Jain Heritage and Beyond

SR No.: 006519
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 174
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Spiritual
File Size: 37 MB

Page 142

matter, it was clear to him that he should explore a way for the well-being of all. He visualized that after marriage he might get too involved in worldly life. Then it would be hard for him to embark upon such an exploration and consequent wrong actions resulted in all sorts of misery and pain. He therefore dwelled deep into the Self. He realized that the present was the right time for him to explore the truth that would lead to the happiness of every living being. Therefore, he decided not to get married. All the animals and birds are released at Nemkumär's request
After spending fifty-four days in deep spiritual meditation at Mount Girnar, Neminäth destroyed all his Ghäti Karmas which were obscuring the true nature and power of the soul. He attained Kevaljnän and became an omniscient. He established the four-fold religious order (This Chaturvidha Sangha is known as a Tirtha) and became the twentysecond Tirthankar of the Jain religion. Thereafter, he lived a long life preaching the path of liberation to the common people.
At the time when Neminäth decided to renounce his worldly life, Räjul was being
Friends consoling Princess Räjul adorned by her girl friends. She was eagerly waiting for the arrival of her Nemkumar as the bridegroom. Then they heard the news that Nemkumär had turned back. No one could understand his decision. Räjul was in utter grief. A calamity had overtaken her all of a sudden! Her friends tried to console her in that hour of crisis. Some of them started cursing Nemkumär for putting their beloved friend in such a miserable condition. Some advised her to forget the unpredictable Nemkumar and look for another suitable match. In her heart, Räjul had accepted Nemkumär as her husband. She could not even think of any other person taking his place. She did not like anyone cursing Nemkumär or speaking poorly of him.
She had some spiritual orientation also. When she came to know of the real cause of his renouncement, she was able to overcome her grief. She realized that Nemkumär had left for a commendable purpose. She could appreciate his mission. She thought that the best way for her was to follow his footsteps. She absorbed herself in religious practices.
When Räjul heard that Neminäth had become an omniscient she went to the Samavasaran along with many of her friends and took Dikshä. She absorbed herself in meditation and penance and spent the rest of her life as the head of the nuns' order. In the end, after destroying all her Karmas she attained liberation.
Bhagawan Neminäth's life is a good example of compassion towards animals. The killing and torture of animals on his account rekindled his passion for the search for complete freedom from misery. Räjul was a noble princess who appreciated Nemkumär's search for truth and happily followed him.