Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 54

set for renunciation, but he deferred it for two years on the request of his elder brother. Finally at the young age of 30, he left the palace renouncing all worldly relationships. His 30 years life as a householder and family man came to an end. He took to the path of achieving complete Samyaktva (equanimous state of mind or super-consciousness).
Ever-shining symbol of total Renunciation Mahavir became the ever-shining symbol of the courage of total renunciation (VEETARAAG), self-restraint and intense discipline. He took to the ardent path of vrat (fasting) and tapasya (penance) to cleanse his soul of all karmic impurities, revitalize his inner soul energy, gain deeper knowledge and profound wisdom about eventual human destiny and purpose of life through contemplation and meditation. The austerities practiced by Mahavir, and the many trials and tribulations. hostility and harassment faced by him were far more arduous than done by his predecessor Tirthankars. It is noteworthy that in his 12-1/ 2 years of continuous penance, normally his fasts without food or water lasted for as long as six months. Renowned Jain saint Acharya Mahapragyaji has very thoughtfully observed that while embracing asceticism, Mahavir had resolved : I surrender this body for the sake of my soul. This body is not mine. With this feeling, I shall use my body. To cross a river, a boat is needed. I shall use my body as a boat to cross the river of life. I shall bear all the pangs of suffering by being immersed in the soul.” In his last sermon, Mahavir pointedly observed :
“Varam me appa danto, sanjamena tanena ya maaham parehim dammanto, Bandhanehim vahehi ya"
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A Portrait of Jain Religion