Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 5

SR No.: 008006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 616
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 14 MB

Page 206

196 Šayyambhava-bhatta, the well-known sacrificial ritualist, who was sitting near the main-entrance, distinctly over-heard the verse recited by the Sãdhūs and began pondering over it.
Knowing that the eminently virtuous Jaina Sadhūs, will not, under any circumstance, tell a falsehood, the mind of Sayyambhaya-bhatta became very doubtful about the real nature of True Knowledge.
When the mind of Sayyambhava-bhatta became greatly disturbed with ideas about the real nature of True Knowledge, he inquired from the 3qiyaa Upadhyāya, the high-priest-who was in charge of sacrificial ceremonies, saying “What is the essence of True Knowledge ? The Upadhyāya replied, "The real essence of True Knowledge is that the Vedas are the bestowers of heaven and Final Beatitude. People conversant with the real nature of True Knowledle, confidently say that there is no other real essence of True Knowledge, except the Védas."
Sayyambhava-Bhatta, then, angrily said, “You are really deceiving innocent people like myself by saying that the Védas contain the real essence of True Knowledge out of your greed for sacrificial fees received from persons capable of paying for the expenses of the sacrifice. Because, these great sages, who are free from aflection and haired towards any object, who are perfectly disinterested and destitute of worldly belongings, and who are perfectly peaceful and compassionate, will never speak out a false-hood. Therefore, O wicked mani You don't seem to be a true teacher. You have cheated the world from your very birth. You really deserve to be punished now. However, O cheat I Say out the true nature of the real essence, accurately at it stands. Otherwise, I will cut off your head as there is no crime in punishing a wicked man." So saying, he drew out a bright sword from its scabbard. Sayyambhava-bhatta, raising up his sword, at the time, appeared actually as the God of Death, reading out a warrant of death in his hand.