Confluence of Opposites

SR No.: 006704
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: Champat Rai Jain
Publication Year: 1921
Total Pages: 422
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 15 MB

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GOD
The effect of the merit acquired by these s'ubha (auspicions) karmas is the obtainment of the highest status as a Tirthamkara. The Tirthamkara is a man of whom we may say in the words of the prophetic author of the Apocalypse :
"I am he that liveth, and was dead, and, behold, I am alive for ever, more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (chap. i. 18).
Tirthamkarahood is obtained on the manifestation of omniscience as a result of the destruction of the knowledge-obstructing 'bushel' (jnana-avarana = a cover on knowledge) from the soul.
The Tirthamkara is free from (1) hunger, (2) thirst, (3) senility, (4) disease, (5).birth, (6) death, (7) fear, (8) pride, (9) attachment, (10) aversion, (11) infatuation or delusion, (12) worry, (13) conceit, (14) hatred, (15) uneasiness, (16) sweat, (17) sleep and (18) surprise. Devas and men assemble to worship Him; His speech is like the "voice of many waters" (Rev. i. 15), that can be heard for a great distance and is termed Tina-bani (the Voice of God) or S'ruti (Revelation), His countenance is resplendent like a thousand suns shining in one place; His feet resemble "fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace," His eyes, a "flame of fire" (Rev. i. 14-15). A perfect embodiment of mercy, He preaches dharma to the blessed amongst devas and men and others prior to his entering nirvana, when the complete separation of spirit from matter leaves Him as pure Effulgence of Paramatmanship, faultless, deathless,