________________
Mahavira : A Non-violent Revolutionary
[ 43
Jaina thinkers classify the Karmas of different categories. One category is of the karmas, the result of which can not be avoided by Sakāma Nirjară even by practisiog penances. Such results have to be suffered with equanimity, patience and fortitude so that while suffering the same new karmas are not earned.
Mahavira's soul had now become free from the burden of past karmas. He had already ceased to earn fresh karmas as the process of 'Sarivara' was already over when he took to the life of an ascetic at the age of 30 years. Attainment of Kaivalya
His soul took the final jump in the thirteenth year of his life as an ascetic when he was 42 years of age. It was on the 10th day of the brighter half of the month of Vaisakha during Uttaraphalguni Nakşatra when he was in deep meditation on the bank of river Rjubalika outside the town of Jşmbhika ( believed to be near Pavāpuri in Bihar ). He now attained complete enlightenment and became an 'Arhat', a Kevalin who can objectively comprehend all objects and events of the universe, one who is himself pure knowledge, having no desire, one who is all compassion for everything, and one who holds his body, mind and name only to serve the universe selflessly by teaching the path of salvation to others.
From this point onwards, he preached his gospel of Ahinsă for thirty years by moving on foot from East to West of India, by organising the Sangha and sending his missonaries to various places.
His style of preaching was unique. He never insisted that his disciples and those who came to him to seek solace to behave only in a particular manner. After giving his own explanation he used to say “Oh dear one of Gods (Devānupriya) now act according to your pleasure ( Jahasukham)."
He was outspoken, but did not utter anything unless it was absolutely necessary. So long as he was alive he saw to it that
1
.1
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
