Jain Journal 2003 10

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

Page 36

96
JAIN JOURNAL VOL-XXXVIII. NO. 2 OCT. 2003
Mahāvīra emphasised on the best use of time for the best development of the human life and society. He says---
dumapattaye pamḍuyae jahā, nivaḍai rāiganāṇa accaye/ evaṁ maṇuyāņa jīviyaṁ samayaṁ goyama mā pamāyae// "As after the night passes, resulting in the fall of the dead and dry yellowish leaf and "kusage jaha osabindue thobam ciṭṭhai as the dewdrop rests for a few seconds at the tip of the kusha leaf, such futile and destructible is the life of man. Hence, O Gautama, don't you lose your precious moments of life."
It seems that these words became the motto of human emancipation, because, the relentless toil of our global family has resulted in such high development of our civilisation. When the great intellectuals like Peter F. Druckes, and Napoleon Hill suggest not to waste a precious minute of our life. they in fact reiterate the same idea propagated by Mahāvīra. It has been observed that successful people in life have always obeyed the rules regarding wise use of time. Their routine has been duly maintained by time tables and thereby they have well-managed their hours to get a fruitful result out of it. The present pillar of united Germany, Prince Bismarck, would not allow a single moment to be wasted. He would maintain in his Bible a piece of paper in which he would jot down his routine procedures. Jamshedji Tata, Ghanashyamadas Birla have successfully built and organized their business empires by utilizing their times to full capacity proving how surprisingly true are the echoes of this sutra.
Mahāvīra had directed everyone to start their day 48 minutes before sunrise. The time auspiciously known as Brahma-Muhurta injects new power and ecstasy into one's mind and body. Dr. Leward, has reached the same conclusion regarding the efficiency of power. According to Dr. Leward "The same time format of Brahma- Muhurta has been adjudged for the best. Almost all the persons rising up early in the morning and starting the whole day's work are successful in their lives."
It has to be seen that all the teachings of Mahāvīra point towards self development. It is by developing the self, that one can achieve glory and success in life. In the Acarängasūtra, Mahāvīra says “purisă tumam evām itaṁ hi bahiyāmitam icchai" i.e. 'Ohumans! why wander outside? The friend and foe are all in yourself.'
Mahāvīra has also emphasised on meditation. The Tīrthankara has advised on the positivity of meditation thousands of years ago. The