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[Antakṛddaśā 'He devānupriya! Where do you reside?' Bhagavān Gautama replied to Atimukta Kumāra
Devānupriya! My spiritual preceptors and Dharma teachers, the Omniscient Lord Mahāvīra, the founder of the Dharma, aspiring for the eternal abode of liberation (mokṣa), are residing in the Śrīvana garden outside this Paurasapura city, observing restraint and austerities to purify their soul. We reside there.'
Explanation - From the study of this sūtra, it is clear that the young Atimukta Kumāra had asked Bhagavān Gautama three questions. The questions were - Who are you? For what purpose are you wandering? Where do you reside? The present sūtra also provides the answers to all three questions. While answering the first question, Bhagavān Gautama introduced himself and also described the code of conduct of a ascetic.
In the answer to the first question, Gautama Svāmī said - 'We are Śramaṇas, free from possessions, observing the Īryāsamiti, and celibate.' In fact, these four words are indicative of the code of conduct of an ascetic. Their explanation is as follows - The great beings who have equanimity towards all living beings are called Śramaṇas. Those who are devoid of possessions or in whom there is no attachment-aversion are called Nirgrantha. Īryāsamiti means carefulness and vigilance in walking. The practitioner who observes the fourth great vow of celibacy is called a Brahmacārī.
While solving the second question, Bhagavān Gautama told Atimukta Kumāra - 'Child! I am wandering for the purpose of alms.'
In the answer to the third question, Svāmī Gautama did not say that 'My residence is in the Śrīvana garden', but said that 'Our residence is in the Śrīvana garden near the Omniscient Lord Mahāvīra.' This reflects his unparalleled reverence for the Guru.
Viulaṇaṃ..........sāimaṇaṃ - In this phrase, the word 'vipula' has several meanings - abundant, profuse, extensive, vast, excellent, best etc. In the present context, the meaning 'excellent' should be accepted. The journey of Atimukta to meet Gautama for veneration
18-Then that Atimukta Kumāra said to Bhagavān Gautama, 'I shall, sir, pay obeisance to the ascetic Bhagavān Mahāvīra along with you.' 'Be pleased, devānupriya! Do not obstruct me.'
Then that Atimukta Kumāra approached the ascetic Bhagavān Mahāvīra along with Bhagavān Gautama, and on approaching, he thrice circumambulated the ascetic Bhagavān Mahāvīra, and after circumambulating, he paid obeisance up to (the level of) worship.
Then Bhagavān Gautama approached the ascetic Bhagavān Mahāvīra, and on approaching, (he walked around the ascetic Bhagavān Mahāvīra at a short distance, and after walking around), he contemplated on the quest and non-quest, contemplated, (and then partook of) food and drink), practiced restraint and austerities, dwelling, purifying his soul.