Anand Shravak

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/201065/1

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25 Anand Shravak Once upon a time, there lived a king named Jitshatru in the city of Vanijya, India. A rich householder named Anand also lived in the same city. He was so rich that he had 4 million gold coins, an equal amount of cash, an equal amount invested in business, lots of jewelry, and many other assets. He also owned 40,000 cows. He was highly respected by the king as well as by the people of Vanijya. One day Lord Mahavir visited Vanijya and delivered a sermon. After listening to the sermon, Anand decided to follow Jainism by accepting the twelve vows of a householder. Anand observed these vows for fourteen years and progressed spiritually. One day Anand Shravak attained a special ability known as Avadhi-jnan (clairvoyance) by performing severe penance, austerities, and meditation. His Avadhi-jnan was more pure and powerful than that acquired by other laypeople in their spiritual progress. ANAND SHRAVAK At this time Lord Mahavir and his disciples were in town. While returning from Gochari (getting food or alms), Gautam-swami learned that many people were going to pay homage to Anand Shravak for his newly acquired spiritual ability (Avadhi-jnan) and his austerities. He decided to visit him. Anand was Gautam-swami visiting Anand Shravak JAIN STORY BOOK 101 www.lainelibrary.org

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STORIES DURING BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR'S LIFE very happy to see Gautam-swami, his guru (spiritual teacher). Though weak due to his austerities, he got up and welcomed Gautam-swami warmly. Gautam-swami inquired about his health and then asked about his new special ability. With due respect, Anand replied to Gautam-swami, "Reverend Guru, I have attained a special ability (Avadhi-jnan) with which I can see as high as the first heaven and as low as the first hell." Gautam-swami explained to Anand, "A layman (Shravak) can attain the special ability of Avadhi-jnan, but not of this magnitude. You need to do Prayashchitta (atonement) for imagining these visions." Anand was puzzled. He knew that he was correct but his Guru questioned his truthfulness and told him to repent for it. He therefore politely asked Gautam-swami, "Does one need to repent for speaking the truth?" Gautamswami, equally puzzled, replied, "No one has to repent for speaking the truth." He then left Anand thinking that he would reconfirm this with Bhagawan Mahavir. Gautam-swami returned to Bhagawan Mahavir and asked about Anand's special ability. Mahavir replied, "Gautam, Anand was telling the truth. He has acquired Avadhi-jnan of such magnitude. Rarely does a layperson attain such power and knowledge. You should repent for your mistake." Gautam-swami set aside his alms and immediately returned to Anand and asked for his forgiveness for doubting his honesty and truthfulness. It is characteristic in Jain religion that if a Guru makes an error he should ask forgiveness from the disciple. Also if monks make an error then they should ask forgiveness from the laypeople. In the later part of his life Anand fasted until death and then he was reborn as a heavenly being in Saudharma Devaloka (a heavenly region). After the completion of that heavenly life, he will be reborn as a human and will attain liberation. The essence of human life is to practice one or more of the twelve vows in daily life. This story tells us how householders (Shravaks) should have faith in truth. It also shows that Gautam-swami was simple, humble and a true follower of Lord Mahavir. When Lord Mahavir pointed out his mistake, Gautam-swami went to Anand without any hesitation, to ask for forgiveness even though he was the chief disciple of Mahavir-swami. It also shows how impartial Lord Mahavir was because even though his chief disciple had made a mistake, he did not cover it up. On the contrary, he took the side of truth and explained his mistake to Gautam-swami. 102 JAIN STORY BOOK Jain Education international