Acharya Mahaprajna
— 27—
Kovisma-yoatrayadinaamagunaira-sheshais, Tvamsamshritonirava-kaasha-tayaaMunisha!
Doshai-rupaatt-vividhaa-shraya-jaata-gawaih, Svapnaan-tareapinakadaa-chida-peekshi-tosi||
O Apostle of Apostles! You are totally innocent, what is surprising in this? Because all the virtues of the universe have taken shelter in you, there is no scope for vices to enter you. The vices have crept in other beings and elevated by the resulting pride; vices do not see you even in their dreams.
—28 —
Uchchaira-shoka-taru-samshrita-mun-mayookhafMaabhaatirupa-mamalambhavatonitaantam|
Spashtol-lasatkirana-masta-tamo-vitaanam, Bimbam rave-rivapayodhara-paarshva-varti||
Sitting under the blue Ashok tree looking upward, the rays emitting from your serene body are moving upwards. You look as splendid as the orb of the sun amidst dense clouds, piercing the dark clouds with its sublime rays.
It is said that there are two types of people - Virtuous (one who has guna) and Flawed (one who has dosh). However, it is important to note that even a person of virtue has flaws and a person with flaws will have some good virtues. Virtues and flaws are two sides of the same coin. Just like day and night, they cannot be separated. It is also true that you can find a person only with virtues and without flaws, but it is impossible to find a person with only flaws and no virtues.
According to Jain philosophy, each and every person has at least some element of purity (kshayopasham). No living being is bereft of the possibility of progress whether it is a one-sensed being or nigod(micro-organisms) ora plant. Every being has the opportunity for progress. Thus, we cannot find a person having only flaws in this world. In conclusion, we can say that there are three types of personalities - those with more flaws, those with greater virtues and those who are only Virtuous. To be the third type of person it is important that one completely eradicates their mohaniya karma (deluding karma).
No Rooms for Flaws
Based on this philosophical context, Acharya Maantung presented his feelings and imaginations in the following shlok -
— 27—
Kovisma-yoatrayadinaamagunaira-sheshais, Tvamsamshritonirava-kaasha-tayaaMunisha!
Doshai-rupaatt-vividhaa-shraya-jaata-gawaih, Svapnaan-tareapinakadaa-chida-peekshi-tosi||'Lord! All the virtues took shelter in you. They are filled in you in such a way that there is no room for flaws. Even if a little space would have remained empty, flaws may have entered. In the absence of space, flaws don't exist in you. This is not surprising at all!'
Acharya Maantung explains his reasons in his own poetic way.There was once a competition between Virtues and Flaws. Surprisingly many people invited Flaws to sit with them and to converge in them.
Flaws: I am a happy person today. So many people have invited me to be with them. No one is ignoring me, instead they are all giving me shelter.
This triggered Flaws' ego and it did not care anymore about Lord Rishabh not inviting him. What is to be surprised in this? If Lord would have invited flaws, qualities would not have pervaded and a portion would have been occupied by flaws too. There would have been division of space between them, but flaws have lost their shelter because of their ego.
Flaws do not go near those who observe purity. Flaws find shelter where there is absence of purity.
In the present shlok at the place of "Vividhashray", the word "Vibudhashray" is also prevalent. It means many eminent Acharyas and scholars have given space to flaws. Flaws thought such distinguished people are giving us shelter. They are welcoming us, so why should we go to Adinath Acharya Maantung says -'Lord! The ego and pride of flaws did not allow them to come near you. You also did not give them any importance. So, only virtues remained within you. If flaws had occupied even a part of you, you would not have been called Virtuous.'
In this stuti, using the satirical language, the composer is giving a message - Flaws do not go near those who observe purity. Flaws find shelter where there is absence of purity.
Immerse in Virtues
Presenting his problem in front of an experienced scholar, a merchant said - "All types of customers come to me; good and bad. I have to listen to them knowing that they may be lying. There have been occasions when their negative speech has influenced me. How do I protect myself? Please give me a solution."
The scholar took a glass near him. He put some sand in that glass and handing it over to the merchant, he said- "Take this glass of sand and put it under the water tap".
Merchant asked- "How long do I keep it there?"
Scholar said- "Until all the sand comes out from the glass with the flow of water or only clean water remains in the glass".
Merchant took the glass and placed it under an open tap. As the glass filled with the water, sand started to flow out. This went on for half an hour, after which no sand was left in the glass. Taking the glass of clean water, the merchant went to the scholar and said - "Sir, here is the glass with just clean water. What does this signify?"
The experienced scholar said- "This is your answer". Merchant said - "Please explain Sir?"
Scholar said - "Fill yourself with virtues so that inner flaws come out. Once you are completely immersed in virtues, negative influence will have no impact on you. Your power of imbibing others' pure qualities will be developed in such a manner that flaws will never affect you"
Through the quality of detachment and self-purity, Adinath filled his glass of life with pure water so that dirt was removed completely.
