Jain Journal 1977 07

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

Page 26

JAIN JOURNAL
Jainism, the certainty That spiritual evolution begins with non-injury, Jainism, the promise That all living beings may rise to bliss, Jainism, the keystone That the universe does not exist for humankind alone, The universe exists for all living beings To build spiritual ladders to their soul-dwellings."
And the living beings of the universe joyous Moved the earth-winds to a grateful chorus: “O, obeisance to the Jaina Way-shower Across the troubled ocean of life to the blinded wayfarer.” Again with the Lord ... Farewell pilgrimage. Now the spiritual mountain gave easy passage For the Lord Nemi, it was told By count of the times, was one thousand years old. No longer could the aged Teacher instruct In Right Vision, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct -The hallowed Three Jewels of Jainism That long ago displaced a family hoard of materialism. Praiseworthy mission done, Now the Lord folded the body into meditation To annihilate the final, stored four-fold karma Binding pure soul to poor body area. Hushed fell His retinue, O, stars bent down Him to view, Slowly came the fourth summer month, eighth fortnight With the moon in Citra at midnight.
... In spiritual tranquility Breath then departed the Lord Aristanemi. At that auspicious moment fell divine flowers In Mandara garlands of farewell showers, And the universe glowed in a luster Of ascending celestials, O, gold and silver. Upward the Lord's soul arose, To the top of the universe, to everliving repose Within the four infinites: Power, perception, knowledge and bliss. 0, homage to the Lord Eternal ! Indras prepared the Great Death Festival