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Jainism: The Cosmic Vision
writing. Marudevi, Bhagwan Rishabhdev's mother, was compassion incarnate. Brahmi, Bhagwan Rishabhdev's daughter, was intelligent and virtuous and was also acquainted with the 64 arts. She studied the 18 scripts and taught the science of the scripts. Ultimately she became a Sadhvi and renounced the world. She inspired as many as 3 lakh Sadhvis and 5 lakh 54 thousand Vratharini Shravikas to follow on the path of spiritual advancement. Sundari, other daughter of Tirthankara Rishabhdev, had profound knowledge of mathematics.
One distinct aspect of woman's personality is motherhood. Bhagwan Mahavir having been initiated to asceticism, has referred to womanhood as motherhood. Jain scriptures give very inspiring accounts of the mothers of the Tirthankaras and describe them as having noble thoughts, virtuous character and lofty ideals. Bhagwan Mahavir's mother Trishala herself had a superbly inspiring character. Tirthankara Sumatinath's mother Mangala was a learned lady devoted to justice. There are many instances of her keen insight in administering justice. It is not only the Tirthankara who have achieved spiritual advancement, their mothers also have attained the devlok, the abode of the gods, through spiritual pursuits. Moreover the Tirthankara, who were engaged to be married before their initiation into asceticism, also express great respect for their wives. Bhagwan Mahavir's wife Yashoda sincerely appreciated the sense of renunciation of her husband and was always eager to see that no harm was done to him. She listened to the preachings of Vardhman, Mahavir's name in worldy life, with great respect and tried her utmost to put them into practice. When prince Vardhman left for the diksha the spiritual initiation, she gave
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