Jain Journal 1973 10

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

Page 14

OCTOBER, 1973
51
He wandered for 12 years, 6 months and 15 days and then settled on the bank of Rajuvaluka, where he attained omniscience. He lived a full life of 72 years visiting many a place all over the country, initiating and enlightning the living beings. He organised the Order, and predicted the disappearance of the Knowledge of the Free (Omniscience) after Jambusvami, who would be a disciple of Sudharmasvami, one of Mahavira's own Ganadharas.
The curtain on his life was at last drawn at Pavapuri (in Bihar) on the fifteenth day of the dark half of Kartika (November). On the occasion of the passing out of the beacon-light, nine Malla and nine Licchavi kings, who were present in the throng, burnt earthen lamps to prevent total darkness enveloping the world. The day is still commemorated by all the Indians, irrespective of religion, by the burning of lamps and is named Dipävalī or the festival of lights.
Having dealt with the Arhats and the Siddhas, let us descend down the ladder of spiritual development. The Acaryas are the heads of the assembly of ascetic saints and the Upadhyayas are the preceptors of group of ascetic saints.
Tat
Last we come to the Sadhus, the general body of saints, who have just made a start on the ladder of spiritual development.
While preaching Jainism, the Tirthankaras founded a four-fold community of monks (sādhus) nuns (sādhvis), lay brothers (śrāvakas and lay sisters (śrāvikās). In this four-fold community, the Sadhus or monks are the highest in rank. Those who renounce the world and lead the life of contemplative mendicancy are called Sadhus. The Sadhus observe fully in thought, word and deed, and all their lives 28 norms, the five major vows (mahāvratas), five restraints (samitis), five controls (indriya nirodha), the six internal austerities (sad āvasyakas) and seven external austerities.
|---The Five major Vows (Mahāvratas)
1. Ahimsā=Non-violence ; 2. Satya=Truthfulness ; 3. Acaurya=Non-stealing ; 4. Brahmacarya=Chastity; and 5. Aparigraha=Non-possession,