________________
a cloth etc, but that does not mean that the caitanya (life) is produced from the elements. Life is not the nature of the ele. ments or objects, but it is the nature of soul. The soul is perpetual or infinite in the form of matter, and hence, it goes to para-loka (another world) and it comes back to this world from para-loka (another world). The souls are numerous and each one will attain the status suitable to or according to the nature of previous actions
On hearing the words of the Lord in this way, Ārya Mé. tārya became free from his doubt, and he was convinced of the existence of para-loka (another world). His doubt being thus removed, Ārya Métārya along with his three hundred disciples, accepted Diksã from the Lord
End of Discussion with the Tenth Ganadhara.
15
Discussion with Prabhāsa Gañadhara.
Coming to know that the ten upadhyāyas including Indrabhûti Gautama and others, had taken Dikşā from the Lord, the eleventh young scholar named Prabhāsa thought to himself ;-- The eminent preceptor who is accpted as their Guru, by ten learned scholars, deserves veneration from me too, and hence, I shall approach him and get my doubt solved. Thinking thus, the young scholar Arya Prabhāsa accompanied by his three hundred disciples, went to the Lord.
निर्वाणविषयसन्देह-संयुतं च प्रभासनामानम् । ऊचे विभुर्यथास्य, वेदार्थ किं न भावयसि ? ॥१॥
Nirvāņa-visaya sandéha sayutam ca Prabhasa-nāmānam Ücé vibhu-r-yathāstham Védārtham kim na bhāvayasi ?
To the scholar named Prabhāsa who had a doubt on the subject of Nirvana (Liberation-Salvation', the Lord said :-Why do you not consider the correct meaning of the Védic statement ?
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org