Jain Legend Vol 1

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

Page 20

T rthamkara' strength can defeat even the Indras as their bodily strength is accompanied by immeasurable mental strength and unbreakable spiritual force. Even gods and divine beings – devas and devendras – pay obeisance to and serve those T rthamkara whose minds are immersed in the tradition of ahims (non-violence), self-control (equanimity) and penance. In this context the legend of Sumeru mountain trembling by the (weight) of the toe of an infant Mah v ra cannot be called an exaggerated event because for a T rthamkara's incomparable strength and courage these incidents should be considered ordinary.
T rthamkara and the K atriya clan
In both praxis and theory conduct and penance and a caste or clan are not always given importance. In this context the question arises as to why were T rthamkara considered to be born into the Katriya caste? Doesn't this emphasize casteism?
A Brahmin is a practitioner of celibacy, truth, contentment and abiding alms seeker whereas a K atriya is brave, expert of war tactics, brilliant, and effective. In preserving and maintaining religious order alongwith practice of celibacy, truth, character, etc along with vigour is essential. A person born in a Brahmin caste is peaceful, of a good character and soft nature, also needs vigour and imposing personality. Propagation of non violence (ahims ) by a person like a Brahmin is not effective as he lacks bravery. But when a brilliant person from the K atriyas courageously gives up weapons and warfare and royal grandeur and talks of ahims , certainly it has an impact. The Brahmin's propagation of religion is akin to the compassion of a weak shall not impact common people. This is the reason for the Jain religion – being removed from casteism – believes T rthamkara to have been born into the K atriya caste. From Lord V abhan tha to Lord Mah v ra, all the T rthamkara born into the spotless firmament of the Katriya caste, continuously spread unblemished light across the world and acquired the strength towards liberation cutting through the toughest of karmas.
The Self-reliant practice of austerities by T rthamkara
Despite being invoked by the gods and divine beings the T rthamkara are reliant upon themselves for their practice of penance. They do not seek the help of any god, demigod or human beings. Devendra prayed to Lord
20