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

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Page 167
________________ Jainism : The Cosmic Vision Bhanumitra for 60 years, Gardabhilla for 13 years, and Shaka for 4 years. After Shaka, that is, after 470 years from my death there will be the political rule of king Vikramaditya. He will be a great emperor and he will start his own Era (Samvata)." "After 453 years from my death, there will flourish Acharya Kalaka who will bring the end of the rule of Gardabhilla." "Jain ascetics will conveniently forget the tradition of pure monastic conduct. They will formulate monastic code according to their sweet will and by doing so they will deceive the ignorant and credulous people. They will indulge in praising themselves and slandering others." The following predictions, too, were made by Tirthankara Mahavira in the four-month-stay during his last rainy-season. At that time in Pava he adorned Rajjuka assembly of king Hastipala. Unique assembly hall was constructed by gods. And therein Tirthankara Mahavira lectured regularly. One day, after Tirthankara Mahavira's lecture ended, king Punyapala politely said to him, “O Venerable One ! Last night I dreamt eight queer dreams. I had eight inauspicious dreams of an elephant, a monkey, a milky tree (a fig tree), a crow, a lion, a lotus, a seed and a pitcher. I am concerned that they may signify inauspicious or evil future events." These dreams were signs of future events. Interpreting and explaining them Tirthankara Mahavira said, "You saw an elephant in the first dream. It suggests that in future polite and devotional Jain householders will become mad with pride and passion on getting short-term prosperity or wealth. They will behave like a mad elephant. They will never think of 150 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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