Introduction to Jainism and its Culture

SR No.: 001605
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 334
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Culture
File Size: 21 MB

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animals. They were eager to hear the divine utterance of Bhagavāna, but he was silent. The duration of silence was getting long. It was unprecedented that after attaining omniscience a Tirthankara does not utter the divine word for 66 days. Saudharmendra (the king of gods of the Saudharma dimension) pondered - “What is the reason that Bhagavāna is not uttering the divine word?” It took little time for him to understand that in absence of a Ganadhara (principle disciple) a Tirthankara does not utter the divine word and the only person capable of becoming Bhagavāna's Ganadhara was Indrabhūti Gautama.
With these thoughts Indra transformed him-self into an aged Brahmin and arrived at the residential school (gurukula) of the leading scholar of the Brahmin society of that period. Five hundred students were studying there. Indra greeted Gautama and said, “Respected sir! My guru had taught me a verse but I could not grasp its meaning. Hearing about your fame I have come to you. Please explain me the meaning of that verse.”
When Indra recited the verse it perplexed Gautama. He said -- “Take me to your guru. I will explain the meaning only in his presence."
Indrabhūti Gautama, along with his 500 disciples, accompanied Indra and came to the Vipula hill outside Rājagpha. As soon as he entered the gate of the Samavasarana he looked at the Māna-stambha (Ego-tower). This Māna-stambha had the astonishing capacity to puncture the bloated ego of conceited people. He stood staring at it. His feelings underwent a gradual change. His conceit of his knowledge started melting. He moved ahead and by the time he reached near and beheld Bhagavāna sitting on throne, he had become an epitome of courtesy and devotion. He fell at the feet of Bhagavāna and said, “Bhagavāna! Blinded by the pride of my knowledge I had forgotten true knowledge. Please give me refuge at your blessed feet.” With these words he got initiated. At that moment his attitude had become so sublime that he acquired Avadhi-jñāna and manaḥparyāya-jñāna at once. He became the chief principle disciple (Gañadhara) of Bhagavāna's ascetic organization.
As soon as Indrabhūti got initiated Bhagavāna's silence was broken and the divine sermon commenced, you have a doubt about the
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