Jain Journal 1972 01

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

Page 40

118
frame alone could the soul practice religious duties, destroy the bondage of karma and be liberated. This facility was not available from any other station, in the upper or lower sphere. This was the great privilege of the human frame. But one god contradicted Indra, pointing to the great bondage that the earthly life itself was :
jiva-ṇihāya nirundhanahan
samsare saneha-nibandhu diḍhu majjhe asesaha bandhanahan
and
and cited Rama's own case who was now shattered lonely after Sita's renunciation and was yet tied to the worldly life. So Indra sought to explain the position. It was all due to Laksmana to whom Rama was greatly attached and so long as Laksmana was by his side Rama would not renounce the world. The gods felt curious to test the correctness of Indra's observation. They came down to earth to the spot where Laksmana was and casually remarked: Ha ha Rahabacandu mu-u. (Alas! Raghavacandra is dead.) The moment these words reached Laksmana's ears, he fell utterly lifeless. Soon the news of Laksmana's sudden collapse spread and there was grief every where. Extremely overwhelmed at the death of their beloved uncle Lavana and Ankusa renounced the world. Now it was time for Rama's final exit too.
JAIN JOURNAL
Shattered with repeated grief, Rama's balance was shaken beyond repair. He would not allow Laksmana's dead body to be cremated but believing it to be alive he placed it on his shoulders and wandered for six months. He would bathe it, clothe it and even try to feed it. But at last Rama regained his senses by the strivings of Krtantavakra and Jatayin both of whom were now reborn as gods in heaven. With his senses revived, Rama discarded the corpse of his brother and renounced the world. Others joined him on the occasion, notably among them being Satrughna, Sugriva, Vibhisana and his own mother. Hanumat had renounced the world even earlier.
Rama attains liberation
The rest of Rama's life was spent on the Kotisila where he practised severe austerities. He overcame all temptations that usually appear to create disturbance and ultimately attained omniscience and liberation from all bondage. Laksmana and Ravana were, however, directed to hell after their death where they were still involved in a feud.
Here ends Paumacariu.