all sections of the society-Indrabhuti Gautam and many others from the Brahmin caste; Shalibhadra, Dhanna, and many others from the Vaishya caste; Megh Kumar, Nandishen, etc. from the Kshatriya caste; and Maitarya, Arjunmali, etc. from the Shudra caste. Among women prominent in his order Chandanabala, Mrigavati, Kali, etc. were from ruling families and Subhadra, Revati, etc. were from the merchant class.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. The Shravakas (householders) in his organization included people from all walks of life. Udayi, Shrenik, Ajatshatru, etc. were kings; Anand was a farmer, Saddalputra was a potter; and Sulas was a butcher.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. The religious organization of Mahavir was founded on virtues like detachment, equanimity, knowledge and discipline.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. The original contributions of Mahavir were Ahimsa as the basis of code of conduct and relativity of thought (Anekant) as the basis of spiritual purity and equanimity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. As Mahavir had millions, of admires and followers, he also had opponents like Gaushalak and decenters like Jamali. For 5 to 6 years Jamali moved with Mahavir as his disciple. But later, driven by ambition and lust for popularity he became Mahavirs opponent. He projected himself as omniscient and Tirthankar. The feeling of envy burning within him made him attack Mahavir and try to burn him. But the great pacifying powers of a true Tirthankar defeated him. Compassionate Mahavir still forgave him and advised to work for purity of the soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Liberation</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the request of king Hastipal Mahavir spent his last monsoon-stay at Pavapuri (Apapapuri at the age of 72 years. When about three and a half months passed he became aware that the end of his life is approaching. Ganadhar Gautam was overly attached with Mahavir. He may not be completely swept away by the sorrow of separation- thinking thus Mahavir directed him to go and enlighten Brahman Som Sharma.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On The fifteenth day of the dark half of the month of Kartik Mahavir was observing a two days fast. He sat in the Samavasaran and gave his last discourse which became famous as Uttaradhyayan Sutra, Vipak Sutra, etc. Just before the hour of midnight he shed all his remaining Karmas and attained Nirvana. For a few moments the whole world was enveloped in darkness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gods dispelled the darkness with the help of gems and humans lit earthen lamps to have the last glimpse of their savior. In memory of that day people celebrate the festival of lights or Dipawali.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hearing about the Nirvana of Bhagavan Mahavir, Ganadhar Gautam became sad and melancholic. But soon he came out of it and progressed on the path of purity with help of extreme detachment. Jumping the levels of spiritual purity he acquired omniscience the next morning. Gods and human beings celebrated jointly the events of attainment of Nirvana by Mahavir and omniscience by Ganadhar Gautam. After the Nirvana of Mahavir the responsibility of heading the large religious order came to his fourth chief disciple Arya Sudharmaswami.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After Arya Sudharmaswami the order was headed by his disciple Arya Jambuswami. After the Nirvana of Arya Jambuswami (406 Before Vikram) the tradition of omniscients became extinct from Bharat area for this descending cycle of time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
IMPORTANT DATES OF LIFE OF BHAGAVAN MAHAVIR</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Birth : 13th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra, 542 BV (30th March, 599 BC) at Kshatriyakund</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Diksha (initiation) : 10th day of the dark half of the month of Margshirsh, 512 BV (569 BC) at Kshatriyakund</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kewal Jnan (omniscience) : 10th day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh, 500 BV (557 BC) on the bank of Rijubaluka river.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Establishment of the Order : 11th day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh, 500 BV (557 BC) at Madhyam Pava</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nirvana (liberation) : 15th day of the dark half of the month of Kartik, 470 BV (November, 527 BC) at Pavapuri</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~*~~</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-27149851915868262022014-08-12T17:00:00.000-04:002014-08-12T17:00:40.727-04:00Bhagwan Parashvanath - 23rd Tirthankar<div style="text-align: center;">
Bhagwan Parashvanath - 23rd Tirthankar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagavan Parshvanath was born about 380 years before the Nirvana of Bhagavan or in the 10th century BC.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Past-Incarnation</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like other Tirthankars, important events of earlier incarnations of the being that became Bhagavan Parshvanath are available in Jain scriptures. Study of these incidents reveals that amnesty and compassion played a major part in his life and progress toward purity of soul. In every incarnation his rival, Kamath, continued to torture him and he continued to forgive and forget.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kamath and Marubhuti</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The soul that was to be Bhagavan Parshvanath was inspired to take the direction of purity in its birth as Marubhuti. He was born to the wife of Purohit Vishabhuti living in Potanpur city. His elder brother was Kamath. As Kamath was cruel, conceited, and a debauch, in spite of being the elder son it was Marubhuti who succeeded his father on the post of Rajpurohit (the director of ritual ceremonies of the king and state). Attracted toward the beautiful wife of Marubhuti, Vasundhara, Kamath seduced her. When Kamath's wife came to know about the affair, she tried to dissuade him in vain and told Marubhuti about it. Marubhuti made a secret inquiry and conveyed everything in detail to the king. Kamath was exiled by the king. He became a mendicant and started doing rigorous penance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After sometime Marubhuti felt that it was because of his report that Kamath was insulted and thrown out of the state; as such he should go and beg forgiveness from his elder brother. Marubhuti went into the jungle near Kamath and bowed before him seeking his pardon. Instead of getting pacified, Kamath was over powered by the desire of vengeance. He picked up a large stone and hit Marubhuti on the head. Marubhuti died on the spot.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The King Elephant</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The soul of Marubhuti was reborn as an elephant in the forests of Vindhyachal. It became the leader of the herd. One day when an ascetic was standing in meditation in the Vindhyachal area, the king elephant came near him. The memory of its past life precipitated and it became a follower of the ascetic and turned mellow and detached. One day the elephant rushed into and stationed itself in the middle of a pond in order to save himself from a forest fire. The being that was Kamath had taken birth as a serpent of the Kurkut species. When it saw the elephant, the serpent recognized it as its enemy from the earlier birth. The serpent landed on the head of the elephant and stung it. The elephant equally tolerated the pain and died peacefully.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suvarnbahu Chakravarti</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In his third birth the being that was Marubhuti reincarnated as a god in the Sahasrar dimension. From there it descended and was born as prince Kiranveg in Mahavideh area. He furthered his progress towards purity by becoming an ascetic and was killed once again by the Kamath, now born as a snake. His next birth was as a god in the Achyut Kalpa dimension. From there he came to Mahavidh area as king Vajranabh. Kamath was born as a Bhil aborigine who shot Vajranabh, who had become an ascetic now, with an arrow. Reincarnating in the Madhyam Graiveyak dimension of gods, the being that was to be Parshvanath enjoyed the fruits of his pious Karma.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In his eighth birth this being was born in the royal family of Puranpur in the Mahavideh area. After ascending the throne Suvarnbahu conquered six continents and became a Chakravarti. In later part of his life he became an ascetic and did purest of meditations to earn Tirthakar-nam-and-gotra-karma. During this birth also, this being was killed by its old enemy Kamath who was born as a fierce lion. From here this being went to the Pranat dimension of gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Descending from the Pranat dimension of gods, the being that was Marubhuti came into the womb of Vama Devi, wife of King Ashvasen of Varanasi. On the tenth day of the dark half of the month of Paush Vama Devi gave birth to a son. At the time of his naming ceremony king Ashvasen announced that during her pregnancy Vama Devi one night saw a snake slithering on the bed near his flank. She woke him up and saved him from the impending danger. As such, he was naming the new born as Parshva (flank).