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Chapter On the Anvil of Experience
There are four types of old men, viz. Inänvruddha (Enlightened), Tapovruddha (Observers of austerities), Chäritryavruddha (Having good character) and Vayovruddha (Aged). All of them are expected to have gained the patience and bearing capability. If they are sitting in a group, they would attract the attention of everyone; the people would have respect for them and peacefulness would prevail in their presence.
Jnänvruddha means well-read; well studied. A book-worm also might have read or heard a lot, but his knowledge may signify the storage of information and he is likely to remain self-conceited. A well-read one must have grasped the fundamentals and be respectable. Tapovruddha would have observed the austerities and gained internal purity. A Charitryavruddha would have faultless character and he would be willing to serve. He would feel sad to come across any sinful activity and tears would flow from his eyes on seeing the misery of others. A Vayovruddha would have the maturity to look at every situation objectively and people would feel happy to be led by him. It is not necessary that he must be grey-haired.
Our' scriptures are called Shrut, which means what was heard. That term is used because the scriptures were not initially written. What was heard from Lord Mahaveer was composed in scriptures by
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