________________
SRI SUYAGADANGA SUTRA
It gives us a descriptive example of Ardra Kumar and how his future was prophesized. It states that though Ardra Kumar renounced the world, he had sins bound to his soul due to which he had to enjoy worldly pleasures (sansarik life) for twelve and a half years. This truly happened to him.
Lord Mahāvīra has stated that logically, Moksha (emancipation) cannot be attained by taking a holy dip in the Ganges. If this was true then all the fish in the Ganga would be liberated. Bathing in the Ganga is only a practice of external cleansing, not inner purification. Outer cleansing is only a secondary act. Inner purification is far more superior and important in order to accomplish salvation.
Lord Mahāvīra has explained in detail that a monk should listen and accept any true advice given to him irrespective of who it is given by, be the cleaner or helper.
Typecasting people into different classes, states and forms is not a sign of intellectuality or spirituality. In his preachings, we can see Lord Mahāvīra as a social well-wisher and a social person well-versed in scriptures and philosophy.
SALUTATION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF SHASTRA
I bow to you with gratitude,
O knowledge of hearing,
(Scriptural knowledge)
I wish you bear complete fruit in me,
You lit the light of the path of liberation,
I am indebted to you and only your presence
Will make me complete.
12
