Samavasarana
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Samavasarana is a Jain term which refers to the first sermon or speech a Tirthankar gives after getting perfect knowledge, or Kevalgnan. [1] The theme of Samavasaranas has been a popular one in Jain art.
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[edit] Effects of the Samavasarana
Jains believe that during this speech, there is no unhappiness for miles around the site. The Tirthankar sits on a soft cushion while he (or she, in the case of Mallinath[2]) speaks, and music is played. Most Jains believe that he would speak so that all humans and animals can understand the language, and his voice would be so pleasant that it would literally sound melodious. Jain scriptures say that all creatures who listen would become less violent and greedy. All creatures, especially Jain ascetics, would be encouraged to come to the event, no matter how far they are.
[edit] The Hall
Jain doctrine states that there would be four tiers in the circular hall where the Samavasarana would be held. The first and highest would be for the Tirthankar and his Ganadhars, or disciples. It would have a cushion that is shaded by a tree twelve times the height of the Tirthankar. The second tier would be for humans, and the third for animals. The fourth would be an area to park the vehicles and modes of transportation in which the visitors would arrive. According to Jainism, there would be gates on all sides of the hall. The total size of the hall would be 12 km² and the area on which it sits would have been cleaned and leveled pneumatically.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ http://philtar.ucsm.ac.uk/encyclopedia/jainism/jains.html
- ^ http://www.jaintirths.com/general/19tir.htm
- ^ http://www.jainworld.com/JWFrench/jainworld/jainbooks/tirthankar/apendex-14.htm
