Kundakunda Acharya and Jain Philosophy

Author(s): Jayantilal Jain
Publisher: Research Foundation for Jainology Chennai

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left for jungle. The mother thought, "He is my son even then he did not care for me and he is having so much faith in the ascetic". "My son will become Ascetic", she murmured, "No, I shall not allow him to become ascetic. He is my only son. I shall not allow him to be Ascetic. He is leamed and he will be the Mayor of the town".
In the jungle, the Ascetic was meditating and all the people who went there were waiting for the conclusion of the meditation. All were becoming impatient as they were going to be late for starting their routine works. Then the Ascetic started his sermon, "There is only sorrow and sorrow unless we know the pious soul. For happiness, one should adopt non-violence, kindness and truth. If it is possible, one should become ascetic." Then Padma went to the Ascetic and said, "With the help of your sermon! have come to know the nature of the world. Kindly make me your disciple". The Ascetic said, "Your thoughts are sublime, but you will have to take permission of your family members."
Padma went to his mother and said, "I have decided to become an ascetic and I want your permission". The mother did not allow, she tried her level best to convince Padma not to do so, but in vain. Padma's determination was firm and even his mother could not stop him. The son said, "I want salvation and for that I must become ascetic". Then his mother also realised, "because of my attachment, I am becoming an obstacle in the noble path of my son" Then she allowed her son to become an ascetic. At the age of 12 years, Padma became the disciple of Jinachandra. He became Jain Muni.
Padmanandi started penance. His penance impressed all others. Acharya Jinachandra was old and he wanted to handover his charge to an able ascetic. He found Padmanandi the most suitable ascetic for that purpose. Then the ascetic declared Padmanandi as Jinacharya. Padmanandi's fame spread all around. Because of his birth place Kaund Kaundkundepur, he was known as Kundakunda. King Shivaskandha of Pallavamsha was so impressed that he also became a member of the Sangha. Many others also followed the King. Penance made Padmanandi's body more strong and the other ascetics realised that he was able to walk even without touching the surface of the earth.
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