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ऋषभ
अजित
सम्भव
अभिनन्दन
सुमति
पद्मप्रभ
KEWALI CHARYA
सिंह
गज
The Light of Omniscience
Observing the details of Bhagavan Mahavir's twelve year period of spiritual practices it becomes evident that his practices combined four qualities--1. Deep and undisturbed meditation, 2. Rigorous penance, 3. Extreme tolerance of pain, and 4. Ultimate equanimity.
It was the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh. Twelve years five months and fifteen days had passed since the beginning of Mahavir's spiritual practices. Prabhu Mahavir sat in meditation under a Saal tree in a garden on the bank of Rijubaluka river. Sitting on both feet with knees touching his chest, he was feeling calm even in the scorching summer sun. Focusing all his physical, mental and spiritual energies he was engrossed in deep and pure meditation. Gradually the sun was setting in the west and within the soul of Bhagavan Mahavir the sun of omniscience was rising. As soon as the dark clouds of four deeply binding Karmas scattered, the all enlightening sun of omniscience dawned. The physical world was being enveloped by the darkness of night but the spiritual world was being filled with the light of infinite rays of knowledge. The endeavour had reached the summit of success and attained the goal. Mahavir had become Bhagavan (God), Jina (Victor), Sarvajna (all knowing), and Sarvadarshi (all perceiving). As soon as he became omniscient a soothing light spread in the three worlds for a few seconds. The living world was filled with a strange feeling of hitherto unknown bliss. (M-27/1)
वृषभ
लक्ष्मी
पुष्पमाला
The First Discourse
After a twelve and a half year long period of extreme spiritual practices Shraman Vardhaman acquired the ultimate perception (Kewal Darshan), and ultimate knowledge (Kewal Jnan or omniscience). To greet and eulogize the first ray of the divine sun of Mahavir's infinite knowledge, innumerable gods and goddesses from heavens landed on the earth. Doing Vandana of Prabhu Mahavir they celebrated the ultimate attainment (Kaivalya).
Traditionally a Tirthankar preaches the religion of equanimity (Ahimsa) immediately after his gaining omniscience. To take advantage of the first divine discourse of Mahavir the gods created the divine pavilion (Samavasaran) on the pious banks of Rijubaluka river. Numerous gods were engrossed in listening the discourse. (M-27/2)
The gods may admire and eulogize truth, discipline, and virtues but they cannot do spiritual practices by taking vows. Only man is capable of entering the discipline of spiritual practices. As such, it is said that in absence of human Illustrated Tirthankar Charitra
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सचित्र तीर्थकर चरित्र
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