Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 72

I will look upon all creatures as equals. I will speak only the truth. I will possess nothing. I will take nothing from others. I will observe lifelong celibacy.
the GREAT RENUNCIATION
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
HE PRINCE DISMOUNTED from his palanquin and walked solemnly toward the ashoka tree. Beneath its boughs many special events had been consecrated in the long history of the city of Vaishali. Under their shelter he turned to face the waiting crowd. who gathered on every side of the sacred spot. The music stopped and all voices fell
T
silent in anticipation. Then, methodically he began to divest himself of his finery.
He took off his crown and earrings and beckoned to the elderly matriarch of his family. Carefully he handed them over to her. Then he removed the rings on his fingers, his bangles, armlets and necklaces, and gave her all those royal ornaments. He unwound his wrapper and that too he gave over to her. Receiv ing these treasures, she blessed him.
"From this moment you will never be overcome. You will be victorious over any force that opposes you. You are a great hero and therefore you shall be called Mahavira." With this, she withdrew.
Finally, in full view of the watchful crowd he removed the remainder of his clothing until he stood before them clothed only by the air. A glow seemed to radiate from him as he stood before them quite at peace and unselfconscious, full of purposeful intent. As the sun touched the horizon he grasped the locks of his hair, and in four handfuls pulled it all out by the roots. Finally he grasped his beard and mustache in a single bunch, and in one wrench pulled it out. All these bundles of hair were collected by those around him and placed in the waters of the river.
Standing exposed before everyone, he called out loudly.
"I will look upon all creatures as equals. I will speak only the truth. I will possess nothing. I will take nothing from others. I will observe lifelong celibacy."
At that moment an utter peace descended upon the scene, as if all troubles and conflicts of the world
In full view of the watchfid crowd he removed his clarking, until he stood before them clothed only by the air, then he grasped the locks of his her and in four handfuls pulled it all out by the roots.