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DISCOURSE 78
those questions. Therefore, in this Agamasutra, the name of Gautam occurs thirty six thousand times. The original title of this sutra is Vyakhyapragnapti.”
Pethad Shah asked another question, "Gurudev ! This muniraj is teaching the sutra. The other muni is hearing it. Why does he not explain the meaning of the sutra ?”
The Gurudev said, "The muni who is hearing the sutra does not possess the capacity to understand the meaning and the inner meaning of the Bhagavatisutra. He is carrying out the exercise called "Yagodwahan" to acquire the ability to read and understand the sutra. Therefore, only the Mulasutra (the original sutra) is being read out to him. The sadhus who read this sutra and teach it to others, who listen to it; who write it out; and who get it written by others, along with the performance of their tapascharyas (spiritual austerities) attain omniscience. If anyone adores the sutra with heartfelt devotion, his karmas will be destroyed.
When Pethad Shah thus heard about the efficacy of hearing, studying and teaching the Jinagams, in his heart there arose a great regard and love for them. He said to the Gurudev, "Gurudev! May I also hear the Bhagavatisutra ?”
“Why not? Shravaks and shravikas have the authority to hear the Jinagams".
"Gurudev ! I too wish to hear only the original sutras. It will take many days to understand the meaning of the sutras. I do not have time now. I am engaged in the political and administrative matters of the kingdom. At any rate, I have had the opportunity of hearing the sacred words of the Ganadhar Bhagwan".
"Dear Chief Minister ! I will tell this muniraj to read out to you the Bhagavatisutra from the beginning to the end. You come here every day for sometime. You begin tomorrow.”
The Chief Minister's heart was deeply moved by the grace of the Gurudev. He returned home. He made this decision.
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