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Prince Parshva was very handsome and intelligent. His fame reached Kushasthalpur and princess Prabhavatti, daughter of king Prasenjit, determined to become his wife. Before a proposal for marriage could be sent the king of Kalinga lay a seize of Kushasthalpur and sought the hand of Prabhavati in marriage. King Prasenjit, aware of the might of Yavanraj sent a messenger to Varanasi for help. King Ashvasen got irritated at the misconduct of Yavanraj and command the army in this battle. Pshvasen was well aware of the ability and prowess of prince Parshva; he accepted proposal without any hesitation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before the prince started for the battle field the king of gods sent a divine and air worthy chariot for Parshva. After reaching the battle field the and prior to giving the orders to attack, Parshva sent a message to Yavanraj that now Prasenjit was under the protection of king Ashvasen, and as such he should break his seize of Kushasthalpur or face the great army of Varanasi and divine powers of Parshva. Although the youthful Yavanraj and some of his younger ministers were provoked, a senior minister informed him that the king of gods himself sided Parshva. He not only had divine powers but also the flying chariot of Indra. To fight Parshva was to embrace certain defeat. Yavanraj accepted the advice of the senior minister and surrendered before prince Parshva without a fight. He offered rich gifts to Parshva and became a friend of Prasenjit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Victorious Parshva Kumar returned to Varanasi. King Prasenjit also came to Varanasi with his daughter Prabhavati and requested king Ashvasen to marry Parshva Kumar with Prabhavati. Parshva was averse to the bond of marriage. However, his parents persuaded him and he could not hurt their feelings. He was married to Prabhavati but led a simple and detached life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day prince Parshva was enjoying a view of the town from the balcony of his palace. When he saw groups of men and women, carrying items for worship, passing by, he asked out of curiosity if it was some day of religious ceremonies. His attendants informed him that some mendicant named Kamath is doing a harsh penance named Panchagni Tap (five fire penance). The citizens are going to pay homage to him with all these presents. Prince Parshva also proceeded to witness this strange scene. As he was endowed with three levels of knowledge since birth, Parshva perceived everything worth knowing about this person at once. This was the same being that had been nurturing an intense feeling of vengeance for him for many births. After completing his age in the hell he was born in a poor family. Driven by hunger and poverty he had become a mendicant and was influencing the ignorant masses with his harsh but ill conceived penance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When prince Parshva came near the mendicant he saw that some logs of wood were burning all around the mendicant. Inside one of the logs was a pair of serpents, writhing in pain due to the intense heat of the burning flames. Moved by a feeling of compassion the prince said to the mendicant, "Burning a five sensed being in fire, what sort of self improvement do you strive for?" The mendicant replied angrily, "Prince! You are a child; go and enjoy your princely games. It is mendicants like me who know about religion not you. How can you claim that some being is burning in the fire around me?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All the efforts to persuade him that a pair of serpents was burning in the fire went in vain. Parshva then ordered his attendants to draw the specific log aside and split it. As soon as the attendants did that, a pair of serpents, partially scorched, fell on the ground writhing in pain. Realizing that they were about to die, prince Parshva said to them that they should not be annoyed with the ignorant mendicant and should remain equanimous during the last moments of their lives. He also recited the Namokar Mantra. As a result of equanimous thoughts and hearing the Namokar Mantra, after death the pair was born as the king and queen of the gods of the Nag Kumar clan (Dharanendra and Padmavati). The mendicant became angry and kept on adding more fuel to the fire of vengeance. After death he reincarnated as the evil god Meghmali.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This incident inspired Parshva Kumar to step on the right path and show the path to the masses misled by such ignorant hypocrites. While he was contemplating this, he one day went to garden and chanced to see some frescoes about the incidents of life of Bhagavan Arishtanemi. These vivid paintings pushed him to the decision of becoming an ascetic. He sought permission of his father and started the year long charity. On the eleventh day of the dark half of the month of Paush he became an ascetic under an Ashok tree.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day Parshva-muni was standing in meditation in Kaushamv jungle. God Dharanendra arrived there to pay homage. When he saw scorching sun rays falling on the meditating ascetic, he covered Parshva-muni with canopy of snake hoods. It is said that this area later became famous as Ahichhatra.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day Parshva-muni was standing in meditation under a banyan tree in an Ashram outside a village. The evil god Meghamali, the Kamath of earlier birth, through his evil powers became aware of this. Driven by the animosity of earlier births, Meghamali arrived at the spot where Parshva-muni his extremely loud and fearsome laughter. When Parshva-muni remained unmoved, Meghmali inflicted pain on him by attacking in the form of various animals. Parshva-muni tolerated all these afflictions with equanimity. Meghamli's anger reached its peak.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now he created dark and dense clouds in the skies. The sky was completely covered by dark rain-bearing clouds. With fearsome rumbling and thunder and lightening it started raining heavily. Meghamali caused so much rain that it flooded the whole area. Parshva-muni tolerated the torment of this torrential rain like the Meru mountain. The water level rose and it reached the tip of Parshvanath's nose. He was still unmoved in his meditation. At this peak of the affliction, the throne of god Dharanendra trembled. He came to know about the incident through his divine powers and reached the spot with Padmavati. One of these snake-gods created a platform under the feet of Parshva-muni and the other a canopy of its multiple hoods over hid head. Dharanendra admonished Meghamali who then fell at the feet of Parshva-muni and sought his forgiveness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After eighty three days of penance and spiritual practices Parshva-muni came to Ashrampad garden in Varanasi and stood in meditation under a Dharanendra tree. With fast increasing purity he attained omniscience on the fourth day of the dark half of the month of Chaitra. The gods created the divine pavilion. Bhagavan Parshvanath gave his first discourse on the form of religion. He propagated the four dimensional religion(Ahimsa, truth, non-stealing and non-possession) for upliftment of the soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Inspired by the discourse of Bhagavan Parshvanath, many members of his family including his father Ashvasen, mother Vama Devi, and wife Prabhavati took Diksha from him. Many other princes and scholars including the famous Vedic scholar Shubhdatta also took Diksha after hearing to his discourse. Bhagavan Parshvanath established the four pronged religious organization. He had eight chief disciples with Shubgdatta being the first and most senior.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although no detailed mention is available about the areas visited by Bhagavan Parshvanath, it can be surmised from various incidents and related stories that he covered a considerably wide area of the subcontinent. It appears that he visited Kashi-kaushal (Uttar Pradesh), Nepal, Bang (Bengal), Kalinga (Orissa), Anga (Magadh), Vidarbh, Konkan, Saurashtra etc. Among his followers were Shakya Kings, rulers of Magadh (grandfather and father of king Shrenik) and many others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
206 Spinsters</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Jain scriptures there is a mention of an incident of Bhagavan Parshvanath's period that has not been much talked about. It is the initiation of 206 old spinsters in his ascetic organization. At different times many old spinsters from merchant families from a number of towns took Kiksha into Bhagavan Parshvanath's organization and indulged in spiritual practices. But due to some faults in minor codes of discipline and death before doing required corrective self-analysis they reincarnated as queens of lesser gods like Chamarendra, Balindra, Vyantarendra etc. At the time of Bhagavan Mahavir's divine pavilion creation they came for the Darshan (paying homage in person) and displayed their divine glamour and grandeur just like the sun god. What to talk of the common audience when even Ganadhar Gautam became spellbound at this heavenly display. When Gautam asked Bhagavan Mahavir about these goddesses he explained these goddesses acquired these unique divine powers as a result of their practices of penance and discipline when they were the old-spinster ascetics in Bhagavan Parshvanath's order.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All these references indicate that even during the period of Bhagavan Mahavir the faith and devotion for Bhagavan Parshvanath was wide spread. The masses strongly believed that remembering the name of Bhagavan Parshvanath was the panacea for all troubles as well as the means of success. This was the reason that in Bhagavan Mahavir's time Bhagavan Parshvanath was popularly known as "Purushadaniya".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many scholars are of the opinion that the Chaturyam Dharm (the four dimensional religion) was the leading and prominent religion in whole of India during that period. The Buddha also got initiated into this school in the early part of his spiritual life. Later he evolved and propagated his eight pronged religion out of this only.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagavan Parshvanath was a householder for thirty years and then an ascetic for seventy years. When he was 100 years old he got liberated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Shravan at Sammetshikhar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is believed that the time span between the Nirvana of Bhagavan Parshvanath and Bhagavan Mahavir's launching of his own school was about 250 years. There is a mention of four prominent leaders of Bhagavan Parshvanath's school:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Ganadhar Shubhdatta (Shumbh)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Arya Haridatta</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Acharya Samudra Suri</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Arya Keshi Shraman</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last one is believed to have existed between 166 to 250 years after the Nirvana of Bhagavan Parshvanath. Arya Keshi Shraman was a forceful Acharya. The staunch non-believer king Pradeshi became a highly devoted Jain Shravak under his influence only. There were nine groups of five hundred ascetics each, in the large religious organization headed by Keshi-muni. These groups worked in far fling areas like Tailang (Andhra), Konkan and Maharashtra. He himself wandered in the Magadh area with one thousand ascetics.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~*~~</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-59421819737677204842013-09-26T02:00:00.000-04:002013-09-26T02:00:12.272-04:00Bhagwan Aristhnemi - 22nd Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
