Way of Life Part 1

SR No.: 006513
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 432
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 22 MB

Page 129

DISCOURSE 7
119
logical and convincing than Jainism; the middle-path or the path of moderation preached by the Buddha appeals to me as being great, so I should become a Buddhist.. But I should not remain here; because that would amount to being unfaithful to my Guru Maharaj. I should go to him; and I should tell him about my views; and then after that, I will come here and become a Buddhist". Thinking thus, he informed the Bauddha acharya of his opinion. The Bauddha acharya also was a very intelligent man. He thought, "If Siddharshi goes to the Jain acharya and tells him about his desire to become a Buddhist, he will refute Buddhism by means of the anekantvad or the theory of multiple-vision which is irrefutable. If that argument appeals to him, he will consider Jainism as a great dharma." Thinking thus, the Bauddha acharya said, "Look here, Siddharshi, if you go to the Jain acharya, he can influence you with the logic of Jainism. Then you will consider Jainism itself great. Even if you decide not to join Buddhism, you must come here; and have a discussion with me."
SIDDHARSHI RETURNS TO THE JAIN ACHARYA
Siddharshi had a plain and frank heart. He agreed to act according to the wishes of the Bauddha acharya and went to his Gurudev. He explained to his Gurudev the logicality and the greatness of Buddhism. The Gurudev heard all that calmly. He did not get angry at all; nor did his affection for his disciple grow less. Yes, this is a very great matter in our society of ascetics, and mendicants. If one's own disciple praises another dharma and says that it is great how can one tolerate it? If such an event occurs to-day, one would be wild with rage.
Siddharshi's teacher was a man of great enlightenment and equanimity. He knew well that the logical doctrines of Buddhism could create a commotion in the mind of a disciple who possessed a strong and incisive intellect. Men of sharp intellects can be convinced either by logic or by means of a loving presentation of ideas. Such disciples rebel if they are treated with anger or contempt. Those scholars who become excited on hearing the proposition cannot establish an excellent opposite argument of refutation. Siddharshi was indeed very