Risabha Deva

Author(s): Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: Jain Mitra Mandal

Page 56

CHAPTER VIII
THE SAMAVASARANA
Among the wonderful acquisions of the Tirthamkaras which are obtained as the result of the destruction of the karmic energies that stand in the way of the manifestation of the Divinity of the soul, may be mentioned the following: They are able to conquer gravitation and possess the power of levitation; They live without food and water; Their ere-lids are never closed; shadow is not cast by Their bodies; and Their hairs ard nails do not grow any more. They are not liable to be assailed by trouble or distress in any form; and 'peace and plenty' prevail wherever they go ! Naturally-hostile animals become as friends in Their presence; ferocicus natures aje tamed! Flowers and fruits appear out of season wherever They go! When seated in the Samarasarana a Tirthamkara appears to be looking in all the four directions, though He only sits facing the East. The speech of the lord is like the roar of many waters, and is distinctly heard by every one present. It is produced independently of volition, that is, without the voluntary movements of the glottis, and is for that reason termed anaksharı (without letters). The Apostles arrange the teaching of the Truth under twelve main heads (angas), and it termed śruti or Sruta Jnana, because of its having been heard (from the TEACHER).
The devas, too, contribute their quota to the