________________
Walk With Me
greatest. Liberating ones soul is possible only for humans. Animals are trapped in a body that makes them devote their lifetime to meeting basic Humans, by virtue needs. But humans, by virtue of their mind and of their mind and intelligence can transcend their life and reach intelligence, can
the heights of divinity. Humans can trust, learn, transcend their life and reach the understand, and travel boldly the path to heights of divinity. liberation and bliss. Do not look for peace and happiness elsewhere; these are within you."
The crowd was spellbound and listening carefully. Bhagwan continued, “The lives of heavenly gods and goddesses may be great because of what they enjoy, but only human life has the potential to reach the liberated state. The human birth is your opportunity to free yourself from the painful samsara. Life is like a water droplet in the desert. One never knows when it will evaporate in the wind. Therefore, we must begin our divine journey without wasting even a single moment. Do not wait until you are old and frail; take care of your soul right now!"
The people of Rajgrihi were receptive to the sermon. The city is a wealthy and booming place ruled by Emperor Shrenik of the 'Sahaishu' dynasty. His family and the citizens of his kingdom now actively follow the Sraman path and are fond of listening to the Bhagwan's lectures. The people and the royal families of all the nearby kingdoms also live by the Sraman path of the Twenty-Third Tirthankar - Lord Parshvanath. Emperor Shrenik is so fond of Bhagwan Mahavir that he has repeatedly proclaimed support to the families of people who wish to be ordained by Mahavir. After all, Mahavir's new path has many things in common with that of Parshvanath, though he preaches some new practices to suit the
118
Jain Education Intemational
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
