Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

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

This page describes Acala’s death which is the thirty-second part of chapter I of the English translation of the Shreyamsanatha-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Shreyamsanatha in jainism is one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.

Part 32: Acala’s death

After he had held the funeral, Bala frequently shed tears, like a cloud in Śrāvaṇa,[1] at recalling his brother. Balabhadra did not at any time take pleasure in a garden, as if it were a great forest, nor in a house, as if it were a cemetery, nor in pleasure-pools nor rivers, as if they were house-drains, nor in gatherings of relatives, as if they were enemies, like a fish in little water. Recalling the bliss-bestowing speech of Master Śreyāṃsa, meditating on the worthlessness of saṃsāra, averted from sense-objects, Bala went one day to Ācārya Dharmaghoṣa, after delaying some days at the importunity of his people. Bala heard a sermon from him in accordance with the Arhat’s speech and from it became all the more disgusted with existence. Pure-minded, he took initiation at his feet at once. The noble proceed to actions, when they know for certain. Observing completely the mūla- and uttara-guṇas,[2] virtuous, preserving serenity in all circumstances, enduring trials, unhindered like the wind, his gaze fixed on one object like a snake, he wandered for some time in villages, mines, cities, et cetera. When he had lived eighty-five lacs of years, his mind and conduct inherently pure, after he had destroyed all the karmas, Acala attained an abode in the place of emancipation.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

A month in the rainy season.

[2]:

See I, n. 19.

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