The being that was to be Bhagavan Arishtanemi, in his earlier incarnation, was Shankh, the eldest son of king Shrishen of Hastinapur. One day some citizens and wayfarers came to the king and informed him that the highways approaching Hastinapur and the surrounding area were being terrorized by bandits and smugglers. No traveler or villager was safe from the attack of the bandits. Robbery and murder became a daily routine for them. The citizens requested the king to protect the masses. the king deputized prince Shankh to go and punish the bandits.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Prince Shankh was an accomplished diplomat and strategist. He planned and conducted his campaign in such a way that he apprehended the leader of bandits without any bloodshed. While he was on his way back he heard the cry of help of a young princess abducted by a Vidyadhar (a lower god); prince Shankh challenged the Vidyadhar, defeated him and saved princess Yahomati. when these young people saw each other they fell in love and got married. In due course prince Shankh ascended the throne.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once a scholarly ascetic visited Hastinapur. King Shankh went for his Darshan, an asked him, "Why am I so deeply in love with Yashomati that all my desires to renounce come to a naught." The ascetic said, "Your marital ties are many a life-time deep. For last six lives you are being married to each other, this is the seventh birth. That is the reason for such intense and deep feeling of love for each other."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The king asked, "When these ties will be broken?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The scholarly ascetic replied, "In your ninth incarnation you will be born as Neminath and she as Rajimati. In that birth you will be able to break this tie of love and become twenty second Tirthankar. Rajimati will also follow you on the path of renunciation and get liberated."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Birth as Arishtanemi</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Knowing all this Shankh had a deep feeling of detachment. He gave his kingdom to his on and became an ascetic. As a result of high spiritual practices and deep devotion for Jnan he earned the Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma and reincarnated in the Aprajit dimension of gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagavan Rishabhdev and twenty one other Tirthankars were born in the Ikshavku clan. The twentieth Tirthankar Munisuvrat was born in the Harivamsh clan. The great king Vasu was also from Harivamsh clan. After a long time this clan saw another illustrious king Sauri who was the founder of the famous Sauripur town. Sauri had two sons Andhak Vrishni and Bhog Virshni. Andhak Virishni had ten sons, the eldest was Samudravijay and the youngest Vasudev.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The being that was Shankh descended from the Aparajit dimension of gods into the womb of queen Shiva Devi, wife of king Samudravijay of Sauripur. The fourteen great dreams indicated that this being was to become a Tirthankar. On the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Shravaan queen Shiva Devi gave birth to a son. As per the convention 56 goddesses of directions arrived and performed the birth celebrations after the post-birth cleaning.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the naming ceremony the king conveyed that as the queen had seen a disc with Arishta gems, the new born will be called Arishtanemi.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vasudev, the younger brother of king Samudravijay was a charming and handsome person. His senior queen Rohini had a son named Balram (Padma) and junior queen Devaki had a son named Shrikrishana. Balram and Shrikrishna were the ninth Baldev and Vasudev.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During those times the whole area of central India had become a disturbed area due to prevailing conspiracies among various kingdoms. Cruel Kamsa and oppressive Jarasandh (the Prativasudev) were the worst of these feuding principalities. In order to be away from these everyday problems and as per the advise of an astrologer, the Yadav clan, including Samudravijay, Vasudev, Ugrasen, Shrikrishan etc. migrated from Mathura sauriur to the west coast. Shrikrishan constructed the large and beautiful town of Dwarka on the sea coast and near the Raivatak mountain (Girnar). Its grand architecture and strong fortification made it heavenly beautiful and unconquerable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Power and Prowess of Arishtanemi</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day while wandering around, youthful Arishtanemi reached the hall of weapons of Vasudev Shrikrishna. Seeing the divine weapons he first lifted the Sudarshan Chakra (the disc weapon) curiously and whirled it playfully. He then lifted the giant bow, Sarang, and bent it as if it was a thin cane. After this he lifted the Panchajanya conch, put it to his lips and blew it hard. The piercing loud sound emanating from the great conch shocked the town. Shrikrishan rushed to the armory. Seeing Arishtanemi playfully handling the he giant and heavy weapons belonging to Vasudev, Shrikrishan was astonished. He asked "Nemi! did you blow the Panchajanya?" Nemi innocently replied, "Yes brother! It is so cute I could not contain myself."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shrikrishan knew that is weapons were beyond the capacity and strength of any warrior in the world. He was astonished and pleased at the same time, that his young cousin was so strong and powerful. He wanted to test Nemi's strength further; he invited Nemi to the gymnasium for a friendly trial of strength. First Shrikrishan raised his arm and held it straight asking Nemi to bring it down. Nemi forced Shrikrishnaï's arm down without any apparent effort. After this Nemi raised his arm and Shrikrishana, in spite of all his strength could not force it down. He even put all his weight on the outstretched arm but as if it was a beam of steel, the arm of Nemi did not move even a fraction of an inch.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shrikrishan was very pleased knowing about this unprecedented strength of his cousin. He thought that this great individual, much more powerful than him, is capable of becoming a Chakravarti. but how could he become a Chakravarti if he does not change his attitude of detachment for all worldly activities. Shrikrishan formulated a plan. He asked Nemi to marry and start his family life. Nemi still did not show any interest. Shrikrishan now consulted his queens and organized a spring festival. The ladies dragged Nemi Kumar to the pool for water games and there they used all their guile to pursued him to agree for marriage. Shrikrishna also requested once more. Nemi presented a smiling but thoughtful look. With his divine knowledge he became aware it was the marriage celebration that would initiate him on the path of liberation. As such he did not oppose the proposal. His silence was taken as a sign of affirmation and it was joyously announced that Nemi Kumar had finally agreed for marriage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shrikrishana started the search for a suitable match. One of his queens Satyabhama, informed hat her beautiful and delicate younger sister, Rajul, would be an extremely suitable match for Nemi Kumar. Shrikrishana finalized all arrangements. On the arranged date the marriage procession started with Nemi Kumar riding the decorated king elephant. All the kings and princes of the Yadav clan joined the procession with their royal regalia and retinue. When the procession was approaching the destination, Nemi Kumar saw that on the side of the road there were large fenced areas and cages full of wailing animals and birds. Filled with sympathy and compassion, he asked the elephant driver why those animals and birds were being kept in bondage. The driver informed him that the creatures were collected to be butchered for meat for the large number of guests attending his marriage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nemi Kumar was filled with despair and a feeling of detachment. He said to the elephant driver, "If I agree to be the cause of the butchering of so many living beings my life and the one to come will be filled with pain and misery. So, I will not marry. Immediately arrange for the release of all these creatures; turn back and head for Dwarka." The driver looked at him in astonishment. Nemi Kumar said, "This is an order."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The driver went and opened the gates of the fenced areas and cages. The animals jumped and ran away into the jungle. They were saved from the torture of death. The driver came back and turned the elephant towards Dwarka. On the way Nemi Kumar took out all the valuables and ornaments on his body and handed them over to the elephant driver.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The news spread panic in the marriage procession. All the seniors of the Yadav clan tried to change the mind of Nemi Kumar, but in vain. Even Shrikrishna could not dissuade him from his determination. Nemi Kumar said to the elders, "As these animals were prisoners in the cages, we all are prisoners in cages of karma which are much stronger than these fences. See the feeling of joy evident in the animals released from the cages. Know that happiness is in freedom, not in bondage. I want to tread the path of breaking this bondage of Karma and embrace eternal bliss. Please do not stop me."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Rajimati, dressed as bride, heard of this act of Nemi Kumar she could not tolerate the sting of sorrow. she fainted with shock. When she recovered she started crying and again lost consciousness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a year long charity, Nemi Kumar sat in a palanquin named Uttarkura, and, passing through the town of Dwarka, arrived in the Raivatak garden. He got down under an Ashoka tree and pulled out five fistful of hair and after taking off all ornaments and the royal dress. He became an ascetic along with one thousand person on the sixth day of he bright half of the month of Shravan. Shrikrishan was deeply touched by this incident; he blessed his younger cousin and wished him success in his mission.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Arhat Neminath spent fifty four days in deep spiritual practices and then went to Vijaynat hill (Girnar). On the fifteenth day of the dark half of the month of Ashvin, in he afternoon, he was observing a two days fast and was meditating under a bamboo tree when he became an omniscient. Establishing he four pronged religious organization (Tirth) he became the twenty second Tirthankar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Rajimati recovered from the melancholy she decided to follow the path taken by Neminath. Prince Rathnemi, the younger brother of Neminath, tried his best to seduce Rajimati. But she could not be distracted from her goal. When Rajimati came to know that Neminath had become an omniscient, she went to the Samavasaran of neminath along with many of her friends and took Diksha. She lost herself in penances and other spiritual practices and in the end got liberated.