Tirthankar Mahavir

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

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Preaching of Shri Vardhaman to family members
When shadow of dusk was spreading over fields and streams, princes of warrior class/caste rushed to shoot the arrows at the cranes which were flying in groups. But Vardhamana stopped them from doing so. He said, "One who cannot give life to others has no right to take their lives. It is nc bravery to kill an elephant. Bravery consists in saving a life, even that of an ant."
Prince Vardhamana was intelligent and discreet. He solved the difficult problems spontaneously. He felt that true bravery lay in living according to the principle live and let others live'. Real discreetness or prudence consists in respecting lives of others. Whatever power and strength one may possess, compared to love and compassion, they are nothing.
Prince Vardhamana's father, Siddhartha, was also known by the names of Shreyansa and Yashasvi. His mother too had three names, viz. Trishala. Videhadinna and Priyakarini. His paternal uncle's name was Supasa. His elder brother's name was Nandivardhana. And Nandivardhana's wife was Jyeshtha. Vardhamana's elder sister's name was Sudarshana. His family was prosperous, powerful and influential.
Vardhamana grew into a handsome young man. Youth manifested itself in all his limbs. His parents desired that he should get married to a suitable girl from a noble family. They made
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