Kailash-17

Dear Friends

Jains worship Kailash as “Ashtapad’. It is a spot on Mt Kailash; where it is believed that, Saint Rishabdev, their first Tirthankara, attained ‘nirvana’/’salvation’. The saint is called Adinath, who initiated the process of renunciation of material possessions and encouraged following the path towards liberation after fulfilling our duties on the material plane. A brief sketch of the saint’s life-story is as follows: -

He was born as Rishabkumar, prince to a royal family, ruling over what is today called Ayodhya. It is said that he had a bundle of punya karmas from previous lives, which prompted his birth as a very pious and humble prince. During his rule, he was renowned as righteous, fair-minded and was instrumental for the development of civilization in his kingdom. After many years of just rule, he gave up the kingdom; to pursue a Higher Calling of Life; the pursuit of happiness, which is not determined by material well-being alone. His teachings thereafter encouraged charity, chastity, silence, purity and freedom from bondages of the mind. As he was the precursor to subsequent followers, he is called Lord Adinath. His name, Rishabdev, symbolizes the Bull, which we all know is the vehicle of Shiva. There is also an inner parikrama of a hill facing at Kailash which is called Nandi Parikrama. So the connect between the first Tirthankara of Jains and Shiva at Kailash, is right there; at the Summit.

The story provides a significant message to humankind. Our bundle of past deeds and actions, if they are good and pure, they will result in our reincarnating amidst noble and progressive surroundings. If we continue the journey likewise in the present embodiment, we are sure to reap the harvest of fulfillment, satisfaction and bliss; which will provide a path to liberation from future cycle of births and deaths. We can also attain to the status of a Tirthankara!! While prakriti (nature) will bestow its riches upon us, let us not forget the qualities of Saint Rishabdev in every station and action of life.

Bhaktamar Stotra is a composition by one of the Jain Munis extolling the virtues of Lord Adinath. Among the various recitations, there is one pertaining to knowledge, which means that ‘Maybe I am ignorant and the wise scorn me, but my devotion to you is like the cuckoo who sings as the mango fruit comes out during spring-time; my devotion to you and singing praises for you is never-ending’. The emphasis on devotion to the Lord and singing in his praise is all too poignant. Devotion to the Lord generates the state of mind within ourselves to appreciate and love all things and beings around us. In that state, the inner image of the Lord that we see is full of peace, compassion and happiness. Obviously we experience these qualities within ourselves at those fleeting moments. Our songs / chanting at those times reflect our own state of mind.

As we near the day of our departure for Kailash, obviously there will be anxiety pangs and goose-bumps. The one all-pervading remedy for this mental condition is utter surrender to the Lord, seeking His umbrella and singing / chanting His praises. The resultant calm and peace will allow us to enjoy this Holy Pilgrimage to the fullest.

Prem & Om