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stories of a number of famous ascetic contemporaries of Bhagavan Arishtanemi are glittering gems in he heap of Jain scriptures. some more prominent names are child ascetic Gajasukumar, great ascetic Dhandhan Rishi, Thavaccha-putra Sharman etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagavan Arishtanemi got liberated, at the age of one thousand years, on the eighth day of the bright half of he month o Ashadh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A number of historians accept that Arishtanemi, he cousin of Shrikrishana, was a historical figure who greatly contributed towards vegetarianism, compassion and Ahimsa. This is the point where Jain prehistory fuses with history.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-17950637104576062672013-09-20T02:00:00.000-04:002013-09-20T02:00:09.607-04:00Bhagwan Naminath - 21st Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The being that was to be Bhagavan Naminath purified his soul during his birth as king Siddharth of Kshambi town in East Mahavideh. He reincarnated as a god in the Aparajit dimension. This being then descended into the womb of queen Vipra, wife of king Vijay of Mithila. As the queen had seen fourteen auspicious things in her dream at the moment of conception, the augurs informed that the child to be born was going to be a Chakravarti or a Tirthankar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the pregnancy period once Mithila was attacked by some very powerful kings. Peace loving king Vijay was at a loss to find a peaceful solution and was worried. An expert augur told the king that the pregnant queen should go to the roof of the palace and look at the attacking armies. The queen followed the instructions and threw a loving glance at the large armies stationed on the fields outside the town. The aura of the pious soul in the womb was so powerful that it cast a pacifying spell on the attackers. The kings who were sure to win the battle, surrendered and bowed before king Vijay.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This incident inspired the king to name the new born as Naminath. Born on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Sravan, Naminath had a happy childhood. When he became young he was married and later was given the reign of the kingdom. After a long and peaceful reign he became an ascetic on the ninth day of the dark half of the month of Ashadh. After nine months he attained omniscience under a Bakul Tree in a garden near Mithila. His first discourse was on the subject of right perception. After a long period of religious and spiritual activities he went to Sammet sikhar and got liberated on the tenth day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tenth Chakravarti Harishen was his contemporary and the eleventh Chakravarti Jai came in his religious tradition, through much later.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-20097881080040596202013-09-17T16:32:00.000-04:002013-09-17T16:32:06.070-04:00Bhagwan Munisurvrat - 20th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The being that was to be Bhagavan Munisuvrat purified its soul during his birth as Surshreshta, the king of Champa city in Mahavideh. He then reincarnated in the Pranat dimension of gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
King Sumitra of the Harivamh clan ruled over Rajgriha town. His wife, queen Padmavati, gave birth to a son, the being that had descended from the Pranat dimension of gods, on the ninth day of the dark half of the month of Jyeshta. After the traditional post birth rituals the name giving ceremony was celebrated. The king announced that since this being had descended into the womb of queen Padmavati, she took a variety of good vows and lead a life as disciplined as an ascetic. As such the new born named Munisuvrat (vow like ascetics).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In due course Munisuvrat was married and ascended the throne. After a successful and long reign he became an ascetic on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Phalgun. He wandered as a ordinary ascetic for eleven months and attained omniscience under a Champa tree. His first discourse was on the subject of "scriptural and applied philosophy". After a long life devoted to spread of true religion he went to Sammet shikhar and got liberated on the ninth day of the dark half of the month of Jyeshtha.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagavan Munisuvrat's period was an important period of Jain pre-history. His illustrious contemporaries and followers included stalwarts like the ninth Chakravarti-Mahapadma, the eighth Prativasudev, Baldev, and Vasudev, Ravan, Rama and Lakshman respectively. The elder brother of Bahagavan Munisuvrat, ascetic Vishnu Kumar, also became famous for his pioneering effort of saving the Jain organization from the oppressions of mister Namuchi; the Rakshabandhan festival is celebrated in the memory of that event.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-31287157013145622262013-05-21T18:30:00.000-04:002013-05-21T18:30:03.848-04:00Bhagwan Mallinath - 19th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the Aparvideh area there was a city named Vitshoka. It was ruled by a powerful king Mahabal. He was very intimate with six other kings who were his childhood friends. Influenced by discourses of ascetics, king Mahabal decided to follow the spiritual path. he sought opinion of his six childhood friends with the remark-I want to became an ascetic, do you also?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All the six friends replied, "We have been together during both good and bad times. When we have been together during both good and bad times. When we have enjoyed the mundane life in company, it would be shameful if we part company on the spiritual path. We shall become ascetics together and we shall do all spiritual practices together."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The seven kings took Diksha from Varadharma Muni and started the spiritual practices earnestly. Mahabal was bitten by the bug of ego. he thought, "I have always been ahead of my friends. Now, if I do the same practices I will remain at the same level. As such I should do a little more and be ahead as before." With this feeling Mahabal started secretly doing more practices than the others. All the seven friends would formally take vow of some specific penance together but when on conclusion, other friends broke their fast, Mahabal would continue his fast on some pretext. The desire to be above the ordinary inspired this competition. As a result of this deception Mahabal feel from the lofty spiritual level he had attained due to his intense practices and acquired the Karma that would result in being born as a woman (Stri-ved). However, as he still maintained the purity and intensity in his practices he later also earned the Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. All the seven ascetics breathed their last after sixty days fast and mediation. They reincarnated as gods in the Anuttar dimension.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Birth of Malli Kumari</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The being that was Mahabal, leaving the abode of gods, descended into the womb of queen Prabhavati, wife of king Kumbh of Mithila town. During the third month of pregnancy the queen had a desire to sleep on a bed made up of fragrant flowers of five colors and to smell a bouquet of flowers (Malladam) all the time. It is said that if a pious soul resides in the womb all the desires are fulfilled. On the eleventh day of the bright half of he month of Margshirsh the Queen gave birth to a pious and beautiful girl. It was unprecedented that a Tirthankar be born as a girl; everyone was surprised. But even the almighty is helpless when the Karmas precipitate into action.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The mother's craving for flower bouquet inspired the king to name the girl as Malli Kumari. She was very fond of having a bouquet of flowers. Florists from far and near used to bring attractive and beautiful bouquets to present her and get desired gifts in return. Strange yarns about her infatuation for flowers and bouquets spread all around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Divine Earrings</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once a famous and rich merchant, Arhannak, of Champa town, went on a sea voyage with some other people. After earning heaps of wealth when he was returning, a god appeared. In order to test Arhannak's devotion for his religion, the god created a variety of afflictions. Even in the face of death Arhannak did not yield. His devotion for the path shown by Jina was absolutely unwavering. The god was pleased with this unrelenting determination of Arhannak. He gave the merchant a pair of divine earrings as gift.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the way back the ship stopped at Mithila. All the merchants went to King Kumbh's assembly with gifts. Arhannak gifted the divine earnings for Malli Kumari. The king and his ministers became astonished at the divine beauty of these earrings. Once a joint in these earrings broke. King Kumbh called expert goldsmiths to weld this joint but none of the artisans had skill enough to do its work. In annoyance the king exiled many of these artisans. Wherever these artisans went they talked of the divine beauty of Malli Kumari.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ignorant Artist</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once Mallidinna, the younger brother of Malli Kumari, constructed an entertainment room in the palace premises. One of the working artists was highly talented. This artist had a glimpse of a toe of Malli Kumari who was standing behind a lattice. This enable the highly gifted artist to paint a fresco of the princess on a wall of the room. he was under the impression that the prince will be pleased to look at the exact replica of his sister and richly reward him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the room was complete, the prince came with his wives to look at and approve the beautiful paintings, some of which were erotic as well. While he was enjoying these works of art, he came across the painting of Malli Kumari. He could not believe what he saw. Ashamed of himself he said, "My elder sister is here and I am shamelessly enjoying these sensual paintings along with my wives." His governess explained, "Prince, You are mistaken. this is not your sister but her life size portrait." The prince carefully examined the painting and was astonished at the realistic work of art and the skill of the artist. However the feeling of anger overtook the sense of appreciation. He was annoyed at the mindless effrontery of the artist who had painted such a live portrait of his respected elder sister in the entertainment chamber.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The angry prince called the painter and asked him when and how he saw the princess. The artist humbly submitted, "Sire! I just saw one toe of the princess from behind a lattice. But I am endowed with this miraculous skill that when I start painting even a part of a thing I automatically complete the thing perfectly."