Drushtant Kathao

Author(s): Shrimad Rajchandra, Dinubhai M Patel
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

Page 10

Bhavnabodh - Asharan Bhavana
Second Picture
ASHARAN BHAVANA
(Feeling of Helplessness)
(Upajati poetic form)
"Sarvagnano Dharma Susharna Jani, Aradhya Aradhya Prabhav Ani; Anath Ekant Sanath Thashe; Ena Vina Koi Na Banhya Shashe."
Special Meaning - O living being, follow whole-heartedly with the powers of your mind, speech and body knowing it worthiest of all protections, the religious discipline as preached selflessly by All-knowing Jineshwar Bhagawan without any expectation of return. At present you are like an orphan; by following the teachings of Jineshwar Bhagawan you will have constant guidance and protection of Lord Mahavir. None except him will help you in putting out of the rotation of your births and deaths.
Persons who seek protection in the worldly illusory pleasures and happiness, or of wrong religious discipline invite their downfall and they always remain orphans. Now we begin the description of the life of Anathi Muni, by knowing which one can appreciate the teaching of Lord Mahavir as stated above. The aim of this description is to help strengthen the Asharan Bhavana in the aspirant for self-realization.
ANATHI MUNI
Example :- King Shrenik of Magadh Desh, which was full of natural beauty and luxuriance, went to Mandikuksha - a forest, for pleasure horse-ride. The strangeness of this forest was very attractive. It contained tree groves of various kinds. Various kinds of creepers were covering the tree and many kinds of birds were relishing these creepers and groves of trees; one could easily hear melodious chirpings of various kinds of birds; the whole forest was strewn with numerous kinds of flowers; various kinds of rivulets were flowing in this forest; in short bedecked with all sorts of natural vernal beauty, this forest was just like a Nandanvan or a garden of Eden. There in this forest King Shrenik caught sight of a young saint engrossed in deep meditation who though deserving all happiness of worldly life, was sitting quietly under the shade of a tree. King Shrenik was highly enamoured by the incomparable beautiful form of this young ascetic (Muni) and the king, being amazed at such incomparable and excellent beauty, began to shower all praises on him in his mind.
Oh, how nice is the skin colour of this ascetic! Oh, how beautiful is his form ! Oh, what an affability this ascetic commands ! Oh, how wonderful is his hold on forgiveness ! Oh, how by his bodily features, he inspires in others a spirit of non-attachment! Oh, how fine is his attitude of desirelessness! Oh, what an astounding fearless modesty and humility he shows in his behaviour ! Oh, how steadfast he is in keeping himself away from all worldly enjoyments! Thinking constantly this way, being much delighted at heart mentally praising all his virtuous posture, approaching gently towards him, taking circles round him venerably and then going near to him, he bowed down to that ascetic and sat at a reasonable distance from him neither too near nor too far. Then with folded hands, he in all humility, asked that ascetic :