Study of Jainism

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

Page 86

Tirthankara Vardhamana Mahavira
destroyed and the ascetic Mahavira got enlightenment. He attained the highest state of omniscience and attained the state infinite knowledge (ananta jñana), infinite intuition (ananta darśana), ananta virya (infinite energy) and ananta sukha infinite bliss. He became the sarva darsi (all-knowing). And there was the noble transformation in the environment The living beings who were naturally and instinctively to each other like the deer and the lion, the cow and the tiger, sat together under shade of the tree experiencing peace and joy. This is not perhaps mere phantasy. Love begets love. Under the peaceful manner of the intense nobility of love, one can experience the pure and supreme joy and peace. Peaceful co-existence is a possibility under the cool shade of love. Patañjali therefore describes "that we give up enmity under the influence of non-violence". Ahiṁsa pratiștdydm tatsannidhou vairatyágah.
S ramaņa Mahavira got the enlightenment. He was now Bhagavån Mahavira. There was rejoicing everywhere. All the living creatures, including the heavenly deities were eager to listen to his sermons. The Samavasaraṇa was to be formed wherein all the creatures were to assemble to listen to him. But Mahavira remained silent. He did not preach the religion that had ripened after patient ascetic practices and the attainment of enlightenment, He wandered about in silence during that period for 66 days without preaching.24 Lord Mahavira was in search of a competent disciple, well versed in the Darśanas (Philosophy) and a seer of high order, who could understand his teachings and interpret the same in simple and effective way to all those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Indra, with his clairvoyant knowledge could understand the difficulties and preceded to find out suitable and competent disciples. He went to Indrabhuti Gautama a great Brahminical scholar and said to him, “Sir, my master has given this verse. He is now observing silence". Would you explain to me the significance of this verse ?.
“Pañceva atthikāya chajjivanikāya mahavvaya pañca l Atthaya pavayanamada saheuo bandha mokkho II
Indrabhuti Gautama desired to meet Mahavira and discuss with him the implications of this verse and get some of his doubts