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This explanation did not pacify the prince. He exiled the artist after amputating his right thumb. The vexed artist made another painting of the princess and sold it at a very high price to king Adinshatru of Hastinapur. Adinshatru was attracted towards Malli Kumari, as many others who had heard about her divine beauty.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Discussion with Choksha</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day a female mendicant named Choksha came to Mithila. In order to influence the royal family she came to Malli Kumari. Choksha was a scholar of Vedas and other scriptures and her interpretation was that keeping the body clean, indulging in charity and the annointment of Tirth (sacred place) were the only religious activities that lead to liberation. She started preaching her ideas to Malli Kumari, who heard all this with patience. When Choksha had nothing more to say, Malli Kumari said in her magnetic voice, "With due respect to your attire, I am surprised at your ignorance, Choksha. Know that every charity is not done with religious or pious intent. Even cleaning the body and annointment of a Tirth are not sacred if they are not done with equanimous and pious feelings or if they cause any destruction of any living organism. A blood stained cloth will never be cleaned by washing it with blood. The basis of religion is a discerning attitude. To an irrational person, even penance causes discomfort and irritation." This irrefutable logic of Malli Kumari silenced Choksha, but she became angry and decided to take revenge.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Choksha decided that, in order to shatter the pride of this princess it would be best if she could be manipulated into marrying some king who already had many wives. Cooking up her plan, she approached the king of Kampilyapur in Panchal state. She gave a titillating description of the divine beauty of Malli Kumari and provokingly said to the king, "Your life and palace both are lack luster as long as you do not marry and bring this divine beauty to your palace." King Jitshatru was highly impressed. He decided to seek the hand of Malli Kumari in marriage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Change of Heart of the Six Kings</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The six friends of Malli Kumari's earlier birth were born in six different royal families and inherited the kingdoms.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They were:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. King Pratibuddha of Saketpur,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. King Chandrachhay of Champa,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. King Rupi of Shravasti,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. King Shankh of Varanasi,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. King Adinshatru of Hastinapur, and</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. King Jitshatru of Panchal (Kampilyapur).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fame of the beauty of Malli Kumari inspired all these six kings to send proposing kings and returned the emissaries. These kings felt insulted and marched on Mithila with their armies and lay a seize.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When king Kumbh got the challenge he became worried. Malli Kumari asked about the cause of her father's anxiety. Kumbh replied, "Daughter! All these kings want to marry you. My refusal has irked them and they have surrounded Mithila. I am anxious about what I should do now!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Malli Kumari was already aware of all these activities through her Avadhi Jnan (the capacity to know all about the physical world). She made a plan to enlighten these friends of her last birth. In the palace garden she got a chamber made and in its center installed a life size statue that was her exact replica. It's inside was hollow and there was an opening hidden under the neck. Six adjacent chambers were also erected around this central circular chamber. These six chambers had windows opening in the main chamber. These windows were so designed that a n onlooker could only see the statue and nothing else. Making all these arrangements, Malli Kumari started putting one handful of the food she ate every day inside the hollow statue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the stink of decomposed food, coming out of the statue on opening the lid became intolerable, Malli Kumari went to her father. She said to her father, "Stop worrying, father, and inform the kings individually that I want to meet them to discus about marriage." The king did likewise. Believing that only he had been invited, everyone of the kings accepted the invitation. At the predetermined time they all came one by one and were led to the six chambers allotted for them separately. From the windows in their chambers each one of them gazed at the divinely beautiful statue considering it to be Mali Kumari. Everyone was dreaming of the marriage and the happy moments thereafter. All of a sudden Malli Kumari removed the concealed cover from the hole in the neck of he statue. The obnoxious smell of decomposed food filled the chambers. The hellish smell hit the peeping kings and they were jolted out of their state of day dreaming. Their faces distorted with revulsion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Panic stricken, the kings shouted, "What is all this? Why have I been locked in this chamber? It is impossible breath here. Please open the doors." It was then that Malli Kumari appeared and said, "O slaves of passions! You are totally infatuated with female beauty. A moment ago you were admiring this earthly beauty and were nurturing a desire to possess and enjoy it. Now a hatred for the same is evident on your distorted faces. What sort of love for beauty is this?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The kings shouted, "Why are you trying to make fools of us? It is impossible to tolerate this stink?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Malli Kumari asked the attendants to open the gates of the chambers. All the six kings rushed out and were surprised to see each other. Finding the right opportunity Malli Kumari said to them, "The stink caused by just a few handfuls of food is intolerable. Mind you, this body is nothing but a statue made of bones and flesh and maintained by the same food. Why such infatuation for such decomposed thing? You are all friends of my last birth. Rise above this infatuation and commence once again the terminated pursuit of purification of the self."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All the six kings acquired Jati-smaran Jnan, They sought pardon from king Kumbh as well as Malli Kumari. Resolving to follow the path of renunciation they left for their respective kingdoms.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Malli Kumari also announced her decision to become an ascetic. After the great charity she became an ascetic along with three hundred males and equal number of females. Immediately after her Diksha, she acquired Vipulmati Manahparyav Jnan (the ultimate Pra normal capacity and started deep meditation. The same afternoon she attained omniscience. In her first discourse she discussed on the subject of philosophy of equanimity. The six kings took Diksha during this first discourse. After enhancing the spread of religion for a long period she attained Nirvana on the fourth day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra at Sammetshikhar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Note: There has been a debate since ages on the 19th Tirthankar being either Male or female. The same is not concluded and the above article is provided from the most accepted version of Tirthankar Charitra.</div>
</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-5313017282420935252013-05-17T19:00:00.000-04:002013-05-17T19:00:03.626-04:00Bhagwan Arnath - 18th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
King Dhanpati of Susima city in Mahavideh area took Diksha from Samvar Muni and after acquiring Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. He reincarnated in the Graiveyak dimension of gods. From here he descended into the womb of queen Maha Devi, wife of king Sudarshan of Hastinapur. Besides the fourteen great dreams that precede the conception of a Tirthankar, queen Maha Devi also saw a gem studded wheel (Ara). accordingly, after the birth the boy was named Ara Kumar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Ara Kumar became young he was married to beautiful princess. Later king Sudarshan gave the kingdom to Ara Kumar and became an ascetic. For some years Arnath ruled as a regional king. Gradually his power and glory increased and one day the disc weapon appeared in his armory. He conquered the six continents and became a Chakravarti. In his attendance were thirty two thousand kings.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a long and successful reign, one day emperor Arnath was thinking about the ever changing seasons. This triggered a chain of sublime thoughts that lead to complete detachment. He renounced all the wealth, power and glory and became an ascetic. He did spiritual practices and wandered around. After three years he arrived in the Sahasramra jungle outside Hastinapur and stood in mediation under a mango tree. With the fire of higher meditation he burnt one after another the four vitiating Karmas including illusory, knowledge obstructing, perception obstructing, and power hindering. Consequently he attained omniscience. His first discourse after attaining omniscience was on the subject of "How to win over the enemies like attachment and aversion."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In this first religious assembly thousands of individuals became ascetics including his 32 chief disciples headed by Kumbh. Spending a long period of twenty one thousand years wandering and promoting religion, he finally arrived at Sammethshikhar and attained liberation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The sixth and seventh Vasudevas and Baldevas and the eighth Chakravarti (Subhum) were his followers.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-46590174185803173742013-05-15T16:53:00.000-04:002013-05-15T16:53:30.556-04:00Bhagwan Kunthunath - 17th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
