Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 208

Sec. II]
183
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
right attitude to truth (darśana) and conduct (caritra), dwell in the midst of perfection, kill the wrestler in the form of attachment and jealousy by austerity and firmly bound patience, destroy eight Karmas by best pure meditation, becoming careful without being swayed by passion.
"O steady, hold the flag of worship inside the theatre hall of the three worlds, attain pure and best omniscience, emancipation, the best position by the straight road to perfection as instructed by the excellent Jina by defeating the army of twenty-two Parisahas (forbearances), let there be no hindrances of thorns of senses on the path of your religion."
The mother of Jamālī advised him thus, "self-control should be practised, passion should be conquered, exertion should be made," while offering him as the highest alms to Lord Mahāvīra.
Thus it is clear that both the Brahmanical and Nirgrantha systems of asceticism, having the same ideal of liberation were in operation side by side in the society influencing each other. Thus the fourth stage of life as reflected in this canonical work carries the conception of complete renunciation of all worldly desires, pleasures and enjoyments by mind, speech and body (action) of the ascetic who fully devoted and dedicated himself to the spiritual pursuits by practising austerities and meditation on soul for the attainment of omniscience, the highest truth and liberation from the mundane life.
This spiritual urge for emancipation infused a spirit of self-control, self-discipline, complete renunciation and detachment from the worldly desires and a spiritual freedom into the heart of an individual ascetic and led him to work out his salvation by studying the religious texts, practising severe austerities and meditation on the infinite, pure and perfect immortal soul.
Thus it is revealed that the fourth stage made an individual a free and perfect man with a resurrected soul who was
1.2 BhS, 9, 33, 385.