Jainism For Beginners Level 02

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 79

reestablished the fourfold order of the Jain Sangha. At that time, Chandanbala took Diksha and became the first; nun (Sadhvi). She became the head nun of the Jain order Later on, she attained keval-jnan and liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Tholast Calamily NAILS IN HIS EARS
While going for alms, he entered the hosue of a rich merchant named Siddhartha, who was sittinginthecompany of an eminent physician named Kharak. the physician immediately realized from the facial expression of Bhagwan Mahavir that he was suffering from some acute pain. With great difficulty Mahavir was persuaed to undergo the operation. He was made to sit in a basin filled with oil, given a massage and then the pegs were removed by menas of pincers. The pain was so excrciating that even Bhagwan Mahavir cried out in agony.
O nce the outskirts of the village
Chhammani, Bhagawan Mahavir was standing absorbed in deep meditation. A cowherd left his oxen near him & asked him to keep an eye on them. When he returned, he did not find the cattle
& so he
KEVAL-JNAN
Drac
ahavir-swami practiced
severe austerities and deep meditation for a period of twelve and a half years. During this period, he resided in parks, forests and deserted places, and bore all the obstacles and fortunes patiently and bravely. He observed fasts from a single day to up to six months. He had now reached the highest stage of meditation. He reached the village Jambhika and stayed on the banks of the river Rujuvalika. At that time, he was observing a fast of two days. In order to annihilate the lingering remnants of the destructive Karma Bhagwan Mahavir sat down in the cowmilking' posture. His mind was absorbed in the highest type of meditation, and by destroying all his Ghati Karma completely; he attained
LIFE OF BHAGWAN MAHAVIR
inquired about the missing cattle. When he received no reply to his persistent queries, he became furious & plugged hard grass pegs in the ears of Bhagawan Mahavir. Mahavir bore all the pain patiently. From there, Bhagawan Mahavir went to Pava.
71