Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

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The First Steps on the Path
prowess.15 However, the Name as such is only a support, the staff, as it were, of the pilgrim. Gradually the Name must be abandoned, in order that one may discover in the case of each arhat the siddha fixed firm in the state beyond every Name.
ii) Sthapana-stava
This comprises all that the architecture, sculpture, and iconography of every age have bequeathed to us and that is held in veneration. These, however, are the work of human hands and can be seen and touched. They are merely aids towards interior veneration.
iii) Dravya-stava
This comprises all that reflects the person of each tirthankara, his physical appearance with all its particular features, his family and social background, to all of which factors tradition attaches great importance, because they impart a certain joy, that joy that comes from contemplating a human being who has attained perfection of body, faculties and behaviour.
iv) Kṣetra-stava
Here are included the kingdoms, towns, villages, or mountains where, according to tradition, the major events of the earthly life of each tirthankara took place: his birth, dikṣā, kevala-jñāna, entry into nirvāṇa. These places popular faith has made centres of pilgrimage.
v) Käla-stava
This refers to the epoch in which tradition places cach of these
events.
vi) Bhāva-stava
15 Cf. ADH VIII, 39. Devotion, if truly alive, does not stay satisfied with the contents of tradition; fresh strains of praise are always being added; for example, Āryikā Jñanamati, during the course of these last years, has composed several hymns.
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