Jain Journal 1968 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 34

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JAIN JOURNAL
plished man and was initiated to monkhood by an Acārya called Siddhartha. On being further questioned, Aristanemi said that he would again become a monk.
Nisadhakumara was rigourously observing the vows of the lay disciple. One day he had a feeling that if the Lord would come in the Nandana-vana, he would like to pay his deep respect to him. The Lord at once knew it and came there with his disciples. The whole city was out again and so was Nisadhakumara. On this occasion, Nisadhakumara, as ordained, renounced the world. He rigourously followed the path and ultimately ended his life by severe austerities. When Baradatta came to know of his passing away, he asked the Lord about his whereabouts and was told that because of his severe austerities he had attained Sarvarthasiddhi-vimāna, the highest heaven. After completing his stay there he would be reborn in Videhakesetra as a prince, be initiated into the holy order on the attainment of youth and after practising austerities ultimately attain the highest domain of the liberated souls.
An appendix on Rajimati
Mention has already been made that after Aristanemi had decided not to marry but court the life of a homeless monk, Rajimai too gave up the earthly joys and followed in the footsteps of Lord Aristanemi. Her parents tried their best to change her mind and to give her in marriage to some other suitable groom but all to no purpose. For, she felt,
"He has forsaken me. Though young, he did not allow any weakness to take possession of him. Blessed is he ! Fie on me that I still entertain weakness for him! Now I have no more attachment for this world and it is good for me that I too join the spiritual order.”
Thus finally deciding she uprooted her fine black hair that were wellcombed, and got ready for initiation. Krsna thus blessed her,
“Oh damsel ! Cross soon this dreadful earthly ocean.”
After her initiation, once Rajimati was going towards the Raivataka hill. On the way she met with a heavy shower and her clothes were wholly drenched. She took shelter in a nearby cave. Thinking herself alone, she took off all her garments and spread them to dry.