________________
121
When, however, Arya Magdita approached śramapa Bhagavān Mahāvīra, with the object of removing his doubt, he was addressed thus,
अथ बन्धमोक्षविषये सन्दिग्धं मण्डितामिषं विबुधम् । ऊचे विभुर्यथास्यं वेदार्थ किं न भावयसि ॥१॥
Atha Bandha-Moksa-visayé sandigdham Manditabhidham vibudham; Ucé vibhu r-yathästham Védārtham kim na bhāvayasi ?
1. The Lord (śramaga Bhagavān Mahāvīra ) told the learned man named Maņdita who had a doubt about it Bandha, Bondage, and Al Mokşa,--Preedom from Karmas, "Why do you not trace out the exact meaning of the verses of the Vedas?
Sramana Bhagavān Mahāvīra then remuved his doubts by explaining the correct interpretation of the verses of the Vedas. He took Dikṣā,-Initiation at the hands of śramana Bhagavān Mahāvira, along with his three hundred and fifty pupils.
Gapadhara Mahārāja Maņdita was fifty-three years old when he renounced the world. He readily knew the various works of Jaina Scriptures as he had several Labdhis. After a period of fourteen years of ascetic life, Gapadhara Magdita acquired auta Kévala Jñāna,-Perfect Knowledge-at the age of sixty-seven.
Qaqadhara Mapdita remained a Kévali for sixteen years, and he acquired 72797 Mok a Pada,-the State of Final Emancipation-when he was eighty-three years old.
16
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
