Tirthankar Mahavir

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

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asceticism along with three hundred men. The remaining tirthankaras accepted asceticism along with one thousand men. There was none who accepted asceticism along with Mahavira.
Mahavira accepted asceticism in the afternoon in the Jnatakhanda Park beyond the city of Kshatriyakunda. Sumatinatha, Shreyamsanatha, Mallinatha, Neminatha and Parshvanatha accepted asceticism in the morning. All the other tirthankaras accepted asceticism at noon.
All tirthankaras took the vow of fasting while accepting asceticism. Sumatinathaswami and Vasupujyaswami took the vow of one-day fasting, Mallinatha and Parshvanatha took the vow of three-day fasting and the remaining tirthankaras took the vow of two-day fasting.
The sight of Vardhamara's renunciation was heart-rending. He took his first step on his journey to Moksha. He was quite alone. With him there was no friend, no companion, no relative, no kinsman and no other ascetics.
King Nandivardhana approached him. He grasped Mahavira's feet and with reverence touched them with his head bowed. He was so overwhelmed with emotion that tears welled up in his eyes to such an extent that he could not lift his head. Nandivardhana, the King, wept bitterly giving vent to his feelings of sadness. Seeing this the people could not held back their tears. Tears flowed in floods from their eyes. With great effort King Nandivardhana became calm and regained his composure. Vardhamana had won victory on his first step.
The faint golden and red light spread over the sky and the venerable one left Jnatakhanda Park for the forest. Everyone watched him disappearing. Everyone saluted him with great reverence and devotion.
Thorny Path of Spiritual Discipline
The yogi Vardhamana took to the path leading to the forest. He began his spiritual practice of deep reflections and meditation.
He then took leave of his friends. He asked his relatives and beloved ones to return to their homes. At that very moment he took the vow that for twelve years he would not have any attachment for his body-he would peacefully endure all calamities, afflictions and obstacles. He would love even those who tortured him without any cause and he would remain calm and equanimous even if cruel enemies inflict severe bodily pain on him.
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