Awakening

Author(s): Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation

Page 51

(Oh, my brother ! Get down from the elephant because those who sit on the back of an elephant cannot get Keval Jnan")
Bahubali, the holy man realized that the elephant from which he should get down was not that animal with a trunk but pride; and that pride had been an obstacle on his way to attain Keval Jnan. He said to himself. “I began this severe penance to attain Keva Jnan and to avoid respecting and seeking the guidance of my seniors. My noble sisters have spoken the truth. I must get off the elephant of pride." Thinking thus, he proceeded to treat with respect even his juniors in the ascetic order. When he thus discarded his pride, he attained perfection.
In the same manner, attachment prevented Ganadhar Bhagavanth Gowthamswamy from attaining Keval Jnan. He certainly did not have pride, but he had great attachment for Lord Mahavira ; and he had love for him. On account of this reason, he wept bitterly when Lord Mahvira attained Nirvana He thought about it and realized the futility of lamentation. It was then that he attained self-realization and consequently Keval Jnan.
Here is an anecdate which illustrates how a man courts a spiritual disaster if he does not attain selfrealization.