Jainism The Cosmic Vision

SR No.: 006587
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Mahavir Foundation London
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 276
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

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Non-Violence : A Way of Life attainment omniscience, he came to be known as Arhata, Jaina, Veetraga.
A rich Brahmin named Somil arranged for a great yagna (Sacrificial rite) in the middle region of Pavapuri. Famous ritualistic scholars from all over India came to participate in it. Among them were scholars well-versed in fourteen vidyas, scholars such as Indrabhooti, Agnibhooti and Vayubhooti. Each one of them had 500 disciples. Two scholars named Vyakta and Sudharma had come from Kollaka. The scholars named Mandika and Mauryaputra had come with 350 disciples each from Maurya district. Four other scholars named Akampita, Achalabhrata, Metarya and Prabhasa were present in that assembly. These eleven scholars were eminent scholars in India, but they were full of feeling of suspicion and ignorance and were groping in the dark. At that time Bhagwan Mahavira came to Pavapuri. Gods constructed a Samavasarana (the lecture-hall) for the occasion. Gods, devils, human beings and even beings of lower order like the animals – all went to listen to his sermon. At that time, these scholars began to discuss the scriptures with Mahavira. But omniscient Bhagwan having known their doubts in advance stated them in their own words and resolved them. Consequently, all the eleven scholars took initiation and became Bhagwan Mahavira's ganadharas (leading disciples propagating his teachings). Then they went on a journey to Magadha, Mithila, Koshala and Kalinga. Thousands of men and women became their disciples. Great learned Brahmins such as Indrabhooti Gautama and Sudharma, Kshatriyas such as Udayi and Maghakumar, Vaishyas such as Dhanna and Shalibhadra, Shoodras such as Metaraja and Harikeshi became Mahavira's ascetic disciples.
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