Jain Journal 2002 07

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

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Jain Journal : Vol. XXXVII, No. 1 July 2002 Later on some Buddhist monks criticised this ancient tradition to a large degree. By maintaining a hygienic body, controlling our senses and for liberating the natural qualities of the soul, Lord Mahavir considered restraint to be an invaluable technique. Today when a scholar like Napoleon Hill talks about overall growth, he is also suggesting that to have a sound mind, it is important to have a healthy body. Now-a-days even the highest qualified physicians are of the view that for a fit body and firm mind, self-discipline of senses is the best method. To possess a sound mind, which is the first step towards an overall growth, currently, the medical research departments all over the world, are spending excessive amounts of money. After a thorough study by the specialists of this field and then analyzing them, we come to realize that this science of self-control, taught 2600 years ago by Lord Mahavir, for the liberation of our soul, is crucial. This principal training, for the development of soul is so astonishingly accurate, that over the time, along with an enhanced internal growth our material assets also get enriched.
Our ancient tradition had understood this necessity thousands of years ahead. With this in mind, Lord Mahavir reflected and improved upon the indolence, which would come with time. Thus for benefit of all, he preached the value of achieving righteousness through the path of meditation. The main purpose of life in this world is to concentrate on achieving equanimity, where attachment and hatred do not exist, and only contemplation of the soul is needed. This simple kriya (meditation), which has been illustrated by Mahavir, needs to be kept alive.
For the evolution of soul, Bhagwan Mahavir, did not only advocate reflection and self-control, but also practised it himself and attained remarkable magnitude of tremendous power within himself. He was like a magnet, drawing such extraordinary, astral aura power, that the authority of an accomplished challenger like Goshala became ineffective in his presence. A poisonous snake like Chandakaushik bit him and in place of blood, a sweet liquid resembling milk, gushed out of his body. These effects were the result of his self-discipline. Have you ever heard of a noble successful leader being a victim of greed?