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[ Misconception of Sakdala-Putr
Therefore one who wants spiritual growth should always keep himself aloof from indolence. After this, Lord Mahavira resumed his Vihara.
MISCONCEPTION OF SAKDALA-PUTRA, THE POTTER, AND ITS REMOVAL.
One day Lord Mahavira reached Polasa pura, where there lived a potter named Sakdala-Putra. He was a follower of Goshala and was a staunch believer in his creed He acted in so close conformity with his principles that every body who came to him was influenced by his sincerity of devotion. It was just one day before Lord Mahavira arrieved here that a god appeared before him and said, "Sakdala, you are very fortunate to see one who possesses endless knowledge of the Past, Present,and Future, who loves to see humanity prosper and who himself is god incarnate. He will come to you to-morrow. Mind that you serve him properly." Sakdala-Putra misunderstood the meaning of these words. He thought that his own Guru (Preceptor Goshala), was coming, for in his opinion, Goshala was the only personality that could possess all these qualities. He, therefore, made preparations for the reception of Goshala. The words of the god had put new life into his veins and consequently his faith in his Guru was quadrupled. In the morning, when he was waiting for the arrival of Goshala, he heard that Lord Mahavira had come. He was very much astonished to hear this news. However, believing in the words of the god, he came to see him. Although he had no faith in the Lord, still when he heard his religious instructions, he felt enlightened. He also came to know that the Lord was aware of
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