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vogue in modern times must be also so in those ages as the frame of human heart is alike in all times. It is the emotions working in the age that impress the society.
Lord Mahavira never was concerned with the strength of his fold in comparison to that of others. He used to preach those who songht his contact with love, ease, and worth, in a sweet and lucid language. The very fact that his followers in number were less than those of even Goshala goes to show that he never cared to direct his energy for the growth of his adherents in number. Had he willed so, it was quite easy for him to raise the number to an overwhelming degree but from his way of preaching it is clear that he never went from place to place for that purpose. His Lordship knew that ΠΟ reluctant and forcible acceptance of faith can ever help in achieving the true end. It is possible that people may be dazzled and overawed for the time being, but that does not secure a permanent interest His Lordship had handled the work of preaching so that the principles were impressed upon them unconsciously Lord Mahavîra never emphasised the point of number of adherents, SO also he never believed that there was any criterion of public good in it. He was aware that numerical strength is simply like a cloud of smoke arti ficially accumulated in spot. He never considered the number, a measure of the depth of the roots of religion nor its extent.
The attention of Lord Mahavira was focussed simply to impress Truth upon the mind of the people. As in the case of Goshala he never thought of or cared for number. His Lordship thought only of Effect.
When the personality keeping a large number together passes away the congregation disintegrates like the cloud of smoke, and no traces of existence remain behind him. To increase the numerical strengh and to impress upon the public heart the value of welfare are two different things. For the
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| SR No. | 008003 |
| Book Title | Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 2 Vibhag 2 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker |
| Publisher | Parimal Publication |
| Publication Year | 1989 |
| Total Pages | 802 |
| Language | English, Sanskrit |
| Classification | Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion |
| File Size | 20 MB |