________________
GAUTAM'S ENLIGHTENMENT
Kevali gyana is defined as total enlightenment. In total enlightenment, an individual possesses all knowledge of the universe and there is perfect control over the bodymind complex and its physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Since the true guru or teacher embodies kevali gyana in every thought and action, it is the guru's responsibility to show the disciple the way to enlightenment. Here Guruji tells about the guru-disciple relationship in the story of Lord Mahavira and Gautam's final struggles before total enlightenment.
The
The Great Lord, Mahavira, had a disciple by the name of Gautam. One day he said to Gautam: "Go to the forest and you will find 1,503 meditators who are waiting for you."
Gautam never questioned Lord Mahavira's commands, and he went to the forest and found the 1,503 meditators who were waiting for him. Even though Gautam had great psychic and pranic powers, and he possessed great control over the subtle and gross elements of his Self, he lacked total enlightenment or kevali gyana. Still, with great confidence, he asked the meditators "What can I do for you?"
At that time, the meditators were ending a long fast
138
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org