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Vardhamâna and the Foundations of Jainism
235 of conduct of their sect which could define it as a unique and individual entity.
Mahavira's Austerities
If any single event can be labelled the most significant of Mahâvîra's life, it must be his attainment of kevalajnana, for it was upon this experience that his entire career as a Tirthankara was based. He is said to have pursued the austerities leading up to this event with unswerving dedication, never once deviating from their practice. The Acaranga-sutra has many passages describing such austerities:
Ceasing to inflict injury on living beings, abandoning concern for the body, and having perceived the true nature of the self, the Venerable One, houseless, endured the thorns of the villages (that is, the abusive language of the peasants).
Like an elephant at the head of battle, so was Mahâvîra there victorious. Sometimes, in the country of Ladha, he could not even enter a village (to stay overnight).
At other times, when he approached a village the inhabitants met him outside and attacked him, saying, "Get away from here."
He was struck with sticks, fists, and lances; he was hit with fruit, clods, and potsherds. Beating him again and again, they raised a huge din.
Once when he (sat in meditation), his body unmoving, they cut his flesh, tore his hair, and covered him with dirt. They picked him up and then dropped him, disturbing his meditational postures. Abandoning concern for his body, free from desire, the Venerable One humbled himself and bore the pain. Just as a hero at the head of a battle is surrounded on all sides, so was Mahâvîra there. Undisturbed, bearing all hardships, the Venerable One
proceeded (on the path of salvation].60 Or again
Being averse to the impressions of the senses, he wandered about, speaking little. Sometimes in the cold season the Venerable One meditated in the shade.
In summer he exposed himself to the heat, squatting