The name of the powerful and illustrious king of Khadgi town in Purva Mahavideh area was Simhavaha. He was a very devoted and religious person when his son became young and capable, he handed over his kingdom to the son and took Diksha from Samvaracharya. As a result of his vigorous penance and devotion for the Arhat, he earned the Tirthankar-nam-and gotra-karma. Completing his age he reincarnated in the Sarvarthsiddha dimension of gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the dimension of gods he descended into the womb of queen Shri Devi, wife of king Shursen of Hastinapur. During her pregnancy the queen saw a heap of gemstones known as Kunthu in her dreams. This inspired the king to name him Kunthu Kumar. The pious deeds of earlier birth resulted in unlimited power and grandeur for Kunthu Kumar. After Shursen became an ascetic, Kunthu Kumar ascended the throne. Soon the disc weapon appeared in his armory and he proceeded to conquer the world with his mighty army. Without any confrontation all the kings accepted his sovereignty and Kunthunath became a Chakravarti. Many mighty kings and princes used to be present in his court all the time. After a long and peaceful reign of twenty three thousand seven hundred and fifty years he became an ascetic along with one thousand kings immediately after Diksha he acquired Manah paryav Jnan. He spent sixteen years as an ordinary ascetic. Indulging in penances and other spiritual practices, he attained omniscience on the third day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra under a Tilak tree in Sahasramara jungle outside Hastinapur. His first discourse was on the subject of "inner purity".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As an omniscient ascetic Kunthunath wandered around and preached true religion for a very long period. He then went to Sammetshikhar and observed a month long fast before breathing his last. His followers were deeply devoted to him. As such, a large crowd was present at the moment of his Nirvana and cremation ceremony. They witnessed the ceremony with heavy hearts and tear filled eyes. The mortal remains of Bhagavan Kunthunath were taken away by the gods for worship.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-33696628868218447472013-05-07T11:06:00.000-04:002013-05-07T11:06:00.053-04:00Bhagwan Shantinath - 16th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
The account of the earlier incarnations of Bhagavan Shantinath indicates that his being had taken the path of discipline that lead toward purity of soul many births before. As a result of this uplifting during his incarnations as Shrisen and Vajrayudh it was born as Meghrath, the son of king Dhanrath of Pundarikini town in Purva Mahavideh area. At the proper time, king Dhanrath gave the kingdom to Meghrat and became an ascetic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Protection to a Refugee</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meghrath was a benevolent and religious ruler. He was compassionate and protected all living things. Being a Kshatriya and a warrior he had the chivalry to sacrifice all he had in order to protect those in trouble.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day while observing the partial renunciation vow (Paushadh) he was about to start a discourse on the religion propagated by the Tirthankars. All of a sudden a pigeon, trembling with fear, fell in his lap and uttered in choking human voice, "Save me, O king! Give me refuge, take me under your protection!" The compassionate king comforted the bird and took it under his protection.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The pigeon was followed by a falcon who too uttered in human language, "O king! This pigeon is my food, leave it alone." The king tried to explain, "It has taken refuge with me, as such I am duty bound to protect it. I will give you any type of food you want; why kill a living thing just to fill your stomach?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The falcon insisted, "If you will not leave it I may die of hunger. I am a carnivore; who will provide me food. If I die, you will be responsible and bear the sin."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the falcon did not yield, Meghrath said at last, "O falcon! As long as I exist, I will not allow you to die. I will cut out flesh from my body equivalent to the weight of this little pigeon and give it to you. You may satisfy your urge to eat. But under no circumstance I shall allow you to kill the bird that has taken refuge with me."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The falcon agreed to this proposal and the king put the pigeon in one pan of balance and in the other started putting pieces of flesh cut out from his own body. Surprisingly, the weight of the pigeon continued to increase as the king went on putting his flesh in the pan. Witnessing this pathetic scene, the queens and the members of the assembly were moved to tears. They requested the king not to sacrifice his precious life for a mere pigeon. The falcon, was also requested relent but he too declined.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The king continued to cut flesh from his body and put it in the pan of the balance. At last, when the pieces of flesh were not enough, the king got up from his seat and sat down in the pan. Everyone present was dumb struck at this lofty compassion and chivalry displayed by the king. Suddenly there was a flesh of divine light and a divine personage appeared. The pigeon and the falcon disappeared. The god addressed the king, "Maharaj! The king of gods was praising your compassion and courage, in his assembly. I could not contain myself and came around to test you myself. All this was my creation. You come out with flying colors. You are worthy of the praise bestowed on you by the King of gods. Please forgive me." The god filled Meghrathï wounds instantaneously and left for his abode.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whenever there is a talk about chivalry and compassion king Meghrathï's name is taken with respect.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unflinching Discipline</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Disturbed by the miseries of the mundane life, one day king Meghrath was doing mediation. He transcended to a very high level of purity. Knowing about this uncommon purity and determination of Meghrath the king of gods bowed to him with reverence, "My salutations to you O citizen Yogi! there are but a few in this world who could reach this level of detachment and purity." Two senior consorts of Indra, Surup and Atirup did not like this gesture of praise of a mere human. They both came to disturb the meditation of Meghrath. They made several beautiful and voluptuous damsels appear before the king. These beauties tried to disturb Meghrath by a display of dances and inviting gestures. When these night long seductive afflictions failed to disturb king Meghrath, the goddesses, before returning to their abode, appeared themselves and asked the king to forgive them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
King Meghrath, then, coronated his on and took Diksha from Arhat Dhanrath. Due to his increasing purity in meditation in the face of many afflictions, he earned the Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. Completing his age he reincarnated in the Sarvarthsiddha dimension of gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the dimension of gods, the being that was Meghrath descended into the womb of queen Achira, wife of king Vishvasen of Ikshvaku clan and ruler of Hastinapur.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once there was a great storm in the Hastinapur area. There were heavy rains and many other calamities. An epidemic followed these calamities and hundreds of people started dying every day. The masses appealed to the king to save them, but the king took a vow that he will not eat or drink as long as peace and normalcy does not return to his kingdom.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Move by this harsh vow of king Vishvasen, the king of gods himself appeared before the king said, "O king! You are disturbed unnecessarily. Is there any death at the place where the wish-fulfilling trio of Chintamani, Kalpavriksha, and Kamdhenu (divine gem, tree and cow) exist? The embodiment of peace is being carried by queen Achira Devi in her womb and you still feel disturbed. It surprises me!" The Indra then sang a panegyric in praise of the Tirthankar and advised the king, "Let the queen got to the roof top and sing this panegyric. After this, let her throw a glance at the vast expanses of your kingdom all around. This pacifying glance of the queen will remove all miseries from wherever it reaches."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the thirteenth day of the dark half of the month of Jyeshta the queen gave birth to the great and illustrious son. The whole universe, including even the hell, was pervaded by a soothing glow and a feeling of joy and happiness. Due to the pacifying influence during the period of pregnancy, the new born named Shanti Kumar (Shanti = Peace). When he came of age he was married. At proper time king Vishvasen gave the kingdom Shantinath and took Diksha.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a few years king Shantinath got a son who was named Chakrayudh. Several years later, the divine disc weapon appeared in the armory. When the traditional worship rituals of this weapon were concluded, it started moving toward the east on its own. Shantinath followed the Chakra with his armed forces. Most of the kings on the way surrendered. After defeating the remaining few Shantinath became a Chakravarti.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When, after a long and peaceful reign, he realized that the moment for his renunciation was approaching, Shantinath went into the Sahasramra jungle, and, becoming an ascetic commenced his practices.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After wandering as an ascetic for one year he returned to the same jungle and there, on the ninth day of the bright half of the month of Paush, he attained omniscience under a Nandi tree. His first discourse was on the subject of disciplining the senses. He came to Sammetshikhar after a long period wandering and propagating true religion. There, along with nine hundred other ascetics, he observed a month long fast that started his final meditation. On the thirteenth day of the dark half of the month of Jyeshta, Bhagavan Shantinath attained Nirvana.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-56619104206992029212013-05-02T10:59:00.000-04:002013-05-02T10:59:00.186-04:00Bhagwan Dharmnath - 15th TirthankarThe being that was to become Bhagavan Dharmnath was king Dridhrath of Bhaddilpur in Mahavideh area, in its earlier incarnation. Although he had enormous wealth and a large kingdom, he led a detached and pious life like a lotus in a pond. Even great saints praised him as the embodiment of religion. During the later part of his life king Dridhrath became an ascetic and as a result of his unblemished character and sincere spiritual practices he earned the Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. Completing his age he reincarnated as a god in the Vaijayant dimension.<br /><br />This being then descended into the womb of queen Suvrata, wife of king Bhanuraja of Ratnapur. During the pregnancy the queen devoted all her time in religious activities. Even the king and all other members of the family were inclined to devote maximum time to various religious activities like charity, righteousness, penances, studies etc. On the third day of the bright half of the month of Magh a son was born to the queen. Due to the religious influence during the pregnancy period, the king gave him the name Dharmnath. In due course he became young, was married and then ascended the throne. He ruled successfully for a long period.