________________
326
SON
The high-born ladies went to that place (where Bāhubali was) and did not see at all the muni covered with vines, like a jewel covered with dust. Standing like that, not the least different from the trees, they perceived him with difficulty after making a repeated search. After observing him closely, they made pradakşiņā three times, paid homage to the great muni, Bahubali, and spoke as follows: "The Blessed One, your father, sends you this message, noble elder brother, 'Kevala can not arise in those seated on an elephant's shoulder.'” After saying this, the two ladies went as they had come.
The mahātma, astonished inwardly, reflected, “How am I sitting on an elephant, when I am like a tree in this forest, engaged in kāyotsarga, ali censurable activity abandoned ? These disciples of the Blessed One say nothing which is untrue, so what does this mean? Oh, now I know at last. I said, 'Who will pay homage to his younger brothers, seniors in the vow ?' That pride is an elephant and I am seated firmly on it. Though engaged in attendance on the Guru of the Three Worlds for a long time, discernment was lacking to me, like swimming to a crab. I did not desire to pay homage to the mahātmas, my own brothers who had taken the vow first, because they were younger. Now I shall go and pay homage to the great munis." With these reflections, he, noble, took a step, and at that very step kevalajñāna became manifest, the destructive karmas being completely snapped like a row of creepers. With complete knowledge and belief manifest, with a tranquil appearance, he went to the Master's presence, like the moon before the sun. After making the pradakşiņā to the Tirthakrt and bowing to the congregation, the great muni, entitled to homage from the world, his vow fulfilled, sat down in the assembly of kevalins.
WW
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
