Bhagavana Mahavira

Author(s): Chauthmal Maharaj
Publisher: Jainoday Pustak Prakashan Samiti Ratlam

Page 12

[ 7 ] of this religion is proved by the mention of the very old times of the first Jain Tirthankar in the Hindu Shastras.
The critics of Jain religion are of opinion that the tenets of this religion are so hard and impracticable that only saints can follow them. It is impossible for the householder to follow them. This is true to a certain limit but in Jainism alone are expounded separate codes of conduct for the sages and the householders. The householders naturally enjoy a few liberties and that is right. If the tenets of Jainism can be fully followed by a man, he can be called a god. He experiences the condition detailed by Lord Krishna in Bhagwad Gita while expounding god like qualities:श्रभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोग व्यवस्थितिः । दानं दमश्च यशश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप श्रार्जवम् ॥ श्रहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्यागः शांतिरपैशुनम् । दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्तं मार्दवं हीरचापलम् ॥ तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचमद्रोहो नातिमानिता । भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत ॥
(Fearlessness, pure nature, knowledge, firm yoga, charity, self-control, devotion to duty, self-study, penance, straight-forwardness, Ahimsa, truthfulness, calm-temperament, self sacrifice, peacefulness, no fault finding of others, sympathy towards all living things, complete want of greed, tenderness, humility, want of restlessness, glory, forgiveness, patience, purity, freedom from envy and boastful pride-Oh Bharat these are the signs of those persons gifted with godlike qualities. )
The Jain literature is vast. It is rich in all branches like history, legends,.biography, philosophy, poetry and drama but nowhere will one find such portions as will bring natural shame to the heart. There is no trace of vulgarity. Every book in Jain literature you can read before your