Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 5

SR No.: 008006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 616
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 14 MB

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Śramana Bhagavān Mahāvīra then removed his doubt bý explaining the verses of the Védas. The condition of the Soul is quite distinct from that of the five elements. The union of the five elements (i.-e. earth, water, fire, air, and ether) of which the body is composed, and into which it is dissolved at death, does not produce a Cétana,-Consciousness. Consciousness, the chief characteristic of the Soul, is absolutely different from the five elements composing the body. चेतनालक्षणो जीवः Cétană lakṣaņo Jivab;-The Soul is characterised by Consciousness. The Soul possessing consciousness becomes separated from the body at the expiration of the allotted term of life, and goes into the future world.
Some individuals have a recollection of events of former life, even during their present existence by arfa en Jāti Smaraņa,Remembrance of the events of a former birth. If there be no gana Punarbhava,-Re-birth, who will enjoy the pleasures of meritorious work or suffer the evil consequences of wicked actions done during this life? If there be no re-birth and if there is no recompense for good or evil actions, why should there be any consideration, what-so-ever, that only meritorious deeds should be performed and wicked actions always avoided? If such be the case, then, it will come out as a settled fact that every individual in this world, is at hberty to act in accordance with his peculiar imagination. But we see all thes individuals in this world bearing the consequences of good or evil deeds, and all of them are not the result of deeds done by them during this life, and, therefore, there is no doubt whatso-ever that there is at Para-loka,-Next Life.
Arya Métarya, fully convinced by the explanation, took दीक्षा Diksä-Initiation-at the hands of Śramaņa Bhagavan Mahāvīra, along with his three hundred pupils.
Ganadhara Mahārāja Métarya was thirty-six years old when he renounced the world. He readily knew the various works of Jain Scriptures as he had several Labdhis. After a period 17
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