Non Violence A Way Of Life

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust

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samsara was lit up in unprecedented light. The directions became calm and purified. With a loud beating of drums, gods descended to the earth to celebrate Bhagwan's attainment of kaivalya (omniscience). Bhagwan found the path to true happiness. He became free from all confusions of samsara and all complexes of the world. All the three world hell, earth and heaven, and all the three aspects of time, of the present, the past and the future, made their abode in Mahavir's heart. After his attainment omniscience, he came to be known as Arhata, Jaina, Veetraga.
A rich Brahmin named Somil arranged for a great yagna (Sacrificial rite) in the middle region of Pavapuri. Famous ritualistic scholars from all over India came to participate in it. Among them were scholars well-versed in fourteen vidyas, scholars such as Indrabhooti, Agnibhooti and Vayubhooti. Each one of them had 500 disciples. Two scholars named Vyakta and Sudharma had come from Kollaka. The scholars named Mandika and Mauryaputra had come with 350 disciples each from Maurya district. Four other scholars named Akampita, Achalabhrata, Metarya and Prabhasa were present in that assembly. These eleven scholars were very eminent among the scholars in India but they were full of feelings of suspicion and ignorance and were groping in the dark. At that time
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Bhagwan Mahavir came to Pavapuri. Gods constructed a Samavasarana (the lecture-hall) for the occasion. Gods, devils, human beings and even beings of lower order like the animals - all went to listen to his sermon. At that time these scholars began to discuss the scriptures with Mahavir. But omniscient Bhagwan having known their doubts in advance stated them in their own words and resolved them. Consequently, all the eleven scholars took initiation and became Bhagwan Mahavir's ganadharas (leading disciples propagating his teachings). Then they went on a journey to Magadha, Mithila, Koshala and Kalinga. Thousands of men and women became their disciples. Great learned Brahmins such as Indrabhooti Gautama and Sudharma, Kshatriyas such as Udayi and Maghakumar, Vaishyas such as Dhanna and Shalibhadra, Shoodras such as Metaraja and Harikeshi became Mahavir's ascetic disciples.
His followers came from all walks of life, from among kings and princes to ordinary persons. In all 14000 monks and 36000 nuns were initiated at Lord Mahavir's hand. A very large number of laymen and lay- women were his disciples.
Lord Mahavir founded a sangha or congregation of all these. Such an organization is called a tirtha. So he came to be called Tirthankar. There has been no Tirthankar after him. Mahavir had completely
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