Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
It happens. Before his eyes, a blazing reflection of renunciation and detachment appears, melting his ego like ice.
Remember, the body of a Tirthankara is made up of the most auspicious atoms in the world, therefore, from the point of view of form, the Tirthankara is great. Among all the beings in the world, the Tirthankara is the most powerful. Even the greatest heroes cannot stand before his strength. Tirthankaras are born with Avadhijnana. As soon as they accept the Shraman-Diksha, they attain Manahparyavgyan and after that, the divine light of Kevalgyan starts shining in them, therefore, from the point of view of knowledge, the Tirthankara is great. From the point of view of Darshan, Tirthankaras are the holders of Kshayik Samyaktva. Their character develops progressively. Their results are always increasing. No one can match them in terms of knowledge, Darshan, and character, as well as in charity. Before entering the Shraman Dharma, they donate one crore eight lakh gold coins every day for one year. They are secret Brahmachari. Even during the time of Sadhana, the Devanganas cannot attract them with their wonderful forms. Tirthankaras set a record in the field of Tapasya. They do not even drink water during the time of Tapasya. In the field of Bhavana, the Bhavana of Tirthankaras becomes progressively pure and purest.
Thus, the life of Tirthankaras is a holy institution of various characteristics. There can be many Arihants at one place at one time, but there is only one Tirthankara. Every Sadhak can become an Arihant by trying, but to become a Tirthankara, the Sadhana of not one but many Bhavas is required. Tirthankaratva is an excellent Puny nature. By engraving the qualities of Tirthankaras, the heart becomes pure, desires are calmed. Just as a cold compress calms fever during a high fever, in the same way, when the fever of desire creates restlessness in life, the remembrance of Tirthankaras provides peace like a cold compress. By praising Tirthankaras, accumulated Karma is destroyed. Just as a tiny spark can burn a pile of cotton, in the same way, the praise of Tirthankaras destroys Karma.
When we praise Tirthankaras, a bright ideal of each Tirthankara remains before us. As soon as the remembrance of Bhagwan Rishabhdev comes, the picture of the Adimyug starts shining on the mental canvas. He starts thinking that Bhagwan created this human culture. He ran the administration of the state. He taught man the lessons of art, civilization, and religion. He left royal splendor and became a Shraman. Even after not getting alms for a year, joy played on his face. The life of Bhagwan Shantinath is a great symbol of peace. The life of Bhagwati Malli is a shining example of women's life. Bhagwan Arishtanemi is the very incarnation of compassion. For the protection of the lives of animals and birds, he even abandons the beautiful Rajimati. As soon as the remembrance of Bhagwan Parsva comes, a form of the Tapasya tradition of that era comes before us, in which there is no light of knowledge, the flames of Kshayas are burning in the inner mind, and the flames of Panchagni are also burning outside. He saves the snake burning in those flames. Even when tortured by Kamath, no anger arose in his mind, and even when praised by Dharanendra Padmavati, no happiness arose in his mind. This is his Vitaragi form. The life of Bhagwan Mahavira is a great revolutionary life. Even from many hair-raising Upsargas, he does not deviate even a little. In the Upsargas given by Aryas and Anaryas, by Devas and Danavas, by animals and birds, he remains unshakable like Mount Meru. He refutes caste and creed and emphasizes the importance of qualities. He gives respect to women.
[30]