Book Title: Mahavira His Life And Teachings Author(s): Saraswati Raghavachari Publisher: Jain Sastu SahityaPage 34
________________ CHAPTER XVI Two Years After If we do not know what the sorrow of penitence is, we have been living only on the surface of life - unmindful of its deep realities, unconscious of its grand glories. -F. D. HUNTINGDON. • During the two years which followed the decease of his parents, Mahavira, was no doubt, externally a house-holder; but in thought, word and deed, he was an ascetic. He observed perfect celibacy, spent long hours in prayer, to and contemplation of, the Supreme; paid very little care or attention to the needs of the flesh; and ate only the food which he had received free from his fellowmen. He exercised perfect self-control; and his life, in fact, was such as put many sages to shame. At the end of two years, Mahavira determined on Varshika Mahadana (the giving of valuable gifts for a whole year). It has been very wisely said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be." When a rich man wanted to become a disciple of Christ, the latter said to him, “GoPage Navigation
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