________________
19
.012.02.99. ARACIMOCUM COMPOUR COPA OYNCOURCHLOS
ke
Elaboration—The purpose of wanderings in the Laadh country--- At the time of getting initiated on Margsheersh Krishna (dark half of the month) tenth, Bhagavan took this vow-During the period of my spiritual practices I will sincerely endure all afflictions caused by gods, humans and animals, without having any fondness for my body. The moment he got initiated, Bhagavan dissociated himself from his body. In order to test this dissociation of the self from the body he spent sometime wandering in a difficult and impassable terrain like Laadh country. It is mentioned in Avashyak Churni (Part one, p. 290)—Bhagavan thinks--I have yet to shed many karmas. Therefore, I will go to the Laadh country. That area is inhabited by aborigines and I will get more opportunities to shed karmas.' With these thoughts Bhagavan left for Laadh country.
Historical and geographical information reveals that the Laadh country of antiquity was formed by the areas now known as Virbhum, Simhabhum and Manbhum (Dhanbad, etc.) districts and parts of Tamluk, Midnapur, Hoogly and Burdwan districts of West Bengal.
Acharanga Churni states- 'Laadh country was a very difficult terrain due to hills, thickets and jungles. That area was infested with sharp edged and thorn-like grass. As it was surrounded by hills, this area had extremes of cold and heat. Besides this, the area became marshy due to excessive rain during monsoon season. And this made it infested with insects like wasps, mosquitos, leeches, etc. Vajrabhumi and Sumhabhui areas of Laadh country had very few cities. Even the villages were sparsely populated.
The area was mostly inhabited by aborigines and rustics. As the inhabitants of this area were ignorant about monks and ascetics, they reacted violently when they saw any mendicant. Driven by curiosity, some of them asked questions but when Bhagavan did not respond they got agitated and apprehensive and would start beating him. Due to his unclad state they often did not allow him to enter their villages. आचारांग सूत्र
( 898 )
Illustrated Acharanga Sutra
ROSARRERA
*
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
