Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words

This page describes Kshemankara’s omniscience which is the third part of chapter III of the English translation of the Shantinatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Shantinatha in jainism is the sixteenth Tirthankara (Jina) and one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.

Part 3: Kṣemaṅkara’s omniscience

Then Kṣemaṅkara, enlightened by the Lokāntika-gods, wishing to become a mendicant, established Vajrāyudha in his kingdom. After he had given gifts for a year, the Lord adopted mendicancy and practiced severe penance, observing manifold resolutions. The Lord’s omniscience arose from the destruction of the destructive karmas and the Indras celebrated the omniscience-festival. Occupying a samavasaraṇa, the Omniscient delivered a sermon to Vajrin, Vajrāyudha, and others seated in the proper places. After hearing the sermon many people became mendicants. Vajradhara, Vajrāyudha, and the others went to their respective abodes.

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