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JAIN RAMAYAN
This extraordinary event of Vali's renunciation after he attained the tremendous victory over Ravan contains a magnificent message for all mankind. It is an efficacious eye-opener to those who are steeped in the stupor of intellectual lethargy and spiritual lassitude.
Normally, we think that victory draws men towards attachments but from the event that took place in Vali's life, we can also realise that victory can attract a man towards renunciation also. When human beings are attracted towards attachments and infatuated by their victories they should realise that they may have to experience defeat and disgrace in the future. When victory draws a man towards renunciation, it must be realised that he will never experience defeat in his life and in the future he will be always victorious by virtue of his renunciation.
Vali renounced the Samsar on the battle-field; went to a great sage called Gaganachandra and received from him initiation into the Sadhudharma.
After being initiated into the Sadhudharma, he became deeply absorbed in spiritual austerities and activities which he carried out regularly in accordance with the principles of such a life. The great Muni Vali entered thus the trackless realms of the spirit. He undertook fresh and austere vows to disciplin: his senses and to discard certain kinds of food. He became chastened in the flames of spiritual austerities and performed such austerities as Kayotsarg in dreadful and desolate places like cemeteries, during days and nights.
Within a short while, the cuckoo of Vali's selflessness, detachment and spiritual elevation sat upon the branches of the tree of his attainments in the midst of the tender leaves of his spiritual excellence and began to sing songs of unexampled sweetness and melody. By virtue of his tremendous spiritual attainment he acquired an absolute mastery over all the superhuman powers present in the universe. Inspite of his exceptional attainments, he did not become self-complacent; on the contrary, he continued to carry out his spiritual austerities
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