Rishabhadeva’s Teachings and Departure

Chapter 5, 6

Rishabhadeva instructed his sons in fundamental philosophical teachings: proper utilisation of the rare human lifeform, terminating the unnatural process of transmigration, the qualities and character required for spiritual perfection and the cultivation of bhakti through various devotional practices. Preparing them for ruling, he patiently explained the responsibility of a leader and urged them to always follow and honour the brahmanas.

Seeing that his sons were perfectly cultured and educated, Rishabhadeva happily installed Bharata on the throne and embraced renunciation. He lived like an aloof ascetic, adopting an extremely unconventional lifestyle, and was thus mistreated by those who lacked spiritual vision. Rishabhadeva remained indifferent and detached, and His beauty, qualities and ecstatic devotional fervour naturally shone through. All mystic perfections (siddhis) became available to Him, though He was entirely uninterested and never used them.

In the final stages, Rishabhadeva entered a forest fire and disappeared from the world. A king named Arhat heard of Rishabhadeva and attempted to imitate Him. Though he concocted a new system of religion (Jainism) which was opposed to the Vedas, the Lord had successfully set forth the pure principles of eternal religion which would undoubtedly stand the test of time.