Study of Jainism

Author(s): T G Kalghatgi
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 82

Tirthankara Vardhamana Mahavira
age. Soon after, at his of 30 years taking permission of his elder, brother, who was also reluctant to grant him the permission, he decided to take to sanyasa. The news of his determination to take to renunciation spread through out the country, like wild fire. The prince who had everything in this life to enjoy, giving up everything of this world and become recluse is a great thing. had everything in this life to enjoy. But his heart was set on the transcendental. Things enjoyable in this world appeared to be insipid, fleeting and meaningless for him The realisation of the transcendental self was the highest bliss. He craved for the highest
erfeetion and bliss. So he set out of the house to lead a houseless. life (anāgāra). Throngs of men gathered to bid him a tearful good-bye. And there was an old man, called Harikesi, who was running fast towards Mahavira to touch his feet and offer his
praņāmas'. The crowd shouted. “Do not let him near Mahavira". He is a Candala (outcaste). Mahavira said, "Please do not stop him. Let him come". He embraced Harikesi and bid him good bye. Harikesi was over-whelmed with gratitude and reverence for Mahavira. With tearful eyes he offered him the pranamas, This incident is significant in the context of the social revolution of his type and time. Mahavira and the Buddha brought about a tremendous social change emphasising the equality among men. No one is inferior to the other. This was the beginning of the social revolution for equality and fraternity among men. Later philosophers like Basavešvara in the South, strengthened the process of ushering equality among men. In our time we have seen the great movement of the Mahatma Gandhi who brought in awareness of our responsibilities towards the weaker sections of our society. He spiritualised political activity. We continue the traditions laid down by greatmen. Now Mahavira' left the palace went to the garden called Khandavana at the outskirts of the town Kundapura and sitting under the Asoka tree, he took the vow of Pravraja. It was the tenth day of the darker half of Mārgasira month. Prince Mahavira become the Sramana Mahavira. Jayadhavala mentions that at that time Mahavira was of 28 years, seven months and twleve days.16 After taking to sanyasa Mahavira practised severe penance for 12 years. Jaina Puranas give graphic description of the days of Sanyasa and the horrifying experiences he had to undergo while wandering from place to place in quest of