Path of Arhat

SR No.: 001745
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T U Mehta
Publisher: Sohanlal Smarak Parshwanath Shodhpitha Varanasi
Publication Year: 1993
Total Pages: 262
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Spiritual, Religion, & Principle
File Size: 15 MB

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The Path of Arhat : A Religious Democracy
occupied by Rşabhadeva, the first tirthaukara, in history was unparallel. Even Lord Mahavīra, failed to possess that. Lord Mahāvīra had inherited what Lord Rşabhadeva established. Rşabhadeva was, the pioneer of spirituality as well as of Śramaya tradition, was temporal teacher who organised the contemporary society by establishing the institution of marriage, evolving the Brahmi script, teaching the art of agriculture, building of the mounds and the disposal of the dead bodies by cremation. He is also looked upon as a great pioneer in the history of human progress. At the time of Rsabha the contemporary human society was primitive and totally disorganised. It was Rşabha who taught his people to live in accordance with the modern standards of family life. It is said that the art of rearing children, establishment of social norms and group life, building of townships were among the useful social necessities which were taught by him. He built the first town, named 'vinita', now known as 'Ayodhya'.
He belonged to the Ikşvā ku family of Ayodhya. His father was Nabhi Raja and mother Marudevi. He married two wives named Sumaigalā and Sunandā. Among his hundred sons, the eldest was Bharata, after his name our country is known as Bhārata'. His another illustrious son was Bahubali. He had two daughters Brahmi and Sundari.
It is believed that Brahmi script was taught by him to his daughter Brāhmi, whose name the script is bearing. Those days real brothers and sisters were treated as 'Yugals' (couples who can have physical relationship ). This system had much in common with ancient Egypt where kings married their own sisters. Rşabha's daughter Brahmi had renounced the world and had become a nun. Sundari, another daughter, was very beautiful and learned. Bharata, the eldest son, wanted to mirry Sundari but Sundari did not want to marry at all and took to severe austerities to contain her overflowing beauty, Bahubali, another son of Rşabha was a warrior of tremendous strength. Bharata, his elder brother, was entitled to the