Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 4

Author(s): Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication

Page 39

Vada ]
Nihnavavāda
:15
This story has been described in details in the Vyākhyāprajnapti. The reader may refer to it for more details.
The reference of the story of Jamāli is also found in other works such as Āvaśyaka Sūtra with the commentaries of Kotyācārya, Haribhadra Sūrji, and Malayagiri Sūrīji also. But there is no vital difference between the various descriptions given in those works except a few details here and there. The standard story related by the Vyākhyāprajnapti almost covers up all the accounts of Jamālis life and theory. It is therefore, essential , give a brief summary of the story related therein. It runs as follows:--
Jamāli was a Ksatriya by caste. He was born in Ksatriya Kundagrāma. He was rich, and had an impressive personality. He had eight wives, all of whom were of equal charm. When he came to know one day that Šramaņa Bhagavān Mahāvīra had come to the Brāhmaṇa Kundagrāma and was preaching the truthful principles of Jainism and that many people had been there to listen to him and to pay their respects. Jamāli also went to listen to the preachings of the great Tirthankara, and was immediately induced to accept the Dikşā. His parents though distressed by his decision, could not prevent him. Then the ceremony of the acceptance of Dikşā was performed with proper care and dignity. After taking Diksā, Jamali Muni studied eleven Angas under Bhagvān Mahāvira Swāmiji. assume the form of one of the three type of Kilbișika ( or low ) category of gods.
Kilbişika gods have to take four or five more turns in the categoriesof Nārakas, Tiryancas Manusyaş and Devas before attaining Siddhatva or Buddhatva. But, at the same time, several of them have to wander in this beginningless and endless mundane world also. Vide Bhagavati Sutra, Fifth Anga, Third Khanda, Ninth Sataka, Uddeśaka 33 Sutras 38-43. ]
4. Vide Bhagavati Satra Anga 5. Khanda HI Śataka IX. Uddleśaka XXXIIT..Sa. 8-46.