Jain Satyaprakash 1936 11 12 SrNo 16 17

Author(s): Jaindharm Satyaprakash Samiti - Ahmedabad
Publisher: Jaindharm Satyaprakash Samiti Ahmedabad

Page 92

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થી જૈન સત્ય પ્રકાશ thought himself unable to observe the strict discipline of religions rites, but was ashamed to leave aside the honorable apparel of an ascetic and again join the fold of house-holders. His mind became wavering. He found out a new device and invented a new apparel (au). He did not take into consideration the future disadvantages involved in his scheme. Had he conveyed the ideas sprouting out in his mind to Bhagavāna Sh Rishabha-deya or to the worthy Sadhus, he would have been stopped from committing such a grave blunder, but such ideas of taking the advice of other persons are not possible with individuals bent upon acting in accordance with their personal independent will. He accepted the plan created out of his own independent imagination and commenced acting accordingly. But he invariably preached in strict conformity with the doctrines and teachings of the Tirthankaras. When an individual stops rising higher and higher in spiritual advancement, and falls down spiritually, he misuses, very often, the auspicious opportunities available to him and thus degrades himself.
Bharata Chakravarti with a pure heart requested Bhagavana Shree Risbabha-deva to give him an account of future Tiathankaras and he gave a true account through the medium of his Perfect Knowledge (qastia). The soul of Marichi was to be the twenty-fourth Tirthankara in future, and on account of his pure devotion to the dignity of a Tirthankara, and of his having obtained the rare opportunity of respectfally bowing before a future Tirthankara, Bharata Chakravarti thought of availing himself of the golden opportunity. Althongh knowing the uufitness of Marichi for such a respectful bowing down before, discrete and devoted Bharata Chakravati, with the permission of Bhagavāna Shree Rishabha-deva, prostrated himself before him and explained to him, the object of his respectful bowing. However, Marichi becomes elated with the conceit of his noble birth.
Those who are capable of recognition of merit, are devoid of conceit, take delight in the study and preaching of scriptures, and are devotees of true god, true teacher and tray Dharma, are born in noble families, while those who are fond of defaming others and extolling their own merits, are negligent in the study and proaching of scriptures, and those who addicted to the adoration of wicked gods, wicked teachers and wioked Dharma, are born in low families.
Here, on account of his deep conceit for his noblo birth, Marichi becomes fettered with the evil Karma of being born in a low family. As a result of this blunder, Marachi had to undergo great hardships during many future lives; while experiencing such hardships calmly, the mole