________________
I AM MAHĀVĪRA
71
of lower casts. I have redeemed the down-trodden women. They are also leading the path of the ascetics."
"I have experienced that the people show a peculiar attitude even by listening about the spiritual path. They have assumed that dwelling in forest alone is the spiritual path. They have presumed the austerities as the form of physical mortification. Both these points are taken as paths of running away from the world. But this is not correct. The spiritualistic path is the path of the heroes. Only
internally brave men could adopt it. The individual man becomes
universal through this path of optimism. He sets an example for the
betterment of all. I have trodden such a path of universal goodness.
That is why; I am called "Great Hero" (Mahāvīra). Of course, not
all people are brave to tread on this path. However, whosoever moves on to this path, he becomes savior of the worries of the
weary world. They are called "Great Heroes”. I wish all should become such 'Great Heroes.'
"I have taught you about good and heroic conduct. How
your neighbour, village and you yourself can be happy? I have told you those practices and propensities, which lead to happiness. These practices are the true austerity and spiritual path. It is your activities, which reflect your person. The affection, sympathy and conscientious conduct are the enrichment of a person. Hence, the spiritual practices, austerities and incantational repetitions are the ways through which the world may become happy. They are the For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
Jain Education International
