Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 132

how will he become a scholar in right knowledge and right conduct and how will he elevate himself spiritually? While contemplating over this issue, it occurred to Sayyambhava that under exceptional circumstances, a transcendental scholar of ten P rvas can abridge the essence of these texts for the benefit of either himself or for others. Sayyambhava felt that he has a justifiable cause as 'Ma aka” was soon going to leave this world and thought of doing something for his benefit. So he decided to take the essence of the 'Prvas' and compose a S tra (collection of aphorisms on Jain canons).
Resolving thus, Sayyambhava took the essence of different P rvas and composed a S tra of ten chapters. Ma aka was then approximately 8 years old. After 72 V.N., in 73 V.N., the S tra was written during the life time of Prabhava Sw m. As the S tra was concluded during twilight, it was named as Da avaik lika. c rya Sayyambhava himself made Ma aka read the text and practice contemplation on them. Monk Ma aka with his humility, obedience and quest of knowledge, within a short time, became the true worshipper of right Knowledge and right conduct.
When rya Sayyambhava saw the imminent death of Ma aka drawing near, he appropriately made him perform the essential final activities like self criticism of current flaws ( locan ) etc. which will benefit him in his final journey. Monk Ma aka also within a limited time of just six months observed rama a Dharma sincerely and reached heaven after his death. The short life of Ma aka and his sudden death after practicing Spiritualexertion for a brief period, naturally filled crya Sayyambhava's heart with emotional grief and tears rolled down from his eyes. When the ascetics noticed the languid and tear-filled face of Sayyambhava, they were surprised and enquired him in humility, “Lord! We never saw a glimpse of sorrow on your face till today; what is the reason for tears in your eyes today? There must be some strong reason for an absolute
ic like you who is free from sorrow to be struck by grief. Please clarify our doubt."
In answer to their query, rya Sayyambhava, disclosing their father and son relationship to the ascetics said, “At a very small age this child ascetic practiced pure conduct with right knowledge; he left the world when he was half way through his Spiritual-exertion. Hence I was overcome with tears. Had he lived for some more time, he would have successfully completed his Spiritual-exertion”.
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