Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 4

SR No.: 008005
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 373
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 24 MB

Page 249

Vada ]
Nihnayavāda
: 225:
there is no wonder if all the sūtras could not be committed to memory by anyone. Consequently, he divided all the sütras into four anuyogas3 as mentioned beforc. Then, Arya Rakṣitasari proceeded on vihāra and stayed in a Vyantara griha in Bhūtaguphā at Mathurā.
In the mean time, once upon a time, while returning after paying his homages to Sri Sīmandhara Swāmi, in the regions of Mahāvidè ha, Indra (Saudharmendia) astonished at his wonderful discourse on “nigoda ”4 asked the Tirthankara “ O worthy Lord I docs anyone in the whole of Bharata-kşetra understand and explain the subtle form of 'nigoda' at present ?” "Arya Rakșitasuri teaches it” was the reply. Saudharmendra impelled by surprise, curiosity, and devotion approached Arya Raksitasari in the attire of an old Brāhmin, at the time when all the sādhus had retired for their meals. Having paid his respects, the Indra said “ Revered Sir, I am suffering fron a fatal disease. So, I wish to observe fasts from to-morrow. Will you kindly tell me how long is the rest of my life?” Then, concentrating his mind on the category of age in yavikās, the Acārya recognized at once that he was neither a human being nor a Vyantara etc. but he was Saudharmendra-the lord of the Saudharna dėva-loka-with an age-limit as long as two Sāgaropams. He up-raised his lifted eye-brows, which werd bent down due to old age, looked at the Brahmin and said :--“You are none but Saudharmendra. Being pleased at this, Indra narrated the whole incident of Tirthankara Sri Simandhara Swami, from whom he had studied the forms of “nigoda beings.” Indra asked the Acarya about the nature of nigoda' living beings also. The Acărya
3. These are (1) Dravyānuyoga, (2) Caraña-karaṇānuyoga, (3) Gaạitānuyoga and (4) Kathānuyoga.
4. The division of the Sotras into four anuyogas was done by Arya Raksitasari. But with reference to the knowledge of
nigoda' some attribute superior knowledge of nigoda' to Arya Raksitasari, while others attribute it to Kālikācārya. For a detailed explantion of Nigoda', Vide Sranana Bhagavān Mahāvīra Vol. I Part I page 12.