Mokshamala

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 42

The religious order that prevails at present was set up by Lord Mahavir. 2414 years (That was in 1883 when this book was composed) have passed away since his Nirvän (Attainment of liberation). He was born of the womb of mother Trishala by the King Siddhartha of Kshatriyakund. Nandivardhaman was his elder brother. Lord's wife's name was Yashodä He remained in the worldly life for 30 years. During twelve and a half year thereafter he moved lonely while observing austerities etc. Thereby all the defiling Karmas were consumed and he attained the unique omniscience and omni percipience on the bank of Rujuwälikä. In all he lived for 72 years and by destroying all Karmas in the end he attained the state of liberation.
He was the last of the 24 Tirthankars (Lords who set up the religious order afresh) of the present time cycle. This is his religious Order and Bhagavati Sutra states that it is going to continue for 21000 years, i.e. up to the end of fifth era. This being the era of abnormal ten events, the religious Order has faced many obstacles; it has been facing quite a few at present and according to scriptural prophesies it will face in future too.
There are too many divisions within the Jain Order, all of them are busy with slandering one another. The unbiased people do not get involved in differences and they come to the basics of Jain principles by exercising their discernment. They rely upon the monks of high character and restrain themselves by resorting to right concentration. The religious Order does come to some limelight from time to time, but it does not shine out properly because of the adverse impact of the present time.
Uttaradhyayan Sutra states 'Vank Jaday Pachhima'. It means that the followers of the last Tirthankar will be crooked and senseless. The truth in those words seems obvious. Do we ponder over the fundamentals? Do we think of the best conduct? Do we regularly spend our time in religious activities? Do we keep in mind the uplifting of religious Order? Do we fervently seek the essence of religion?
We should not think that we are Jains because we have been born in Jain family. It would be appropriate to consider one a Jain, if he observes right conduct, has required knowledge, aspiration etc. or holds at least some such qualifications. It is good that one born in a Jain family has some compassion at heart, but very few know the real essence. There are more half-knowledgeable, who like to doubt, instead of trying to understand. There are also those, who know and remain infatuated about it. There are very few, who test their knowledge on the scale of basic fundamentals.
Due to the shortcomings in transmitting knowledge from preceptor to pupil, omniscience, mind-reading capability and superb clairvoyance have been lost; Drashtivad (The last original scripture) has been lost; major parts of scriptural texts have also been lost. That, however, does not justify raising doubts about the same merely by looking at the part that has remained. If any doubt arises, one should ask the knowledgeable about the same. Even if the reply be not satisfactory, he should not move his faith from the words of Lords. Very few people really know what is Anekäntväd (Theory of multiple view points).
Some misguided people try to find faults in the precious realm of Lords' words; thereby they acquire Karma that would destine them to a low state of existence. It is not understood who might have conceived of using the dried leafy vegetables in order to avert the green ones! This is a vast subject; as such, it is not possible to say much about it here. In short, it may be said that we should feel concerned about the well being of soul and should not get involved in differences. We should remain in contact with the noble peaceful monks and resort to pure conduct, discernment, compassion and forgiveness. If possible, we should give discerning and rational advice in the interest of Lord Mahavir's Order. We should not indulge in doubts on the basis of our little intellect. Our bliss lies in Lord's Order and we should not lose sight of it.
Lesson 54: What is real impurity?
Truth-seeker: I like the code of conduct for Jain monks; other sects do not have a code for their monastic order comparable to it. Jain monks have to manage with limited clothing even in severe winter; they do not