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Of the 90, 40 Shramans got liberated from Shatrunjaya hills, 15 Shramans from Vipulgiri, 33 Shramanis from Upashrayas and Gajasukumal from Mahakal cremation ground. No clear indication in this regard is available about Arjun Malakar.
Of the 90, 32 Shramans observed twelve Bhikshu Pratima, 23 Shramans observed Gunaratna Samvatsar Tap and the Shramanis observed various Prakirnak austerities including Ratnavali, Kanakavali etc.
This way the 90 ascetics detailed in this Sutra observed various types of austerities and consequently attained liberation.
DETAILS OF FIVE TYPES OF CONDUCT
Bhagavan Mahavir has mentioned about five types of codes of conduct, code of knowledge, perception, conduct, austerities and vitality. He has also said that knowledge, perception, conduct, vitality and austerities combined together lead to liberation. In this Sutra the applied form of these five is detailed.
In the endeavour towards liberation, Darshan (Samyagdarshan or right faith) plays the key role. To have unwavering faith in god, guru and dharma is called Samyagdarshan. This is clearly revealed in the story of merchant Sudarshan in this Sutra. His strong faith in Bhagavan Mahavir made his soul resplendent with the aura of dharma. Yaksha Mudgarpani could not tolerate its intensity and eloped from the body of Arjun Malakar.
All the ascetics work towards perfecting knowledge and faith. They also follow the codes of conduct. But, as is said in Uttaradhyayan Sutra, soul attains progressive purity with the help of austerities, therefore for purity of soul austerities act as an effective detergent.
In this Sutra various austerities have been described in eloquent and touching style. Listening to or reading the details about the austerities observed by Shramans and Shramanis enthrills the listener and reader. A feeling of respect for those seekers spontaneously arises and sentiments are stirred into waves of inspiration the inspiration that I may also reach those heights of austerities.
The inspirations this Agam contains
May I have feelings of
(1) unwavering and profound faith and belief in god, guru and religion, like that of merchant Sudarshan.
(2) tolerance of pain and afflictions, feeling of clemency and equanimity like those of Gajasukumal.
(3) endurance and clemency like those of Arjuna Malakar.
(4) servitude, promotion of religion and belief in the word of Arihant like those of Vaasudev Shrikrishna.
Antakriddasha Mahima
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