Shraman Mahavira

SR No.: 011093
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dineshchandra Sharma
Publisher: Mitra Parishad Calcutta
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 351
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 13 MB

Page 43

1
1 THE RESOLVE TO BE FREE
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quitting his home shall hold a beacon-light to humanity in its entirety'
'Is it denied to a householder to taste emancipation?'
'When did I deny it? But I do assert that the one who proposes to keep the torch of emancipation burning shall have to give up the one hearth that binds him Such a renunciation, in my view is a process to make all homes as our own home
J
'Why do you project Mahavira in this lopsided ideal, Sir?' 'I won't admit this indictment Never did I say that a householder cannot explore truth and taste it in it fulness I recommend renouncing one's home for one who wishes to be one with one and all and offer them the boon of emancıpation To my mind it is on account of this reason that Mahavira proclaimed his vew of emancipation'
'What was that proclamation?"
'Mahavira proclaimed before the surging mass of Vaishali while in Gyatakhanda garden-"I renounce all acts that happen to be sinful this moment and for good'
'Sin is a mental gland Mahavira pronounced his resolve to abstain from it How does it imply renunciation of one's home?'
'Why do you define sin in a cliche-ridden language?
'It is not bondage a sin? It is the prime sin as it breeds all other sins The core of Mahavira's pronouncement was to abstain from all acts that might hamper his freedom'
Mahavira never-advised mankind to renounce their families, once he had experienced emancipation On the other hand he prescribed it for them who propose to breathe the absolute and uncompromising air of emancipation
In addition to his home, Mahavira renounced the orthodox sectarianism he had been brought up in He had inherited the sect of Lord Parshwa However, he had sought no initiation in this tradition As soon as he initiated himself in his own way he proclaimed