________________
Second Proof Dt. 31-3-2016 - 33
• महावीर दर्शन - महावीर कथा
him a voice. The voice has a plea, a call, an invitation: "JE EGAM JANAI, SE SAWAM JANAI". He who knows the soul, knows all. "Come, recognise and realise yourself". And his mental turmoil increases because he wants to answer this voice, he wishes to find his true self for ever........... But no, the atmosphere of Vaishali's Royal Palace is not the right one for this search......
....... The only way out was the total renunciation of all attachments. So Mahavir waited for the right opportunity when he could follow his chosen path, which incidentally, was meant for the brave.
"अपूर्व अवसर ऐसा आयेगा कभी ?"
(Song) "APOORVA AVSAR AISA AYEGA KABHI ?"
The day finally dawned when he could break away from all bonds and start on the difficult path of Bhagwati Diksha (or initiation into monkhood). Mahavir embarked on the task of finding his true self, only after consultation with all concerned, with their permission and blessings, for he did not believe in escapism............
..........On this auspicious day, to Mahavir's three-sided knowledge, was added a fourth dimension, the "MANAHPARYAVA-JNANA" (:) So on he went in search of the fifth knowledge of Keval Jnana (a) and the fifth and ultimate position of Siddhahood.
The road was unknown, and limitless, he was alone, unaccompanied..... His departure was heart-rending moment for his wife Yashoda, daughter Priyadarshana and brother Nandivardhana. Watching him disappear among the bushes of the Gnatkhandavana, a desperate cry rose from them:.
"त्वचो विना वीर । कथं व्रजामो ?"
(Shloka
Couplet) "TVAYA VINA VEER, KATHAM VRAJAMO?"
"O Veer! How can we now return to a house bereft of your presence and voice? O brother! who will now accompany us in life's different phases? Who will we dine and talk with ?"
But Mahavir, the Nirgranth, the unattached, has already left, having vowed at the very first step not to care for his body, nor protect himself from the troubles given by God, men or devil, nor even allow the mind to be upset by. anger till such a time as he attained the ultimate kevala Jnana ........
....... Thus began his 12 1⁄2 years long voyage of meditation and penance, where all his vows were tested, in which he even refused Lord Indra's offer for help: " घोर वनो में पैदल घूमे
(Song: Couplet) "GHOR VANOME PAIDAL GHOOME"
"..."
Vardhaman Mahavir endured the scores of extremely painful and terrifying physical sufferings without even feeling upset:
(33)