Life of Shrimad Rajchandra

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 35

momentary, that external happiness is virtually unhappiness and is the cause of infinite unhappiness. The detachment of the highly enlightened Mrugaputra has been described here in order to evidence that... The philosophical thinkers always contemplate about retreating from worldly wandering and from resorting to sentient articles."
The seventh presentation pertains to reflecting over 57 doors of Asrav (inflow of Karma). They are the channels through which the sin can enter. After observing restraint for 1000 years, the detachment of Kundarik Muni went down. Hence he took over the rein of the kingdom handed over by his brother. Thereby every one abhorred him as a befallen guy. While contemplating to take revenge for that, he died and went to the seventh infernal abode.
The eighth presentation pertains to reflection about Samvar, which means preventing the channels through which the sin can enter. Kundarik's brother Pundarik adopted monastic code and decided that he would first go to an accomplished guru and would take food and water only thereafter. Accordingly he started bare-footed. On the way pebbles and thorns hurt his feet and that resulted in bleeding. But he retained equanimity and stayed tuned to the contemplation. Thereby the great man died and attained the heavenly life in Sarvärthasiddhi (the topmost heavenly abode).
Another illustration pertaining to the same presentation has been given of Vajraswämi. Rukmini (who wanted to marry him) tried to dissuade him with the temptation of sex and gold. Since she could not move him, she herself adopted renouncement. By controlling the mind, speech and body in various ways she gained the well being of soul.
The ninth presentation pertains to reflection about Nirjarä (eradication of bondage) that relates to twelve types of austerities. Then it points out how Dradhprahäri, the son of a Brahmin, who had been immersed in all the seven types of addiction, repented of his sins. Accordingly he shaved his head, adopted monastic code and decided to bear the people's wrath. The presentation describes in brief how he faced all the afflictions with equanimity and became the embodiment of forgiving.
The tenth presentation pertains to the shape of universe. Describing the human-like shape of the universe, it gives the particulars of infernal abodes consisting of Bhuvanpati and Vyantar categories of semi-gods and of seven infernal levels. Then it describes the middle world consisting of two and a half continental islands etc. Thereafter it describes the upper world consisting of 12 heavenly abodes, 9 Graiveyaks (corresponding to the neck portion of human shape), 5 Anuttar (topmost abodes) and Siddhasheelä (abode of the liberated) on the top of it. That is the brief description of the universe as mentioned by the incomparable omniscient, omni percipient Lords, who are aware of the habitable and non-habitable universe.
Mokshamälä and Bhävanäbodh show the amazing detachment of Shrimad at the age of 16 or 17 and have been written as the outcome of his wide reading. This detailed description has been given in order to show that and to give a taste thereof to the readers. Thereby those, who are inclined to read and contemplate over the original books, digest the same patiently, and undertake the beneficial endeavor of putting that in practice, would surely develop the attributes of wonderful detachment, faith and affection for the great men, that can lead to brightening up of soul.
Chapter 8 AVADHÄN, MNEMONIC PERFORMANCE
Vaväniä being a small village there was very little scope for coming in contact with the knowledgeable people. Shrimad was therefore inclined to go out. In about 1884 he went to Morbi.