Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1997 11 YJA Regional Convention

Author(s): Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh

Page 66

The king called the soothsayers for the interpretation of dreams and they unanimously said, "Sir, Her Highness will be blessed with a noble son. The dream augurs the vast spiritual realm, the child shall command. Her Highness will become the Universal Mother." After nine months and fourteen days, Queen Trishala delivered a baby boy. The boy was named Vardhaman meaning ever increasing.
Immediately after the birth of prince Vardhaman, Indra, the King of heaven, arrived with other gods and goddesses. He hypnotized the whole city including mother Trishala and King Siddharth.
He took the baby Vardhaman to mount Meru and bathed him. He proclaimed peace and harmony by reciting BRUHAT SHANTI during the first bathing ceremony of newborn Tirthankara. After renunciation and realization of Absolute self-knowledge, Prince Vardhaman became Lord Mahavir, the twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara of Jain religion.
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THE NEW GENERATION OF JAINISM
By Justin Doshi, Amita Sanghvi, Deepti Shah
It's hard to explain when they ask what religion are you? And when you say, "I'm Jain," a common reply is "Who?" Jainism is more than just a religion, It's a way of life and an end to reincarnation.
As we believe in Ahimsa, we can't eat meat, Which poses quite a problem when we go out to eat. Hearing about how Mahavir Bhagvan abandoned all his possessions, Leaves on our young minds quite an impression.
Living as Jains in a whole new age, Material wants become our cage. With TV, stereos, and such material innovations, It is hard for us to concentrate on our meditations.
But long ago, Bhagvan Mahavir led the life we pursue, So we must try hard to control what we do. When we see someone trying to kill a roach or a fly, We say STOP, because it doesn't deserve to die.
Because we were taught to be kind to all living things, Regardless of if they crawl or have wings. But in the end, we'll be free, Because we've reached salvation for eternity.
Jain Education Intemational