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

Page 93

A Brief Survey of a Long Tradition
73
a tirthankara who had just attained to perfect knowledge.15 We may note, further, that as a sign of respect and reverence the title nātha: Lord, Master is appended to the name of a tirthankara, except in the case of Mahāvira, the last one.
The Namaskāra-mantra and the Caturviṁśatistava express the quintessence not only of Jaina belief, but also of its ideal and of its worship. To recite the mantra and repeat the hymn of praise means that one believes firmly that the tirtharkaras have taught the way of Liberation, that one has a duty to follow and imitate them and that, by reason of their extraordinary virtues, they are worthy of an unflagging and deep devotion. 16 During the course of centuries they have inspired an ardent devotion which is manifest in the life of the ascetics and other faithful followers and also in architecture, sculpture, iconography and a wealth of literature. Before attempting to present, according to the various regions, the principal elements that go to make up the immense riches of this tradition, it is necessary first to specify certain features that form as it were its supporting pillars.
1. Some essential notions
These notions gravitate, as it were, around the central notion of tirthankara; not all of them are clearly expressed in the most ancient Agamas. Certain ones are developed or modified later on.
Tirthankaras
A tirthankara is always a jina, a conqueror,17 an arhat, that is, worthy of veneration, a kevalin or omniscient one. But every jina, arhat, kevalin is not a tirhankara, these last-named having a special mission which distinguishes them from the other arhats. In regard to their degree of perfection there is no difference, for all, i.e., jinas,
15 Cf. U.P. Shah, 1955, ch. 5; for the development of the iconography, cf. ibid., ch. 6.
16 The mantra and the hymn belong to the daily obligatory rite; cf. P 710 ff.
17 From which is derived Jaina or follower of the jinas.