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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
SHRUTSAGAR
August-2019 can cross easily not only the ocean of life but also the ocean of mortal existence. The great Jainacharya, Sri Manatunga Suri has expressed the same idea in the Adinath Stotra (Bhaktamar):
“Even sailors who sail in boats or ships swaying on the tops of the highest waves of the sea which is terrible on account of the crocodiles, whales, and other sea-creatures and sea-fire, cross the sea without experiencing any difficulties or dangers by praying to the Lord.”
Once, a ship full of passengers was sailing on an ocean. Suddenly a terrible storm rose. On account of the storm, the ship began to sway dangerously. Seeing this, a Shrawak (a pious Jain) sat meditating on the Lord. His wife said to him “The time has come for being drowned in the sea and for dying; not for meditation."
Hearing this, the husband took up his pistol and aimed it at her. The wife began to laugh. When the husband asked her why she was laughing, she replied, “I am fully confident that you will not shoot me, I felt like laughing at your histrionic talents”.
The husband said, “Just as you have faith in me, I have faith in the Lord. Hence, I am not afraid of anything; and I am praying to him.”
In fact, according to his belief, the storm disappeared. The devotee of Shiva is called a Shaiva; the devotee of Vishnu is called a Vaishnav; the devotee of Buddha is called a Bauddha, and the devotee of Jina is called a Jain.
Jina is the name given to one who has conquered all passions like Rag (love) and dvesh (hate). Jina Dev is impartial; and is the very embodiment of the highest knowledge and wisdom. His followers also should possess impartiality, knowledge and wisdom.
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