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Bhagawan Mahavir ]
19
It is the result of these teachings only that even the slaughter of animals in a religious sacrifice is regarded as sinful and most irreligious act. Feelings of self-denial, austerity and service to mankind are roused up in the hearts of people who devote the remaining portion of their life most ardently to the service of Truth, Purity and Kindness. Thousands and lacs of people throng for shelter under their flag of Ahimsa (non-violence or harmleesness ) when they listen to their teachings that spread the feelings of Equality and Peace among themselves. They learn from them the duties of a Grihastha (a layman or a house-holder ), while some of them actually take up the vow of renunciation and live as ascetics.
All the Tirthankaras have thirty four 'Atishayas'ı and thirty five Attributes" of speech as well as a complete absence of eighteen defects. 3
Thus we find that a Tirthankara is possesed of good qualities and is free from bad ones. The Jains call that high souled man a Tirthankara who is endowed with the virtues and devoid of the defects mentioned above.
1*(1) Their hair and nails do not grow clumsily too long. (2) Their body is quite immune to impurities. (3) Their blood and flesh are as fresh and sweet as cow's milk. ( 4 ) Their breath is as fragrant as lotus. ( 5 ) They are invisible to others at the time of meals or of answering the call of nature. (6) Their Dharma-Chakra (Disc of Religion) and (7) Chhatra (Royal umbrella ) remain above ground. (8) 'Chamaras' (Chowries) are waved on both sides. ( 9 ) Their throne is studded with white gems. (10) They have one thousand flags including Indra-Dhvaja ( Flag of Indra-the King of Heaven). ( 11 ) The tender leaved Ashoka trees gives them shade. (12) They have a Bhamandala (hals of light) that removes all darkness and sheds light. ( 13 ) Undulating ground to the extent of one 'Yojana' (8 miles) round them becomes level. ( 14 ) Thorns get their pricks turn down their
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