15.Affliction by a Large-Ant: “Vairagya” (De- tachment from worldly pleasures) of Nemanna

Chapter-15

Affliction by a Large-Ant: “Vairagya” (De-tachment from worldly pleasures) of Nemanna
Achharya Shri was an extra-ordinarily unparalleled emi­nent person who revived the tradition of Digambar Jain monks. Seeing his arduous penance, the Jains would develop devotion and steadfast veneration towards Jainism. The peculiarity of his penance led saintly souls to adopt asceticism and undertake ‘Muni Diksha’ (i.e. consecration to become Jain monk).

> Precisely the life of Achharya Shri was a pious message of spiritualism.

> The five great vows resounded in his conduct,(i.e. his con­duct itself was an evidence of five great vows -Panch- Mahavrita)

> Complete vigilance and constant alertness had become an integral part of his life style.

At the time of his absorption in meditation, he used to become heedless towards his body. Such concentration is seen only in few selectable saints.

One such incident happened with Achharya Shri in the jungle of Kannor. He was sitting in the sun in a lotus-posture (cross legged posture) for ‘Samayik’. A large-ant came near him from somewhere and clinging on his penis began to bite it. It kept on sucking blood from his penis due to which blood began to exude from there. Maharaj Shri meditated unmoved for about one and a half hour and remained totally engrossed in “Self’ be­ing heedless towards pain created by the large ant. Brham-Chari Bandova Baba Ji, pointing at a Shravak Nemannaji (who later on was well-known by the name of 108 Nemi Sagar Ji Maharaj) told, “Nemanna Ji! See blood is oozing here.” After the medita­tion of Achharya Shri was over, Namanna Ji asked him, “What is it Maharaj! From where is this blood oozing? Maharaj Shri replied, “1 just sat for Samayik. I do not know what happened?” Hearing these words of Achharya Shri, an impregnable “vairagya” was evoked in Nemanna Ji. He said, “Is this a miracle? Is he a saint or some god? Definitely this is a great soul.”

This strange incident transmitted a very strong feeling of de­tachment in the mind of Nemannaji. He had evidently seen a wonder­ful power of penance.

He resolved at that very moment to become Achharya Shri’s disciple for ‘Muni Diksha ’ (i.e. initiation of austerities) Achharya Shri became famous as a miraculous Baba who’s “Darshan” and blessings freed the people of their troubles and pains.