________________
In Search of the Ultimate
There is also an incident of a demon called 'Sangam' who tried to harass Lord Mahavir but failed and surrendered.
At the age of 42, Lord Mahavir attained the ultimate knowledge called Keval-Gyan. All the dense-clouds of Karma particles dispersed and Mahavir became omniscient or Kevali or Jina.
People from villages and towns, from far and near, came to pay their respect. Even Gods and Goddesses came! They erected a special preaching place. It had three beautiful circular walls, four jewelled gates on each wall and a marvellous and magnificent platform in the centre for Mahavir to sit upon and give discourse. This structure is called "samvasaran". (Samvasaran is a special place for a Tirthankar to preach--where all living beings can come and listen to the divine speech.)
Lord Mahavir spent the remaining thirty years of his life practising and preaching the philosophy of Jainism. He is called a Tirthankar and he is the last and 24th Tirthankara.
Lord Mahavir organised the community of Jains in a most distinguished manner. He placed the principles of Jainism on a sound footing. He preached the principles of non-violence and non-injury to all living beings (including all insects and all vegetation). Mahavir taught the lesson of self control and austerity. He told his followers to tolerate other people's beliefs. Mahavir taught and explained the principle of Karma, the theory of Syadvad and he showed the way to ultimate, infinite knowledge and vision. He believed that Jains should practise and observe Ahimsa, Sanyam and Tapa (non-violence, self-control and austerity), which are necessary for the purification of mind and body. Mahavir systematically formed the codes of conduct. His discourse and preaching were compiled in the form of 12 main books called Angas. Eleven out of these twelve books are still extant.
32
