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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
"Keep my teachings
always with you."
HE LEAVES this WORLD
T THE END OF HIS LAST SERMON, in the darkness of night, Mahavira began to withdraw his life energy from his body.
Those present, both humans and gods, realized what was soon to happen, and they were distressed. Even Indra, so mighty in this world, feared the loss of Mahavira, who
had seemed to him a true leader upon whose wisdom and strength he could rely for inspiration. He prayed desperately for Mahavira to change his intention if only he would postpone his departure for a few more years, or months or even days. But it was not to be. Mahavira had always said that no one, not even a Tirthankara, could extend life one day beyond its intended span. Now he too must go. He told Indra not to be fearful.
"The reason you want me to stay is because you are attached to my body. Yet I am not attached to my outer physical form, because my true identity is immortal spirit. This body is destined to die. So let me leave, but keep my teachings always with you."
After saying this he sat very still, surrounded by a great crowd of devoted followers. He stopped speaking and stilled his mind. As his mind stilled, the ties of karma that still kept him in this world were finally dissolved, leaving only consciousness, pure and motionless. Having fully withdrawn from all involvement with matter, he achieved total purity and from his silent body emanated a glow so powerful that it lit up the darkness, hiding the stars in the sky and turning night into day Voices were heard from the heavens singing "Victory!" and celestial beings appeared above him and showered flower petals. All those who had sat attentively listening to his long sermon were now transfixed by the vision before them, as they saw with their own eyes the physical form of Mahavira transfigured into a spiritual form of eternal purity,
It was the end of the night of the fifteenth day of the fourth month of the rainy season, in the year 527
Front Roxiter borty m edalow the the darkness. Chowdy det. Seegheid jassed away the dig bronchidanand Erwelt it all
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