YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 52

MANN
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Jain Legends Pallavi Auntie
egends have served to perpetuate religion for Historic Spiritual Leaders - Each has made landmark
centuries. Not only are they didactic, they also contributions in his lifespan. They had the daunting duty capture the interests of children. The allegorical of understanding the words of the Tirthankars and tales help instill solid values into each generation translating and relaying their message for the masses to and serve as a source of religious entertainment. learn from and appreciate. They were also been The main players in these stories are legendary successful actually practicing what they preached, thus Jains. Without them, we would not have the stories setting an excellent example for laypeople. The key figures told in Pathshalas around the world. They truly are we will discuss are Gautamswami, Hemchandracharya and the giants of Jainism.
Shrimad Rajchandra.
There are 3 main groups I will focus on - perpetual Legendary Laypeople - The legendary laypeople, such legends, historical spiritual leaders and legendary as Vastupal and Tejpal, were of considerable wealth and laypeople. Each highlights a different aspect of prominence in Jain society. They used their resources for Jainism.
the greater good and as a result, among other things, we
have the famous temples at Mount Abu and Ranakpur. Perpetual legends - With every ascending and The fact that they were willing to donate their time and descending portion of a time cycle comes a new money to the Jain community has made them legends. set of legends. Regardless of the cycle, we have stories of the twenty-four Tirthankars, twelve Jain legends serve as role models for us today. They can Chakravartis, nine Vasudevs, nine Prativasudevs, be idolized as complete individuals, or we can choose the and nine Baldevs. The Tirthankars, while all identical qualities in them that we wish to emulate. Either way, in their attributes, each has a prominent quality that these great people have set the tone for future generations legends serve to highlight. They are who we strive and it is now up to us to follow in their footsteps. to become; they are our role models. As with any role model, his admirers want to hear of his awesome adventures and dutiful deeds. Tirthankars fulfill this role and their stories show us how.
notes:
Jain Education. International 2010_03.
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