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Scientific Secrets of Jainism
eleven Ganadharas (prime disciples) namely Indrabhūti Gautama etc. by sprinkling the fragrant powder on their head from the golden dish held by Indra, lord of the first heaven. Through his blessings he transmitted a part of the light of his omniscience to his disciples. With that knowledge they composed the complete Angasūtras (main scriptures) and fourteen Pūrvas ( sub scriptures) out of only three sentences ( which are known in the Jain terminology as Tripadi) told by lord Mahāvira:- (1). Uppannē I Vā, (2) Vigamē I Vā, (3)Dhuvē I Va. Thus guru's words in the form of three sentences became mantras. Thus it is justified that guru's sentence is the source of Mantra." Thalai i mantramūlam gurõrvākyam"
For thirty years after initiation, Gañadhara śri Gautamasvāmi served and worshipped śramana Bhagavān Mahāvira. As a result he attained extra ordinary powers (labdhis). That is why his name is preceded by the well deserved epithet - 'Ananta-Labdhi-Nidhāna'. Yet he did not attain omniscience. The only reason for it was his attachment to śramaņa Bhagavān Mahāvira. On the night of his nirvāņa i.e. liberation, lord Mahāvira sent śri Indrabhūti Gautama to give sermon to Brahmin Dēvasarmā who lived in the village nearby. Mahāvira did so in order to ward off Gautama's attachment towards him. While he was returning after giving sermon to Brahmin Dēvaśarmā , Śri Gautamasvāmi became disturbed and agitated on hearing, on the way, the news of nirvāņa of Śri Mahāvirasvāmi. Detachment grew out of the pain of separation from guru and when the tie of attachment towards Śri Mahāvirasvāmi was broken, he attained omniscience. Thus it is justified in the life of Śri Gautamasvāmi that guru's blessings results in ‘mākṣa' i.e. final liberation. 'Heuci Tet: 941 I mākşamūlam guron kopā...'
In short, the importance that is given to a guru in the Indian spirituality is fully upheld by scientific principles. One need not doubt it at all. This article, too, is a fruit of words and grace of my Rev. Gurudēva Ācāryasrivijaya Sūrõdayasūriji Mahārāja.
References:
1. This Gautamasvāmi is different from Gautama Buddha of the Buddhist religion and the Gautama Rși of the Nyāya-Vaiśēșika darśana.
2. A description of the Gautamsvāmi's mental struggle at that time, is found
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