Jain Journal 1976 07

SR No.: 520043
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 49
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 16

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with a dhoti in her hands, another with a very finely carved dibbā (box) containing toilet requisties, while seated near him is Subhadra, the younger sister of Salibhadra with eyes glistering with tears gently rubbing the sole of his left foot with a sponge.
JAIN JOURNAL
When questioned by her husband about the reason for her sadness she sorrowfully relates all about her brother's resolve to quit the world by relinquishing his wives one by one, but Dhanya only mocks her and says that such conduct is far from manly. All the other wives take the part of Subhadra and taunt him by saying that it is very easy for him to talk thus lightly as he is making no sacrifice himself. This cuts him to the quick, he makes his resolution at once and notwithstanding all the pathetic implorings of his wives, he leaves his home and takes up the life of a hermit.
In the third picture (Fig. 3) we see Dharmaghosa with his disciples preaching sermon before some of the Jaina śrāvakas (laity) of the town who have come to hear him. Salibhadra has also come to hear the words of wisdom and is seated towards the extreme right-hand corner near the dais. Simple are the robes of the monks in contrast with the ceremonious court dresses of the townsmen and a serene heavenly contentment is on their faces. Two of his disciples sitting a little behind him, are engaged in some religious discourse, while another is seated before him attentively listening and behind this disciple is another who is reading from a book. A book-cover and a little bowl are lying on the ground.
According to the usual custom in those days, a very nicely kept garden is given to the monks for their temporary abcde. The naturalistic effect of trees, birds, and monkeys in the background is very forceful and suggestive of an inalienable harmony between nature and the mind of man. The nautral surroundings, instead of detracting, only heighten the spiritual atmosphere of the place and we see its subtle workings even in the birds and monkeys, not to speak of men who are assembled there.
It is really difficult-for the Ms. does not help us here to identify the fourth picture (Fig. 4) with absolute sureness. We see a very lonely spot in the mountains away from the habitations of men, where almost bare rocks jut out in nearly parallel lines and clouds hang overhead and which is perhaps selected by Dhanya and Salibhadra to spend the last few days of their mortal existence, for now they have taken upon themselves the vow of severest penance and are determined to end their lives
total abstinence from food. Faint and emaciated, we behold one of them already lying in his last bed (antima-sayyā) full of peace of quiet