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 69

The Journey to the Bhimaranya
57
feat that the next moment the fat and heavy Kumbhakarna was seen licking the dust. Dashmukh who was serious smiled on seeing this merry encounter between his younger brothers.
Dashmukh chose a place covered with fine greenery beneath a huge tree as fit for carrying out their endeavours.
One by one, the three brothers sat there, in a proper order.
They wore white robes necessary for carrying out Jap and Tap (recitations and austerities); and sat down there. They took the garlands of beads (Japmalas) in their hands; and then concentrating their eyes on the edges of their noses, they were soon absorbed in a profound contemplation, reciting with an extraordinary concentration, the Ashtakshari Mantra (the eight lettered Mantra).
The goddess of the night wrapped the whole world with a dark cover. Stars began to twinkle in the sky. The speed of wind kept gradually increasing. The ferocious cries and roars of wild animals that filled the atmosphere inspired fear in those who heard them. Every aspect and object of the forest shook with the ferocious cries and roars of wild animals. But the three brothers were plunged in a meditation, in their endeavour to attain mastery over the various arts, sciences and accomplishments and were reciting the Ashtakshari Mantra with concentration. After two Prahars of the night passed (one prahar - three hours) they attained that accomplishment; and their joy knew no bounds.
Soon after that they began to recite the Shodashakshari Mantra. They had to recite that Mantra ten crore and one thousand times. They were reciting the Mantra with firm concentration and absolute serenity.
What accomplishments, arts or skills cannot be attained by those who possess firmness of concentration and an unflinching determination and who enjoy the grace and blessings of gods and spiritual heads ? What objective cannot be achieved by such men ? Even to pursue the path of salvation only two things are essential. The soul that is determined to destroy its Karmas