Jain Legend Vol 1

SR No.: 007594
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 367
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 2 MB

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consented and said, “The rutis say that consciousness arises out of the five elements and again merges into them; hence existence of other world (beyond this life) is not possible. Then, how is a distinct identity of a person (puru a) separate from the earth and other elements possible?” The Lord said - "Indrabh ti! Your doubt arises from a difference of meaning. Actually, the wealth of knowledge does not mean that consciousness is born out of the elements, but different forms of knowledge. There are always new forms of knowledge produced in the soul and the past knowledge blends with it. In the same way, the meaning of 'bh ta' (elements) is not the five elements, as earth etc, but all objects both the inanimate and the animate matter that we know. The previous form of knowledge becomes redundant in a person when subsequent better forms of knowledge emerge.” The meaningful answer of Lord Mah v ra cleared Indrabh ti's doubt. Along with his disciples, he became the Lord's principal disciple. This same Indrabh ti became popular later on as Gautama (his family name) in Mah v ra's period.
The belief in Digambara tradition
According to the Digambara tradition when Lord Mah v ra attained pure knowledge the gods showered the five auspicious things and instructed by Indra; Kubera created samava ara a on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Vai kha month. Lord Mah v ra entered the samava ara a from the eastern entrance and sat on the high pedestal. The gods and Indras sat on their respective seats to hear the Lord's sermon, but the Lord kept silent. After waiting for many days, Indra was worried as to what could be the reason. Through clairvoyant knowledge, he understood that there are no ga adharas in the council. When Indra searched for a suitable person, he remembered the scholar Indrabh ti. Disguised, Indra went to Indrabh ti and said - "my teacher has taken a vow of silence these days. I want you to explain to me the meaning of a story." Indrabh ti told him, “I shall only explain to you the meaning if after that you will become my disciple.” Indra in disguise as an ascetic readily agreed.
Indrabh ti got perplexed hearing the tale. The term “chajj va ik y'used intrigue in him. The subject of existence of soul filled his mind with doubt. After sometime he said “then take me to your teacher. I will explain the meaning of this narrative only in front of him." Indra was
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