Philosophies of India

SR No.: 007309
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Heinrich Zimmer, Joseph Campbell
Publisher: Routledge and Kegan Paul Ltd
Publication Year: 1953
Total Pages: 709
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 34 MB

Page 218

PĀRSVA
are dissolved. During the auspicious fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Cailia (March-April), the last of the sixty-three ties associated with the four modes of destructive karma broke, and the universal savior gained pure omniscience. He had entered the thirteenth stage of psychical development: he was “emancipated though cinbodicd." From that instant, cvery particle of the universo was within the purvicw of his mind.
His chicf apostle, Svayambhu, prayed especuully that the Tīrtharikara should teach the world, and the gods prepared an assembly hall of twelve parts, which was named the "Flocking Together” (samavasarama), in which there was an allotted place for every species of being. The multitudes that came were tremendous. And to all without distinction - quite in contrast to the way of the Brāhumans--the compassionate Lord Pārsva gave his purifying instruction. Ilis voice was it mystcriously divine sound. The highest India desired him 10 preach the true religion even to the most distant parts of India, and he consented to do so. Wherever he went a "Flocking Together" was erccted, and it was immediately filled.
Sarivara thought: "Is the Lord then truly such an unfailing source of happiness and peace?" He came to one of the vast halls and listened. Pārsva was tcaching. And all at once the spirit of hostility that had persisted ilırough the incarnations was appcased. Overwhelmed with remorse, Sarvara flung himself at the fcet of Pārsvanātha with a cıy. And the Tīrthaikara, inexhaustible in his kindness, gave consolation to the one who from birth to birth had been his foe. Sariwara's mind, by his brother's grace, opened to right vision; he was placed on the way to liberation. Along with him, seven hundred and fifty ascetics who had been stiff-necked in their devotion to cruel penances—which, according to the Jaina view. are uselessgave up their futile practices and adopted the faith of the Tirthankara.
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