Story Of Rama In Jain Literature

Author(s): V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Saraswati Pustak Bhandar

Page 67

Pauma-Cariya of Vimala Sūri
49
as the sun was set. He, reflecting on the transitory nature of saṁsāra accepts Dikmå. His wives being grieved at his separation become nuns. Harūmat in due course attains to Nirvana. (Harūmat's attaining to Liberation)
CANTO CIX :
Rāma, absorbed in plcasures of senses, laughs at Hanūmat and others for accep. ting asceticism. Now, once, Indra gives a talk on samsara, Dharma, and greatness of Jainism and the importance of birth as a human being - to the gods. One god interrupts him pointing to Rāma's case. Thereupon Indra tells him that affection for one's friends and relatives etc., is tl'e greatest hindrance in the realization of Niri Ina. Rama and Lakşmaņa bear abundant and deep love for each other. Lakşmana would certainly die at Rāma's separation. (Conversation between Indra (and a God)]
CANTO CX :
Two gods go to Rāma and Lakşmana to test their affection for each other. At the illusory show of Rāma's death put up by then Lakşmaņa crying ‘alas' dies. The gods are sorry at this, are helpless and return to heaven. Rama hearing the terrible and shocking news goes to Laksmana's mansion; he out of deep love for his brother regards him still to be alive. Hearing of their uncle's death Lavana and Ankusa become monks. At the loss of his brother and his own sons Rāma sinks into profound grief and misery. (Entrance of Lavana and Ankasa in the Grove of Penance)
CANTO CXI :
Canto CXI portrays the lamentation of Rāma, overpowered with profound sorrow at the death of his brother. (Ráma's Lamentation)
CANTO (XII :
Sugriva, Vibhisana and others arrive and try to console Rama in his grief. Vibt işana gives a sermon on the nature of samsara and urges on Rāma to give up grieving for his dead brother. (Vibhișana's Plea to Rāma at his loss of Laksmana)
CANTO CXIII :
Rāma refuses to be reconciled to the idea of Lakşmana's death. He caresses the dead body of his brother.
Hearing of this news Rāma's old enemies such as Vajramali etc., think of attacking Ayodhya. They still rurse enmity towards him for having been deprived of Pātāla-Lanka's rule. They invade Ayodhyā. Keeping Lakşmana's body on his lap Rama takes up his Vajrāvarta bow. Gods now come to his help. The enemies seeing the army o gods there flee away A raic and a hamed of showing their face 19 Vibhișana, the sons of Indrajit and Sunda take to asceticism.