Jain Journal 1989 07

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

Page 19

Jina Aristanemi, Beyond all Clay
LEONA SMITH KREMSER
Clay jar. ... No matter the colours of dust and water Moulded to shape this individual jar, For the body-reality of all clay To water and dust returns.
Yet within each jar, its own formless form. ...His, so dutiful to its original nature That, when its earth-bound body crumpled, From within soared His formless soul To the dimension of total spiritual purity.
Cousin-brother to the blue Krsna. ...He heard wailing, the helpless and wretched Food-animals doomed to be His wedding feast. He freed them, then as a monk wandered He. Enlightenment filled to the brim His mission. Sayeth He : Spare the sacrificial food-animals. Verily, harmlessness is the highest religion.
O Reader ! Ye are the clay Moulded by your deeds in your former lives. Ye have free-choice : rebirth as a flawed jar, Or a path or harmlessness to all living beings That leads ye nearer to this Jina Aristanemi.
Blessed Jina, in bliss At the top of the universe, Forever there, beyond all clay.