Tirthankar Mahavir and His Sarvodaya Tirth

Author(s): Hukamchand Bharilla, K C Lalwani
Publisher: Kundkund Kahan Digambar Jain Trust

Page 37

BHAGAVAN MAHAVIRA PREVIOUS BIRTHS
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necessary to feel the eternal truth whose very nature is enlightenment This very feeling has been called the realisation of self. One who has this realisation, one who has known the conscious soul as a distinct entity different from the rest, is soon to be liberated from this transmigration. The knowledge of the soul as a distinct entity different from the rest has been called the 'knowledge of difference' or bheda-jnäna This knowledge of difference and self realisation is possible even in the species of animals, and it occurs too. So, oh the king of the animals, you must strive to acquire this
Continued the monks,
"Oh the king of the animals ! You do not be bothered about your helplessness from your species, but look at the ability of your nature Like the liberated souls, you are also a lump of infinite knowledge and other merits It is by dint of the eternal elements in nature that one acquires ability in any species. Even in your present species, you have so much knowledge that you know the distinctiveness of the soul Just as a cub recognises its mother even though she may be mixed up with many and even when it does not know any one of her distinctive features, in the same manner, you may not be able to name the doctrines, but all the same, you may recognise the soul which 1S distinct from the rest. Right now, you have acquired purity of thought. You turn your thought inside and feel your soul We are sure, you will realise it, your time is now limited. We can clearly see that some good is about to happen to you. You appear to have acquired the necessary competence Once you make a serious effort to collect all your ability and realise that the soul is distinct from the rest .do strive..... do strive..... ye !"
As these inspiring words were emanating from the lips of the monks, the lion stood motionless in a trance He was now wholly immersed in self, with his gaze turned inside and he experienced an unprecedented joy and tranquility He was immersed in self, he was lost in self.
After sometime, as he regained his consciousness and came out of his self, the monks still stood in the posture ensuring