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[ Detailed Account of Penances
worth living. It is misery alone which makes a man pure gold by heating him in its own fire, leads him to the right path, and at last raises him to the position of an ascetic and a Lord. It creates a desire for self-realization and for keeping company with the saints; it washes off the filth of Karmas and spreads Eternal Light in the soul of a man. It leads the erring Jiva to the attainment of Truth. In its attempt to burn the Karmas in its flames, it burns itself thereby and leaves no trace behind. It is at this time that the Jiva is liberated from the bondage of Karmas and attains a life of Eternal Bliss where is no separation, no sorrow, no misery, no darkness and no heat. This condition of the Jiva is called Mukti ( Salvation, or Nirvana-Pada, Eternal Happiness ).
The Upasarga, caused by the cowherd to the body of the Lord, was the last after which he had not to suffer any in future. From his consecration to the present day, he had been fighting against the strong forces of King Karman, and although the attacks of the enemy were rather terrific, he faced them all and won the field at last. Although Lord Mahavira did not make any counter attacks upon the enemy; still the enemy was defeated and surrendered to the Lord. This divine career of the Lord places a very high ideal before us. It shows us that we too, should develop our spiritual power and sanctify our life by attaining eternal Spiritual Bliss.
A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE LORD'S PENANCES DURING HIS CONSECRATION
PERIOD. Leaving Madhyama Apa pa-Nagari, Lord Mahavira came to village Jrimbhaka on the bank of the river Riju
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