Jainism The Cosmic Vision

SR No.: 034278
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Mahavir Foundation
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 137
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 2 MB

Page 63

Jainism: The Cosmic Vision Nandivardhan, the elder brother, knew the intentions of Vardhaman. So, he gave his consent though with a heavy heart. But at the time of Vardhaman's departure, he wept.
Vardhaman's mind would not any longer be tempted by mundane thoughts. He had his gaze set on the path of austerity. That is why in a moment he turned his home into a forest and a forest into his home. At the age of 30 Vardhaman renounced the world. This was a journey for the realization of the soul and the victory over the sense organs. He discarded his royal garments. At that moment, the great god Indra cast a fine devine raiment on his shoulder.
Mahavira set out. At that time a Brahmin named Somasharma came there. He asked for alms. Mahavira had nothing that he would give. So he tore one half of the devine raiment given by Indra which was on his shoulder and gave it to him. The Brahmin left with the devine raiment. That devine raiment was very costly. A darner said to the Brahmin, "If you bring the other half of the divine raiment, I will darn it into a full piece. It will fetch you a handsome price."
The Brahmin returned and started trudging along close on the heels of Mahavira. He didn't dare to ask for the raiment. But it so happened that once the other half of the devine raiment slipped off Mahavira's shoulder. The Brahmin picked it up. Mahavira did not care for it and afterwards he never accepted a new devine raiment.
जे ममाइअमई जहाइ, से जहाड़ ममाइअं । [He, who abandons the attachment for possession, abandons the possession completely.]
The following incident reveals not only Bhagwan's
Non-Violence : A Way of Life abundant mercy, but also his utter non-attachment to his own physical self. On the first night of his initiation this incident occurred which put his equanimity to the test. Prince Vardhaman was now monk Vardhaman. From the royal bed of flowers, he has stepped on to the rugged and thorny path of austerity. One night, while he was standing in the Kausagga posture outside Karmar town, a cowherd asked him to look after his bullocks for a short time while he was himself away. When the cowherd returned, he did not find his bullocks.
Tahavira was now in meditation and since cowherd got no answer from Mahavira, he searched for his bullocks on the river bank, among the hills, in the deep foliage and in every nook and corner. He did not find his bullocks anywhere. Dejected and weary he came back where Mahavira was and there he saw his bullocks sitting beside Mahavira.
He flared up in anger. He took the bullock's rope and started lashing Mahavira with it. But at that moment, god Indra appeared and challenged him. He said to the cowherd, "How foolish you are ! He, whom you think to be a thief, is the son Vardhaman of King Siddhartha. Casting off the life of a prince, he has set out to purify his soul. Do you think he would steal your bullocks ? You do not know you are hurting the Lord."
The cowherd, the offender, fell prostrate at the feet of Mahavira. Mahavira's eyes brimmed over with abundant compassion. The great god Indra said, "Such foolish worldly persons will waylay you on the difficult path of austerity. So, let me live in your presence and remove the obstacles. During the period of your penance for the next twelve and a half years I will be by your side to look after you." Having heard what the great god Indra said, Mahavira
I13
II 2