Book Title: $JES 203 First Step of Jainism Level 2 Book
Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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Page 52
________________ LIFE OF BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR Tindushak game. This game was a race to a target tree. The winner was to ride piggyback on one of the losers and return to the base. The heavenly god lost the game to prince Vardhamän and offered to carry him on his shoulders. However, as soon as he had the prince on his shoulders the god assumed a gigantic form. Without any fear Prince Vardhaman gave a mighty blow on his shoulder with clenched fists. The god could not withstand the blow and assuming his original form bowed to the prince and returned to heaven. Indra and all the other heavenly gods hailed the victory of prince Vardhamän and exclaimed that he was 'Mahavir' "The Great Hero'. When Vardhaman was nine years old his parents thought that it was time to impart PASS 52 Jastication rational منه The god taking the form of a giant and carrying Vardhamän on his shoulders formal education and teach him martial arts befitting a Kshatriya prince. They decided to send him to school. When Vardhaman went to school he offered his respects to the teacher just like an ordinary child. The teacher taught him the first lesson and realized that Vardhaman is a very knowledgeable boy. The teacher also realized that Vardhamän is more knowledgeable than himself. After these incidences, his schooling ended and he returned to the palace. FOTO Indra, in the disguise of a Brahmin, coming to ask Vardhamän questions Preparation for Renunciation As a youth Prince Vardhamän lived a very simple and disciplined life. He wanted to renounce the world in search of eternal happiness. However, while he was in his mother's womb, he had decided not to leave the family while his parents are alive. At the age of 28, his parents passed away. He was now ready to take Dikshä. So, he requested his older brother, Nandivardhan, to permit him to take Dikshä. Realizing THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM For Priv Use Only

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