Pinnacle Of Spirituality

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Page 54

19. Composition of Mokshamala
e fter he had gained a true understanding of Lord Mahavir's path, Shrimad composed Mokshamala, in which he explained in detail the importance of vairagya (detachment), upsham (calmness) and vivek (discrimination between right and wrong). He has explained the deeper meaning of the twelve bhavanas (reflections) by narrating various stories alongwith their true morals.
Shrimad was only 16 years and 5 months old when he composed this remarkable book. With no formal learning in Sanskrit or Prakrit, he was able, in a year and a quarter, to study all the agams. He composed Mokshamala in just three days, and managed to cover in it the essence of Jainism and the path to Moksha.
While writing the 67 chapter, ink spilled on it, and so he had to re-write it. As its replacement he wrote a thought provoking poem entitled "Amulya Tattva Vichar" (Invaluable thoughts on Reality), in which, Shrimad describes the rarity of a human incarnation. He explains that those who see the purpose of their lives as the increasing power, wealth and the importance of their family, seeking illusory happiness are actually losing the meaning and purpose of their lives.
Those with a thirst for truth should calmly and peacefully reflect : "Who am I ? Where do I come from? What is my true nature ? To what am I attached ? Should I keep these or cast them off ?" With such thoughts, one will grow closer to the treasure, which is the Soul. With full faith in one who has experienced his own Soul, a true seeker can experience his Soul.
In Mokshamala, Shrimad recommends devotion to the Jinas (Liberated Souls) leading to freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth.
Three Jain nuns visiting Vavania had heard of Shrimad's divinity. They requested him to give them a discourse and he agreed. He then met them at the local Jain Hall and read out two verses from a Jain scripture called "Shree Suyagadang Sutra" and explained those with full insight. The nuns paid him immense respect.
The nuns were unable to understand scriptures written in Ardhamagadhi, the ancient language of many Jain texts, and they asked Shrimad to help them gain a better understanding. In response, Shrimad wrote Mokshamala which even today helps many gain a deeper insight into the meaning of the message of the Jinas.