________________
95
vāsa' (an Indian barley) throughout his life. This nicely illustrates how soft his heart was, and how it was full of pity Because the creeper's life was lost simply for his sake though in extraordinary circumstances, he left off the six Vigayas and undertook to take simple diet This provides a unique illustration to show how best is the principle of non-violence of the Jains. The great teacher was endowed not only with divine and magical powers but he was well versed in literature also. This can be known by referring to his composition He could compose poems and prayers,
Some minister once approached the great teacher and reciting a poem of eight alliterations remarked, “ There is none at present who can compose such a poem" To this, the teacher patiently said, "It is not correct to say that there is none," Then the minister said, “If there is any one, show him to me." The great teacher said, “ He will be known on the right occasion."
Then, at night the great teacher composed the prayer containing eight alliterations and beginning with 'Jaya Vrisabha' etc, wrote it on the wall, and showed it to the minister in the morning The minister was highly wonderstruck at such an extraordinary power of the teacher, and receiving precepts from him he became his disciple.
After Jagac'candra Sûri, he did commendable efforts to remove negligence that was shown to the Jaina literature, civilization and art of Tapăgac'ca Though he was well-versed in the science of using magical hymns, he never tulerated any defeciin his character The fact that he had undertaken a hard vow because or using the vegetation only once affords a great testimony to his noble and pure character
Doing best efforts for the upliftment of the Jainism, he went to heaven in V S. 1357. He was a great Mantra-shăstri' (a scholar wlio was well versed in the system which treats of mystic formulae) By means of his impressive preachings he had
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org