Book Title: Mahavira His Life And Teachings Author(s): Saraswati Raghavachari Publisher: Jain Sastu SahityaPage 33
________________ . .24 Would we codify the laws that should reign in house-holds and whose daily transgression annoys and mortifies us and degrades our household life, we must adorn every day with sacrifices. - EMERSON. Before proceeding further, it may be interesting to contemplate the manner in which Gautama Buddha, the contemporary of Mahavira renounced the world. Gautama determined on leaving his royal house-hold; he spoke not a word about his resolve to any one. At mid-night, he got up from beside his beloved princess, cast a last look at her and his little child who slept there and went forth in search of enlightenment. · But Mahavira, as we have seen, was, anxious not to pain the hearts he was leaving behind. His parents were happy to the end of their lives. He pacified his brother; he reconciled his wife to the idea of his renunciation. He allowed them two years to prepare for the hour, when he was to become a Sanyasin. Thus there is a severe austerity ' about Gautama Buddha while we find a supremely human element in Mahavira. Buddha was for us; but Mahavira was of us. .Page Navigation
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