$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 319

03 - Kevali Jambuswämi
F02 Story - Ganadhars and Acharyas
By now, Prabhav had lost his desire for wealth, had developed a disdain for the life of a burglar, and was ready to change. He told his followers that he had decided to give up burglary. They were free to go on their own. However, they said that they would not go anywhere without him. If he gave up robbing and stealing, they would also give it up. When Jambu finished the religious discussion with his wives, all eight of his wives were ready to renounce the world. At this time, Prabhav came inside and said that he had come there to steal, but had decided to renounce everything after listening to Jambu's talk with his wives. He and his 500 followers made up their mind to become Jambu's disciples. The next morning, the citizens of Räjgrihi awoke to some surprising news. Jambu, his eight wives, the famous thief Prabhav, and his 500 followers were ready to renounce their worldly lives that day. Jambu's parents were at first saddened and disappointed that their wish had not materialized, but they quickly realized the importance of Jambu's message and decided to join him. Hearing the news and understanding the message, the parents of the eight brides also renounced the world. A spectacular procession followed Jambu on his way to see Sudharmä-swämi. Jambu bowed to Sudharmä-swami and became his disciple. Prabhav and his colleagues became Jambu's disciples as well. Jambuswämi studied the entire teachings of Lord Mahävir. Most of the original Jain scriptures (12 Anga Agams) are composed in the form of dialogues between Sudharma-swämi and Jambuswämi. Jambuswämi became the head of the religious order when Sudharmä-swämi attained omniscience. He remained the head of the Jain order for 44 years and then attained keval-jnän. He was the last omniscient (Kevali) of the current time cycle. He attained nirvana at the age of 80. Moral: Jambuswämi firmly believed in renouncing the worldly life from the moment he listened to the sermon of Sudharmä-swämi. In fact, his thoughts were so convincing that he ultimately led hundreds of others to follow him in their pursuit of liberation through the disciplined life of an ascetic. He realized that material happiness and enjoyment of physical beauty is all superficial and temporary. Also noteworthy was the burglar's decision to change his life from that of immorality to that of purity. The key is to focus on purifying the soul and helping others do the same. Highlights: • Jambuswami + 8 wives, thief Prabhav + 500 followers, Jambuswami's parents (2) + his wives'
parents (16), all renounced worldly life after Jambu's wedding
Sudharma-swami's disciple, head of Jain order after Sudharma-swami attained keval-jnan • Jambuswami was the last kevali of the current time cycle
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
Page 319 of 398