Essence of Jainism

Author(s): Sukhlal Sanghavi
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 85

Heart of Jaina Culture
61 that he will be able to undeatake all responsibilities of ruling and protecting the subjects. Then it was that he left his house and became a formidable topasvi in order to resolve deep spiritual problems.
Rşabbadeva had two daughters-Brāhmi and Sundari by name. The custom of marriage between brother and sister was prevalent then. Sundari protested against the custom and deeply influenced her brother Bharata by her gentle austerities. The result was that Bharata gave up the idea of marriage with her and further became her devotee. In the Yama-Yami sūkta in the Rgveda, the brother Yama refused to marry his sister Yami, while here, the sister Sundari converted the demand of marriage by her brother Bharata into austerity.
Bharata and Bābubali, the two sons of Rsabhadeva, fought fierce battles for the kingdom. It was ultimately decided to solve the problem by a duel. The fierce blow by Bharata failed. It was then the turn of Bāhubali who was more powerful. Just as he was about to give a blow to Bharata by his fist, he thought that with the blow of his fist his brother would suffer. He converted the moment of victory over bis brother into a victory over his own Self. He thought on these lines. Real victory lies in conquering the ego and desire rather than sowing the seeds of family feud and revenge and counter revenge by victory in battle for the kingdom. He used his power only on anger and pride aod set a living example resisting revenge by non-revenge. The result of this was that in the end even the covetousness and arrogance of Bharata were also destroyed.
There was a time when non-vegetarianism was prevalent not only in Ksatriyas but in other classes in society. In daily meals, social festivals and religious functions the killing of animals and birds was as common and prevalent as the gift of cocoaput and fruits in modern days, In that age Yadunandana Nemikumāra took an exceptional step. He was deeply moved by the silent painful speech of the animals to be sacrificed in the dinner on the occasion of his marriage. He resolved to give up marriage that involved the unnecessary slaughter of innocent animals and birds! With this