Maxim of Purity - Veetaragata
There is only one maxim of purity and that is "Veetaragata or Samata". As much Veetaragata is present, that much purity and cleanliness will be there. As Veetaragata increases, flaws are eliminated. Only Veetaragata has the power to remove all the inner dirt and there is no scope of any further flaws. The water that has the ability to remove dirt and cleanse the soul comes from Veetaragata and Samata. It is the same thing. Lord! You had taken the shelter of equanimity and detachment, also of purity. So, all flaws were eradicated and only cleanliness remained. No space was left for dirt.
Nobody wants to go where they find disrespect, partiality and feeling of inferiority.
Essence of this shlok is - you are a Veetarag therefore you have no flaws. Where there is attachment, flaws will remain. People with cavity in their tooth will always find food getting stuck there. Seeds of tomatoes, guava etc. cause pain in the cavity tooth. Small particles get wedged in the space between adjoining teeth. Flaws are similar to this; they embed themselves where they find space. Where there is the presence of only qualities, flaws get disrespected. It is a universal law - Nobody wants to go where they find disrespect, partiality and feeling of inferiority.
Two brothers were living together. One brother was a farmer and the second one a shop keeper. The brother with the shop had the habit of bringing home sweets from his shop and distribute it equally between his sons and nephews. This made the farmer brother happy. People were jealous to see the happy family of these brothers. Some people started to say the farmer brother - "You work hard, stay in fields and toil all day in physical labor. You are the one who has to tolerate all the hardships. Your elder brother just sits in the shop. His life is easier. Why don't you divide your land into two so that your elder brother is also forced to farm for a living." The younger brother smiled and responded - "I respect your advice but the time for partition has not yet come."
Many years passed. One day the elder brother returned from his shop with two laddus. The laddu in the right hand was bigger than the one in left. Coincidentally his younger brother's son came near the right hand to take the laddu. The brother suddenly became partial and gave the bigger laddu to his own son. The younger brother witnessed this entire incident and realized that his elder brother has now lost his sense of impartiality and equality. He immediately went to his elder brother and said "Now the time for partition has come. We cannot stay together anymore". Land, wealth and money were divided between them. Inequality and partiality caused this division. Even a small trace of negativity can give space for flaws to enter, in spite of one having many virtues.
Veetaragata and its Effects
Lord Rishabh became Veetarag by practicing equanimity and neutrality. Each and every conscious particle is filled with those qualities leaving no space for flaws. His detachment helped him keep all flaws away. After evaluating Veetaragata in poetic language, Acharya Maantung is explaining about the specific qualities of human body. It has been said earlier -'Veetaragata manifests in your body. Where passions are pacified, peace prevails. Where passions are aroused, only hostility and stress exist. If the fire of passion is burning in the stem of the tree representing our body, how long will the body remain evergreen and attractive? The fire of passion will turn the tree into ash.' In this poetic expression, Acharya Maantung has given a description of the extraordinary features of Lord Rishabh's body, his pure halo and aura –
—28 —
Uchchaira-shoka-taru-samshrita-mun-mayookhafMaabhaatirupa-mamalambhavatonitaantam|
Spashtol-lasatkirana-masta-tamo-vitaanam, Bimbam rave-rivapayodhara-paarshva-varti||In the present context Acharya Maantung says -'There is an Ashok tree sheltering your body' [in this shlok, the meaning of 'roop' (form) is body]. Ashok Vriksha(Ashok tree) is considered as one of the pratiharya of teerthankars. Pratiharya is defined as divine self-enhancing embodiments created by deities that add glory to teerthankars. Jain scriptures define eight pratiharyas of the Lord. In this Bhaktamar Stotra we will discuss four of them.
After attaining complete knowledge, it is said that wherever a teerthankar sits, an Ashok tree appears above him. Here, Acharya Maantung mentioned one of the pratiharyas among the following eight –
Describing the body of the Lord sitting underneath the Ashok tree, Acharya Maantung says - 'Your body is sheltered by the Ashok me. Rays are emitted from the upper part of your body. We have seen great people with a halo or bhamandal behind their heads. In your case Lord, you not only have a beautiful bhamandal but abhamandal or full-body-aura. The rays emitting from your halo and aura make your body more beautiful. Just as the glow of rays emit from the Sun, similarly, rays emanating from your entire body together with your halo and aura, destroy the dense darkness of this universe.'
- Ashok Vriksha - Ashok tree
- Divya pushpa vrishti- divine showering of flowers
- Divya dhvani- divine sound
- Dev dundhubhi - divine instrumental music
- Simhasan - superhuman magnificence of the teerthankar; a throne made of crystal; the teerthankars delivers the sermons by sitting on it
- Bhamandal - halo
- Chamar- fly-whisk
- Aat patra (chhatra) - 3-tier canopy
Power of Pure Aura
The power of aura is so intense that it destroys the enveloping darkness. The purity of the inner personality emits this effective aura. Concomitant with inner purity, light spreads to the surroundings. Acharya Maantung explains this fact with one example - 'Under the Ashok tree your body is like a sun enveloped by dark clouds.' The color of dark clouds is similar to the color of Tamaal vriksha (Tree of Bayleaf).
