28 Trimantra
PratiVasudev have their traits many lifetimes ahead. And for one to become a Vasudev means to go from being a human into Godhood! This transition is like the phases of the moon; from the moonless dark nights of the month towards the full moon. Can you not know there will be a transition towards full moon from the waxing moon? In the same way, one can know that this person is going to be a Vasudev.
Ravan & Krishna
These above-mentioned fall in the category of the sixtythree Shalaka Purush( best of men). These sixty-three are those who have received the seal of approval that they have the qualities of being God. So if we only pay obeisance to the arihants and not the Vasudevas who are future arihants; if we say anything negative about them, what consequences will we have to bear? Some People make comment and criticize,“… this happened to Krishna, that happened to Krishna …”. Beware! You cannot say such things. Don’ t say anything! What you have heard about him is a different matter! Why are you risking such grave consequences? Lord Krishna is going to be a Tirthankar in the next cycle of twenty-four Tirthankars ordained for this world. Ravan too is going to be a tirthankara in the next cycle. Why do you take on unnecessary liabilities?
Sixty Three Shalaka Purush
Shalaka Purush means those that have the best qualities of attaining moksha. Others too will attain moksha, but these are the best and most unique of people. These are renowned beings. They become renowned before their moksha. Included in the category of the sixty-three Shalaka Purush are the twentyfour Tirthankars, twelve Chakravaty emperors, the nine Vasudevas, along with the nine PratiVasudevas and also nine Balrams. Balram the eldest brother of the Vasudev will always be included in this category. This – the sixty-three Shalaka Purush is a natural adjustment! There is no deviation from this