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In Search of the Ultimate
Lord Mahavir did possess three types of major knowledge and vision before adopting monk-hood. He gave up everything, his gold, his wealth, his kingdom, his treasury and his personal belongings. He distributed his gems to the poor.
In that age, in that period, in the first month of summer, on the day called Subrata ..... The whole city was decorated. People were celebrating the greatest event. Kings, Gods and Goddesses came to see the auspicious event.
At the time fixed for leaving the household and starting the procession, the Gods brought forward the palanquin for Mahavir to sit in. With the sounds of dundubhi the procession started.
"Jay-Jay Nanda, Jay-Jay Bhadda" people of the kingdom started chanting joyfully.
Mahavir, seen by thousands of eyes and praised by thousands of people left the town and His kingdom.
The procession ended at the main park of the town. Mahavir stepped out and walked slowly towards an Ashoka tree and stood under it.
He, then rooted out the hair on his head without any hesitation or feeling of pain.
Thus, he became a monk.
Mahavir spent the next twelve years in pursuit of supreme, ultimate and infinite knowledge. He spent most of his time in meditation and in solitary places. He ate very little and observed control and penance. He observed perfect celibacy. He never thought of his own comfort.
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