<br /><br />One day he terminated all worldly attachments and became and ascetic. After two years of spiritual practices he became omniscient. His first religious discourse was attended by the fifth Vasudev Purush Simha and Sudarshan Baldev.<br /><br />In his first discourse he mainly dealt with the subject of form and ill effects of passions. A large audience was benefited by this eloquent discourse. At last he went to Sammetshikhar and got Nirvana.Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-7047437062909376482013-04-30T10:56:00.000-04:002013-04-30T10:56:00.045-04:00Bhagwan Anantnath - 14th TirthankarQueen Suyasha Devi, wife of king Simhasen of Ayodhya, gave birth to an illustrious son on the thirteenth day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh. During her pregnancy the queen dreamt of a very long strand of beads whose ends were not visible. The power and the glory of the king also increased manifold during this period. Accordingly the new born was named Anant (endless) Kumar.<br /><br />After leading a normal life, first as a price and then as the king he became an ascetic along with one thousand other persons. He became an omniscient on the fourteenth day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh under an Ashok tree. In his first discourse he elaborated the subject of the fundamentals-matter and life. He had fifty chief disciples including the senior most named Yash. Purushottam Vasudev and Suprabh Baldev reigned during his period of influence.<br /><br />Bhagavan Anantnath got Nirvana at Sammetshikhar on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra.Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-13239927127077446632013-04-27T10:54:00.000-04:002013-04-27T10:54:00.462-04:00Bhagwan Vimalnath - 13th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
King Kritvarma and queen Shyanan Devi of Kampilpur were both spiritualists and devotees of the Jina. The queen one day saw fourteen auspicious things in her dream and the augurs announced that she will give birth to a Tirthankar. It was the pious soul that in its earlier birth was king Padmasen of Mahapuri town in Datakikhand and had descended into the queens womb from the Mahardhik dimension of gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During her pregnancy the queen radiated a soothing glow. Her temperature also became congenial, kind, and generous. When the child was born the whole atmosphere was also filled with a soothing glow. Inspired by this spread of purity, the king named his new born son as Vimal (pure/untarnished).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In due course, prince Vimal Kumar became young, was married, and then ascended the throne. After a long and successful reign he became a Shraman along with one thousand other kings and princes on the fourth day of the bright half of the month of Magh. After two years of spiritual practices he attained omniscience and established the religious ford. Merak Prativasudev, Svayambhu Vasudev, and Bhadra Baldev were his contemporaries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagavan Vimalnath got Nirvana at Sammetshikhar on the seventh day of the dark half of the month of Ashadh.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-48390362662654671242013-04-25T10:50:00.000-04:002013-04-25T10:50:54.362-04:00Bhagwan Vasupujya - 12th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
King Padmottar ruled over Mangalavati town of Ardhapushkar island. He was a person devoted to spiritual pursuits. In later part of his life he took Diksha from Acharya Vajranabh. Reducing the tarnish of Karma by penance and spiritual practices he earned the Tirthankar-nam-and-gotra-karma and incarnated as a god in the Pranat dimension.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vasupujya was the king of Champa town in the Bharat sub-continent. His queen was Jaya Devi. Besides being a great warrior King Vasupujya was a compassionate and charitable person. The queen too was benevolent and she inspired the king in his charitable activities.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The being that was Padmottar was born to queen Jaya Devi. It is said that when the queen was pregnant, the king of gods came to convey his veneration to the future Tirthankar and his mother. As Indra is also known as Vasu, the newborn was named Vasupujya (venerated by Vasu).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As Vasupujya grew, so grew his inherent detachment and apathy for mundane affairs. He had no attraction for the regal splendor and grandeur. When he became young his parents wanted him to marry but he declined. He even conveyed that he had no intention of ascending the throne. In spite of all persuasions from his family members, he renounced the worldly life and became a Shraman on the fifteenth day of the dark half of the month of Phalgun along with six hundred other persons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The intensity of his spiritual practices was so deep that he became an omniscient within one month. At that moment he was practicing under a Patal tree in a garden outside Champa town. He established the four pronged religious ford and preached for a long period.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second Vasudev, Dwiprishtaha, was his devotee. He and his brother Baldev Shrivijay conquered Prativasudev Tark and brought his oppressive rule to an end. Shrivijay later joined the ascetic order of Bhagavan Vasupujya.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bhagavan Vasupujya got Nirvana in Champa town on the fourteenth day of the bright half of the month of Ashadh.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-73533865128830106932013-04-03T14:27:00.000-04:002013-04-03T14:27:00.870-04:00Bhagwan Shreyansnath - 11th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
In his earlier incarnation, the being that was to become Bhagavan Shreyansnath purified his soul as king Nalingulm, and went to the Mahashakra dimension of gods. From there he descended and took birth as Shreyans Kumar, the son of king Vishnuraja and queen Vishnu Devi of Simhapur. Shreyans Kumar was born on the twelfth day of the dark half of the month of Bhadrapad.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He had a normal princely life and ascended the throne when Vishnuraja retired. After a long reign Shreyans Kumar became a Shraman and within a short span of two months attained omniscience on the fifteenth day of the dark half of the month of Magh under a mango tree. He got Nirvana at Sammetshikhar on the third day of the dark half of the month of Shravan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was during his period that the being that was to be Bhagavan Mahavir reigned as the first Vasudev Triprishta. After the death of Triprishtha, his brother Baldev Achal became a disciple of Dharmghosh who was a follower of Shreyansnath. Achal got liberated in this birth.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-57999574425027448182013-03-29T14:22:00.000-04:002013-03-29T14:22:05.828-04:00Bhagwan Sheetalnathji - 10th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
The being that was to be Bhagavan Sheetalnath, in his previous but one birth was the king of Susima town in the Pushkarvar island. His name was Padmottar. When his son reached adulthood the religious king gave his kingdom to the son and took Diksha from Tristadha Muni. Vigorous spiritual practices and worship of the pious states as mentioned in the scriptures resulted in his acquiring the Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. Completing his age he reincarnated as the king of the Pranat dimension of gods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day due to some strange ailment, king Dridhrath had high fever and acute burning sensation in his body. He did not get any relief even after applying a variety of ointments. Out of anxiety and to comfort the king, the queen put her palm on his body. This mere touch of the queen removed the burning sensation and a feeling of soothing relief swept his body. After this incident the king decided to name the new born as Sheetal (cool/calm).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sheetalnath was born on the twelfth day of the dark half of the month Magh. When he grew older he married at the request of his parents. At proper time, king Dridhrath coronated him and took Diksha. After a long and successful reign Sheetalnath left his home and became an ascetic. He attained omniscience under a Peepal tree on the fourteenth day of the dark half of the month of Paush. After wandering and preaching for a long time, he came to Sammetshikhar and attained Nirvana on the second day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-50941283970307332032013-03-21T14:20:00.000-04:002013-03-21T14:20:28.012-04:00Bhagwan Suvidhinathji - 9th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: center;">
Bhagwan Suvidhinathji - 9th Tirthankar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the tradition started by Bhagavan Rishabhdev the ninth Tirthankar re-established the four pronged religious ford by Bhagavan Suvidhinath. During his earlier incarnation as emperor Mahapadma of Pushkalvati Vijay, purified his soul to the extant of earning Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. He took birth in the Vijayant dimension of gods and from there he descended into the womb of queen Rama Devi, wife of king Sugriva of Kakandi town.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the period of pregnancy queen Rama developed a strange capacity to develop processes for doing even the most difficult of tasks. Everyone got astonished at her skill. When the child was born the king accordingly named him as Suvidhi (correct procedure). During the teething period of the child the mother got a craving for playing with flowers. As such, he was also popularly known as Pushpadant (flower-tooth).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suvidhinath had a normal princely life, but with detachment. He became an ascetic at an early age and attained omniscience only after four months rigorous spiritual practices. He got Nirvana at Sammetshikhar on the ninth day of the dark half of the month of Kartik.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Extinction of the Religious Ford</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tradition of the four pronged religious ford started by Bhagavan Rishabhdev gradually became extinct after the Nirvana of Bhagavan Suvidhinath. After his death, first the ascetic organization disintegrated and a time came when there was no ascetic left. The religious discourses were given by common citizens or Shravaks. Slowly the influence of wealth became overpowering and people started forgetting the principals of five vows including Ahimsa and truthfulness. The discipline of spiritual principles gave way to ritualistic exchanges of wealth and total indiscipline.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-8733317019197454252013-03-12T15:36:00.002-04:002013-03-12T15:36:36.799-04:00Bhagwan Chandraprabhuji - 8th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: center;">
