________________
DISCOURSE 20
339
world. All the forms in this world are colourless and insipid. In your imagination, you visualize their eight kinds of radiance which are called “ 972gfact". You will feel immensely happy.
The Ashoka tree, the three umbrellas, the Chamaras (fans), the Bhamandal (the halo) the splendid throne, the divine voice, the heavenly trumpets and the shower of flowers - these are the eight Prathiharyas or splendours. The Samavasaran constructed by heavenly beings is magnificent and fills the beholders with great delight. Even the visualization of the Paramatma would inspire in you love for him and also would inspire in you amity and reverence for him. Without such intimacy, how can there be love or reverence ?
WITHOUT INTIMACY THERE CAN BE NO LOVE
Even in this world, can you have love for anyone without intimacy? You were intimate first with those whom you love later. We become intimate with some naturally but we have to develop intimacy with some. We have to develop intimacy with the Paramatma. If there are no Thirtankars at present in this world existing in the human body, you have to develop intimacy with the Paramatma in your imagination, at least. In achieving this intimacy, the temple and the idol of the Paramatma can help you. The idol of the Paramatma can virtually make you feel that it is the Paramatma embodied. In order to realise your vision in the idol you must keep your eyes and mind concentrated on the idol of the Paramatma.
WITH WHOM DO YOU DEVELOP INTIMACY IN THE TEMPLE ?
All of you go to the temple every day; is it not so ? Every day, you see the idol of the Paramatma and worship it; do you not ? While having a darshan of the Paramatma and while worshipping him, do you have this aim ? "I should develop intimacy with the Paramatma because I should love him”. No. You do not have this aim. Therefore, while having a darshan of the Paramatma; and while worshipping him, you cannot con
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
