________________
189
Becoming enchanted by the pleasures of this world, and remaining destitute of merit, why did I not considerately accept the True Religion taught by the Tirthankaras? Although already in possession of चिन्तामणि Cintamani, a magical thought-gem, - कल्प
Kalpa Vriksa, the fabulous Wishing Tree, or a Kāmadhènu, a cow yielding as much milk as one desires,-will any wise man ever like to be without it? Bahubali and other brothers of mine, are fortunate and happy because they have accomplished the excellent Final Emancipation with the help of this fragile body. Having completely destroyed Moha, Infatuation, with the flame of meritorious sentiments, like a small bundle of grass, Bharata Mahārājā acquired asra Kèvala Jñana, which is the source of Endlese Happiness. The gods gave him the appared of an ascetic, and he immediately left off the house-holders' fold. Bharata Kèvalin then went about from village to village and town to town in company with ten thousand kings who took Dikṣā at the time. On the completion of one hundred thousand (100000) pūrva years as his time-limit as a Kovalin, Bharata Muni acquired Final Emancipation during one instant.
After the afor Nirvana, Final Emancipation of Bhagavān Śri Risabha-dèva Swami, the itinerant Marici Parivrājaka continued moving about unhindered from village to village and town to town along with the Sadhus and preached the True Religion taught by the Tirthankaras, at various places. He used to send all the persons for initiation, to the Sadhus, after they were enlightened by him in the True Religion and were desirous of having Diksa.
One day, Marici was suffering from sonie serious disease. He was unable to bring food and drink-materials even for himself, was powerless to attend to the toilet of his own body, and he had no strength even to talk. On seeing him in this condition, the Sādhūs, who were near him, did not ask him anything about his health, did not give food and drink-materials, did not call any physician, and they did not give him any medicinal treatment, what more? they did not even talk with him, because he was not consecrated.
Jain Education International
For Private Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
