Jain Ramayana Part 1

SR No.: 002021
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 452
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 21 MB

Page 149

Vali, the Valiant
137
and endeavours, without the slightest slackness. He did not develop attachment for his mighty and miraculous powers, abilities and potentialities. Vali, the great Muni, during his wanderings happened to step into the valleys of the Ashtapad mountain; and once, an idea relating to his spiritual endeavours flashed in his mind like a lightning. A great sage by name Charan Muni was abiding there. Within the twinkling of an eye, Vali scaled the sky-high peaks of the mighty mountain. That mountain on which the first Tirthankar Bhagwan Rishabhdev had attained Nirvan brought holy memories of the twenty four Tirthankars. Emperor Bharat, who had been deeply grieved by the Nirvan of his father, sought and found spiritual solace by building there a number of Jin Temples. He tried to attain solace and to pacify the flames of anguish that had been consuming his heart, by installing in those temples magnificent idols whose radiance surpassed the splendour and lustre of extraordinary gems.
Mahamuni Vali was overwhelmed with joyful emotions; and worshipped the Jin idols with overflowing devotion; and then on the loftiest peak of that memorable and holy mountain he sat in deep meditation. There was no question of his taking food. The reason was he was performing Masakshamans (a monthly fasting). Speed.. great speed is essential to carry out spiritual endeavours.
One has to proceed speedily on the path of endeavours carrying out whatever one wants to carry out whether it is Japa (an austerity) Tyag (an austerity); acquiring knowledge, meditation; politeness or devotion. Speed is necessary in such endeavours; not the slow movement of a bullock-cart but the lightning-like flash of a rocket. If there was any break, it was only for rest; and even while taking rest one should bear in mind the vital point that the short break is meant for taking rest. It should not slide into spiritual slackness or lassitude. Periodical rest refreshes us and increases our speed by energising our spiritual potentialities; and we should take rest so that it may intensify our speed.