Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

SR No.: 023322
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Vijaylakshmansuri, Ghanshyam Joshi, Kirtivijay Gani
Publisher: Mohanlal D Mehta
Publication Year: 1963
Total Pages: 568
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 39 MB

Page 28

PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
The narrative of King Pradeshi is worth noting to understand the existence of Soul. If you listen to it. with concentration, all your doubts regarding the existence of Soul shall be dispelled.
NARRATIVE OF KING PRADESHI
There was a monk named Keshikumar in the succession of Parshvanath's (23rd Tirthankara) ascetic order. He was calm, self-restrained, practising penances of high order and was possessed of Avadhi and Manaha Paryava lores. Preaching to the blessed masses he once arrived at the city named Sharavasti. Moving throughout the country and preaching the path of Bliss are the duties of the selfless saints.
The fame of monk Keshikumar was widespread in this country and large audience attended his preachings. Chitra, the trustworthy charioteer of the king of Shvetambika had also joined the audience.
Many requisite qualifications are necessary to listen to the preaching discourses of the Acharya Maharaj or the great preceptor. Some poet has laid down:
"Looking affectionately at the speaker and nodding with a smiling face is the primary requisite of a listener. Moreover, he should test the erudition of the speaker and should decide for himself the best, the mediocre or the common speaker. He lends his ears to the speaker, and would listen attentively the words flowing from the mouth of the speaker. He would be courteous with the co-listeners around him and would not invite quarrels uttering, "Take care and sit." "Don't you see?" "Don't touch me with legs." He would note the topic of delivery and the point of reference. He would grasp the sentiment delineated and would at times express joy he experienced. He entertains penetrating thoughts i.e. he discriminates the acceptable, the non-acceptable and the knowable; and would prove extraordinary intelligence.” The poet Kripa says, “The speaker feels himself very anxious to exhibit his skill where such merits prevail.”
Having listened to the discourses of Acharya Keshikumar attentively, numerous persons were enlightened and the charioteer Chitra initiated himself into twelve vows of a Jain householder