Jain Journal 1971 01

SR No.: 520021
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1971
Total Pages: 54
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 53

146
JAIN JOURNAL
and Yamuna, pointing his sermon towards the four-fold dharma consisting of charity (dana), virtue (sila), asceticism (tapah) and character (bhāva). Turning to the definition of charity, he established three kinds : giving of knowledge (jñānadana), bestowing security from fear or danger (abhayadana), and furnishing support to religion (dharmopastambhadāna).
Having concluded his exposition of the three-fold dāna Parsva turned to the second branch of the dharma namely sila or virtue which he subdivided and classified, especially with regard to its application to ascetics (yati) on the one hand (ten vratas) and to householders (gļhin) on the other (twelve vratas). He then turned to that virtue which even the gods found difficult to observe, namely brahmarupa or avoidance of illicit attachment to those who belong to others.
At the end of the sermon on the fourfold dharma many were converted, or even reached perfection. Among them was Parsva's father king Asvasena, who took the vow, after having made over his kingdom to his son Hastisena. Then also Vamadevi (his mother) and Prabhavati (his wife), took the vow. Ten distinguished men Aryadatta and others, took the vow, and became heads of assembles (Ganabhrt) Sarga 7 : Life of Parsvanatha continued
Then the Lord, followed by the assembly (samgha) went elsewhere, the wheel of the Law upon a throne going infront, a drum sounding in the air. He went on his journey upon golden lotuses, and, as he went, trees bent, thorns turned down ; the seasons, the sense objects (sound, smells, etc.,) the wind and the birds were propitious. By the might of his Lordship diseases fled to a distance of 100 yojanas; and where he dwelt, from their vanished hostility and other afflictions. Superior to every one, the lotus of his feet ever attended by scores of gods, the Lord traversed the earth. Sarga 8: Life of Parsvanatha concluded. His nirvāņa
Lord Parsva, knowing that nirvāṇa was at hand, went to the Sammeta mountain. In the company of thirtythree munis he practised a month's asceticism. He attained the various forms of spiritual refinement, to the point when his karma was destroyed (kşiņakarma), passed away, and reached the summit of heaven. Sakra bathed the body in the fluid of the ocean of milk, and adroned it with divine ornaments. The gods placed his body upon a pyre of sandal and aloe wood, and threw fragrant substances upon it. Cloud youths (Meghakumaras) quenched the pyre. Over the bones of the Lord the gods erected a jeweled stūpa, and they dispersed to their several houses.