Bhagwan Chandraprabhuji - 8th Tirthankar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In his birth as king Padma of Mangalavati town of Dhatkikhand, the being that was to become Bhagavan Chandraprabh earned Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. Spending a life time as a god in Anuttar Vijay dimension he descended into the womb of queen Lakshmana, wife of king Mahasen of Chandranana town.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During her pregnancy, one day the queen was looking at the splendors and glowing full-moon. All of a sudden she had a strange desire to drink the glowing streak of moon light. The king cleverly managed to satisfy this strange desire of a pregnant mother.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the thirteenth day of the dark half of the month of Paush the queen gave birth to a healthy son who was fair and glowing like the moon. He was named Chandraprabh (glow of the moon).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chandraprabh was apathetic towards the mundane pleasures and princely grandeur. After he ascended the throne his reign was short lived. He became an ascetic in the prime of his youth and just after three months of acute spiritual practices he became an omniscient. For a considerably long period he continued to enlighten the people and propagate the true religion. When liberation approached he went to Sammet Shikhar and after a month of long fast and meditation got liberated.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-78818591257939746472013-02-28T10:24:00.001-05:002013-02-28T10:24:37.846-05:00Bhagwan Suparshvanath - 7th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bhagwan Suparshvanath - 7th Tirthankar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The being that was to be Suparshvanath had done harsh penance and deep spiritual practices in his earlier birth as king Nandisen of Kshetrapuri. He then reincarnated as a god in the sixth Graveyak dimension.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From the dimension of gods this soul descended into the womb of queen Prithvi Devi, wife of king Pratishthasen of Varanasi. During her pregnancy the queen did not lose her normal shapely figure, as generally happens. As her flanks still remained attractive, the child, when born, was named Suparshva.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When Suparshva became young he was married and later ascended the throne. He ably conducted the affairs of he state and looked after the well being of his people. One day while he was enjoying the nature sitting at the roof top, he observed the falling of leaves and wilting of flowers. Suddenly he became aware of the transient nature of life. This gave a rising to the feeling of detachment and desire for spiritual upliftment. He gave his kingdom to his son and became an ascetic. After nine months of disciplined practices he became an omniscient on the sixth day of the dark half of the month of Phalgun. For a long period he worked for the spread of right knowledge. He got liberated on the seventh day of the bright half of he month of Palgun at Sammetshikhar.</span></div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-52683531591466124732013-02-21T13:50:00.001-05:002013-02-21T13:50:43.979-05:00Bhagwan Padamprabh - 6th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: center;">
Bhagwan Padamprabh - 6th Tirthankar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maharaj Aparajit ruled over Susima town in the Purvavideh area. He was a simple and religious person. He got detached after listening to the discourse of an Arhat and took Diksha from Acharya Pihitashrava. As a result of long spiritual practices he earned Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. Completing his age, he reincarnated as a god in the Graiveyak dimension.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From the dimension of gods, the being that was Aparajit descended into the womb of queen Susima, wife of the king Kaushambi. One day queen Susima had a desire to sleep on a bed made up of lotus flowers. As this was a desire of a pregnant mother, the gods made arrangements for its fulfillment. On the twelfth day of the dark half of the month of Kartik the queen gave birth to a son. The new born had a soft pink glow like lotus flowers. The king named him as Padmaprabh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In due course the prince became young and was married. When his father left for spiritual practices, Padmaprabh ascended the throne. After a long and successful reign, when through his three fold knowledge he knew that the right moment has come, he became an ascetic. After six months of spiritual practices, on the full moon day of the month of Chaitra he attained omniscience under a banyan tree. Propagating right religion for a long time, Bhagavan Padmaprabh wandered around and at last arrived at Sammetshikhar. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He got Nirvana on the eleventh day of the dark half of the month of Margshirsh.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7996718273108177696.post-3622329312350959802013-02-11T10:05:00.000-05:002013-02-11T10:05:09.125-05:00Bhagwan Sumatinathji - 5th Tirthankar<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bhagwan Sumatinathji - 5th Tirthankar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vijayasen was the king of Shankhpur town in the Purva Mahavideh area. He had a son named Purushasimha. While he had gone for a walk in the garden one day, the prince listened to the discourse of Acharya Vinayanandan Dev. He became detached and a turned ascetic. As a result of vigorous penance and higher spiritual practices, he earned the Tirthankar-nam and gotra-karma. Completing his age, he reincarnated as a god in the Vijayant dimension.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From Vijayant dimension, the soul that was Purushasimha descended into the womb of queen Mangalavati/Sumangala, wife of king Megh of Ayodhya. The news of the queen being pregnant made the atmosphere of Ayodyha live with happiness and joy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day two women and a little boy came to the kings court to seek justice. One of the women put forth her case before the king, "Sire! We both are wives of a rich seafaring merchant. Our husband has left for his heavenly abode leaving behind we two, a son, and heaps of wealth. The child truly belongs to me but this second wife of the merchant claims to be her. This is nothing but a conspiracy to grab the wealth that would be inherited by the child. Save me, my Lord! I seek my son and justice from you."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The story narrated by the other woman was also the same. Shouting charges and counter charges at each other, both the women claimed the possession of the child. The child could not indicate his true mother as he had got equal affection from both. As the boy was born in some remote place, there was no eye witness available.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The king was in a quandary. Even after a lot of probing and weighing the evidence he could not solve the problem. Any ill conceived solution could end up in doing injustice to the innocent. The king and his ministers all could end up in doing injustice to the innocent. The king and his ministers all were in a fix. The night was approaching and the king was getting late for his dinner. He adjourned the case and went into the palace for dinner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The queen asked, "Today you are late for the dinner, your highness. What is the matter? Was there some complex problem?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The king narrated the case of the two women and their child and said, "No one is able to say firmly, which one of the women is the real mother of the child and which one is the pretender?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The queen said with a smile, "Your Highness, let a woman solve the problems of women. Send the case to me and allow me to resolve the issue."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next morning the queen herself came to the kings court. Both the women and their son were produced before the queen. There was no apparent indication in the behavior and disposition of the two women that could give any indication of the genuineness of one. All of a sudden, the queen got an inspiration and she said, "This enigma has no simple solution. There is one object and two claimants. The object, being a person, cannot be split into two. Under the circumstances the only solution I can think of is to keep the matter pending. I carry a pious soul in my womb. Let us wait till it is born and is ready to resolve this issue. during the period of waiting, let the son and the property of the deceased be taken into the custody of the state. Till then the claimants may wait."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hearing all of this one of the claimants readily accepted the arrangement but the other started weeping. In a choked voice she said, "No! Please dont separate me from my son. I will not be able to survive without my son for such a long period, I withdraw my claim. Let the other woman take the child as well as all the property of my husband. My only submission is that I may be allowed at least meet the child. I will be contented with that only."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The queen recognized the pain and concern of a mother's heart. She gave her judgment, "The woman who immediately agreed to my proposal is the impostor. Her attachment is not to the child but to the wealth. She may be imprisoned. The one who wants to surrender her claim is the real mother. The child and the wealth may be given to her with all honor."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everyone present in the assembly was dumbstruck by this witty method of judgment. The impostor pleaded guilty and submitted to be pardoned.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the eighth day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh, the queen gave birth to a son. A wave of peace and goodwill swept the whole world. Appreciating the fact that the marked improvement in wisdom and sense of judgment during the pregnancy was the influence of the presence of the illustrious and pious soul, king Megh named the new born as-Sumati (wisdom or right thinking).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When he became a young man, Sumati Kumar was married, and in due course inherited the kingdom. King Megh became an ascetic. After a long and peaceful reign Sumatinath, too, became an ascetic. He attained omniscience under a Priyangu tree on the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra. He established the four pronged religious ford and became a Tirthankar. On the ninth day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra he got Nirvana at Sammetshikhar.</div>
Raj Salechahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01446477158740646849noreply@blogger.com0