Tirthankar Mahavir

SR No.: 020834
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust
Publication Year: 2003
Total Pages: 235
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 57 MB

Page 140

Shri Gautamsuami preaching after ang Kevinma
The next day, as Gautama was on his way to Pavapuri, he received the sad news of Mahavira's nirvana. He was deeply shocked and tears rolled down his eyes. He was so moved with emotion that he lamented, "O lord, you were omniscient. Then why did you separate me from you at the time of your nirvana ? Did you think that like a child that I would have prevented you from being liberated from your body? Or, was my devotion for you not true? At whose feet shall I now fall! To whom should I pay my respects? Who will call me 'Gautama, Gautama' with affection ? Whom shall I address "Vira, Vira' ? Who will remove my doubts? O lord, what did you do? Why did you not ask me to accompany you? Was there no place for me in the abode of the liberated?"
It was difficult to console Gautama. Gautama had strong attachment for the omniscient Mahavira and the news of Mahavira's death made him sorrowful and distressed. While lamenting,, Gautama uttered the word 'attachment-free' (vitaraga) which had a sudden, impact on him. He reflected deeply on the meaning of the word. He thought : "The venerable Mahavira was completely free from attachment while here I am severely afflicted with attachment. What infatuation and delusion! It is only my delusion that makes me to lament and wail. I indulged in worshipping his body instead of his soul and spiritual qualities. I became restless when I did not see his bodily form for long. Attachment is attachment, whether it is for an ordinary worldly thing or for a great saint. Many a time Mahavira used to say that I should not cultivate attachment for the means
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