What a beautiful comparison the composer has made -illuminating Sun from in between black clouds. The colour of Ashok tree is dark blue. It gives the impression of black clouds. A sun is shining beneath it. It means your glorious body is radiating light below that Ashok tree. As the sun seems to be more illuminated when it is surrounded by black clouds; similarly your body seated under the black Ashok tree is glowing more in contrast.
A person is truly identified by his aura and halo. In ancient ages, Yogis would always look beyond physical appearances of a person and observe the aura to select their disciples. They would never see the external personality or body features and complexion. On the basis of their aura, they could assess whether the disciple is eligible or not. The science of aura is actually a science of analyzing a person. One of my writings, 'Abhamandal' was read by a well-known dramatist, 'Mehta'. He became emotional and said - "I have read thousands of books in my life. I always read and gain knowledge from books, but the knowledge I gained from 'Abhamandal' is incomparable."
One who has the knowledge of aura understands its significance. Medical science has made advances in multiple diagnostic methodologies, but nothing can be more authentic and effective as studying the Aura. It is possible to take a picture of the aura of a finger or thumb and on that basis, recognize and cure the disease. The secret of the physical, mental and emotional health is Pure Aura.
Many people are called beautiful on the basis of their attractive features and complexion. However, without a pure aura, such beauty is hollow.
Explaining the specialty of Lord Rishabh, Acharya Maantung says -'Your aura is reflecting the beauty of your body. Nobody possesses the beauty of a teerthankar because no one has such halo and aura.' Many people are called beautiful on the basis of their attractive features and complexion. However, without pure aura, such beauty is hollow. Being in the company of an impure aura can trigger feelings of depression and negativity. The company of those with a pure aura can evoke feelings of happiness and bliss even if they don't have physical beauty. Rays emitted from pure aura spread peace in the atmosphere. Aura is the primary cause of attraction and distraction. Sitting close to one who has a contaminated aura create a state of anxiety and melancholy, whereas sitting near someone who has a pure aura produces the feeling of self-satisfaction and peace.
Honorable Gurudev, Ganadhipati Tulsi, was in Delhi. There a doctor asked me - "Hundreds of women sit in the presence of Gurudev. Gurudev often does not even speak a single word to them; even then they sit there for hours and yet they are never satisfied. They do not complain about the discomfort of sitting when in front of Gurudev. What is the reason behind this? What pulls or attracts them?" I said - "the reason for it is 'Aura'. When one goes in the presence of pure aura, they become peaceful. Many people say - "We come to Gurudev with many questions, many complaints and with feeling of criticisms, but as soon as we go in front of him all our questions are dissolved, complaints disappear. Everything that is to be said and asked is forgotten."
Why does it happen? Whose influence is it? This is the effect of pure aura. Acharya Maantung described the beauty of Lord Rishabh's body on the basis of the purity of his halo and aura.
There is a mythological story about how Indra decided to run an experiment on humans. He disguised himself as a Siddha Yogi and came to Earth. He declared - 'I have the power to turn anything ugly into beautiful' A crowd gathered to witness it. Some transformed their looks and some transformed their ornaments. Dark skin people become fair people turned beautiful. This continued for many days. Each and every person took benefit of this rare opportunity.
Indra inquired with everyone, "Is there any person in this town who has not got something transformed?" People responded - "Sir, everybody came to take advantage of your miraculous power, except an old ascetic. He did not come to you". Disguised Indra decided to go and meet this ascetic himself. For few moments, he stared at the ascetic and then said - "Baba! You do not have anything. Your body has become fragile and old and you look ugly, when will you get such a chance to transform? I will return tomorrow, today is your only chance. Tell me if you want anything to be transformed. I can even transform you into a young man". With a smile on his face, the ascetic said in sincere tone - "Sir! I don't need anything". Siddha Yogi was surprised and remarked - "Baba! Why don't you need anything?" Ascetic said - "O sir! In this world nothing is more beautiful than human life and that I already have. Nothing is more blissful than self-satisfaction and I have that too. These rare gifts of beauty and bliss are with me; therefore, I do not need anything else." Listening to this, Siddha Yogi was surprised.
Problem resides where there is shok(misery). Problems do not exist where ashok(happiness) exists. In the vicinity of pious halo and pure aura, it is possible to attain ashok(happiness).Acharya Maantung has taught us this important lesson by expressing the beauty and essence of the body. One who attains ashok(happiness) has pious halo and pure aura. There is nothing more beautiful and more joyous than this!
