Book Title: Jainism The Cosmic Vision
Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Mahavir Foundation London

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Page 129
________________ Jainism : The Cosmic Vision Nandivardhan, the elder brother, knew the intentions of Vardhaman. So, he gave his consent though with a heavy heart. But at the time of Vardhaman's departure, he wept. Vardhaman's mind would not any longer be tempted by mundane thoughts. He had his gaze set on the path of austerity. That is why in a moment he turned his home into a forest and a forest into his home. At the age of 30 Vardhaman renounced the world. This was a journey for the realization of the soul and the victory over the sense organs. He discarded his royal garments. At that moment, the great god Indra cast a fine devine raiment on his shoulder. Mahavira set out. At that time a Brahmin named Somasharma came there. He asked for alms. Mahavira had nothing that he would give. So he tore one half of the devine raiment given by Indra which was on his shoulder and gave it to him. The Brahmin left with the devine raiment. That devine raiment was very costly. A darner said to the Brahmin, "If you bring the other half of the divine raiment, I will darn it into a full piece. It will fetch you a handsome price." The Brahmin returned and started trudging along close on the heels of Mahavira. He didn't dare to ask for the raiment. But it so happened that once the other half of the devine raiment slipped off Mahavira's shoulder. The Brahmin picked it up. Mahavira did not care for it and afterwards he never accepted a new devine raiment. जे ममाइअमइं जहाइ, से जहाइ ममाइअं । (He, who abandons the attachment for possession, abandons the possession completely.) The following incident reveals not only Bhagwan's 112 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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