ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 39

1.1.b
Bhagav na Mah v ra and his divine sermon
Al. Shrut Sagar
Jina or Jinendra are those spiritual victors/ conquerors who have conquered completely enemies in the form of all types of ills /evils of this world thereby attaining complete control over their sensual inclinations / tendencies. They are called tiratha karas or ford-makers as they practice and then propagate the path of spiritual purification/religion, its conduct and guide others in its practice. The conduct of the tiratha karas is through self effort in observing austerities and self restraint to attain spiritual beneficiation and uplift. Therefore they are called rama as. As they annihilate all types of bondages (knots of delusions), they are also called Nirgra thas. Those twenty four rama a tiratha karas, starting with abha to the last one Mah v ra, practiced, experienced and then preached their supreme path of spiritual purification (popularly known as Jainism or Jain dharma) for the benefit of all to achieve peace and happiness
sarvasattv n n hit ya sarvasattv n n sukh ya'. The twenty fourth tiratha kara and preacher of Jainism of this epoch, Bhagav na Mah v ra blessed this world and its inhabitants by his birth in Kundapura near Vai li (the seat of holy Videha in Bihar).
Birth of Vardham na
Mah v ra, venerated by all, was born 2606 years ago for the benefit of the entire world in Kundapura, a town in holy Videhade a modern day Bihar) of India (Bh rata), considered to be the most desirable place to live by all. Kundapura was inhabited near Vai 1 (present day Vas ha), the capital of Videha. At that time Vai 1 was a prosperous, beautiful, independent and democratically governed state. Siddh rtha of Licchavi-J tra lineage ruled Kundapura. He was adept in law and justice and was loved and very popular with his subjects. His governance was based on the principles of non-violence and democracy. Siddh rtha was one of the nine Licchavis reigning different districts at that time. He was highly respected by all other Licchavis and he also showed great respect to all others. The deep mutual respect, love, affection and fraternity between the different Licchavi clans have been lucidly described in Buddhist ancient and holy text 'D ghanik ya-a akatha' as 'whenever a Licchavi became sick, all other Licchavis will visit him to assist his family. Whenever there was a family function in one Licchavi's household, all others will join him. Whenever any saint visited one of the Licchavi household, all other Licchavis will go there, join the welcome ceremonies and so on. All these make one conclude the supreme effectiveness of the subtle non-violence practiced by King Siddh rtha. All other kings, who were not practicing Jains, observed, supported and respected non-violence thereby, presented the ideal brotherhood and equality to all.
Influenced by the qualities of love, affection, unity and respect enjoyed by Siddh rtha, Ce aka, the influential king of Vai 1 (prosperous, beautiful, and independent and democratically governed capital of Videha and centre of Licchavi clans), got his beautiful and virtuous daughter Tri al married to him. Tri al was Ce aka's dearest daughter and accordingly also named her as Priy k ri . Tri al was also endowed with religious conduct and noble character.
Therefore the fortunate couple i.e. Siddh rtha and Tri al had the unthinkable good fortune of giving birth to venerated Mah v ra. Mah v ra was born on the auspicious thirteenth day of waxing moon fortnight of the month Caita. Siddh rtha and his family celebrated the birth of Mah v ra with lot of gaiety. The poor were given lot of food grains etc and the wishes of everyone were fulfilled. Musicians played on different types of musical instruments adding to the glamour of birth celebrations. All family members, friendly kings and clan chieftains and the commoners sent their good wishes to Siddh rtha. Overall there was an atmosphere of auspicious celebrations. Due to the enhanced prosperity, peace prevailing at the time of his birth, Mah v ra was given the name Vardham na.
Mah v ra was endowed with super natural knowledge since birth and demonstrated superior intuition and knowledge in his childhood. He used to resolve the toughest intellectual inquisitions of others to the extent that monks Sanjay and Vijay got their inquisitiveness resolved just by seeing Mah v ra. With these experiences, the same monks gave him the name Sanmati. Since then the people started calling him Sanmati. Thus Vardham na became known by another name Sanmati. He was extra ordinarily brave also. He was not scared of even the most deadly inflictions and circumstances. So the people started called him as V ra and Ativ ra also.
Developing detachment by Mah v ra
In this way Mah v ra progressed slowly and steadily from childhood to adolescence to a young man of 30 years of age. Now his parents made proposals for his marriage. But Mah v ra was not only Mah v ra by name but in deed also. He was greatly pained by seeing the sufferings of commoners. Hence his heart was always brimming with detachment from the worldly pleasures. He thought the country is experiencing degradation of religious pursuits and conduct. People are committing inauspicious acts under the garb of religion.'
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0