Tirthankar Mahavir

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Page 37

Joy a Tirthankara's Birth
An invaluable pearl exists in the innermost depths of the ocean. Similarly, the embryo of Vardhamana existed in the womb of Queen Trishala. The queen took great care of the unborn child within her and took great precaution to protect it. She endured the pain and uneasiness with pleasure and serenity. When the foetus was about six and half months old (having spent almost three months in Devanada's womb and a further three a half months in Trishala's womb). Vardhamana felt that he was causing great pain to his mother through the development and movement of his limbs. He thought: his arrival should not cause pain to anyone in the world and that he should work for the good of all beings! Therefore, how could he cause pain to his mother - such a great being.
Believing this to be the case, Vardhamana, as the embryo, became motionless. He remained completely still, fearing his movement would cause his mother pain. However, as the discomfort in her body eased her mental anguish grew. Doubts appeared in her mind and she wondered whether some god abducted the foetus from her womb, or it had dissolved or even still, dead. She was tormented by these doubts and became greatly distressed. She lamented bitterly, fearing the worst. King Siddhartha, too, was very anxious about the future of his unborn son. The court entertainment was discontinued - there were no more stage performances and the sweet sounds of the lutes and soft drums were abruptly ended. The mother Trishala became unconscious. Vardhamana perceived with his supernatural knowledge that his parents and relatives were experiencing grief and anguish. He became aware that his intention to relieve his mother's pain has had the opposite effect, causing her anguish and grief.
Vardhamana, as the foetus, began to move, making small movements the way a fish in a lake might. At this, Trishala's face shone with joy as she smiled, realising that the foetus within her was alive. The world was overcome with a wave of joy at this moment This event had a profound effect on him - he experienced the unparalled love of a mother. He thought that even when he was still in the womb and she had not even seen him, still her love for him was boundless. His soul realized that if he were to renounce the world while his parents were still alive, the distress he would cause them would be immeasurable. He made a vow - even then - that he would only renounce the life of a 'householder' when both his parents had passed away. Thus, even before birth, he conveyed the message of devotion to ones' mother.
36