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gentle child. On the twelfth day, the parents named the child Gośāla ka as he was born in the Gosala of Gobahula. By and by, Gośāla ka grew up and, after studies, became of ripened intellect. In course of time, Gosāla ka also started earning his livelihood independently with Chitrapata in hand.
Gośālaka's first contact with the Lord
"I lived at home for thirty years. On the demise of my parents, I gave up wordly riches like gold, etc., and, putting on the robe of the mendicant, got myself initiated in ascetic life. I spent my first Chaturmasa in Asth igrama, doing Paks hika (fortnightly) penances. Next year, Chaturmasa was observed by me, after taking the required special vows, with Masika outside Rajagriha, At that time, Gosa - la ka, who was going about from village to village with Chitrapata in hand, thus ma inta ining himself by alms,also came to the same weaver's shed. While collecting alms, he tried to find some other suitable lodging for himself but did not get any. So he too decided to spend Chaturmasa in the same weaving shed. It was the day for me to break my fast after the first Masika austerities. Making round of the house of upper, middle and low class families of Rajagrha for alms, I arrived at the home of Vija ya Gatha pati (prosperous house holder who does farming as well as business), who was overjoyed at seeing me there. He got up from his seat and came forward seven or eight paces to receive me. Adjusting the outer garment and with folded hands, he saluted me by walking round me thrice. He entertained me with food as prescribed for ascetics, drinks, dry fruits and cardamom etc. Vijaya Gāthāpati gave charities with the three-fold purity of receiver, giver and what is given, and with the purity of means, and thus reduced his worldly possessions. This resulted in a rain at his house of five heavenly gifts of gold etc. In a short while, this news spread all over the city. People began praising Vijaya and his human birth and saluting his virtuous actions.
"Gośālaka, the son of Mankhali, also heard the news, which made him inquisitive and curious. He went to the house of Vijaya Gathapati. He noticed the objects that had rained, and also saw me and the householder Vijaya coming out of the house. He felt happy in his heart of hearts and came over to me. He offered me salutation by walking
| SR No. | 022804 |
| Book Title | Agama And Tripitaka Comparative Study |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Nagaraj Muni |
| Publisher | Today and Tomorrows Printers and Publishers |
| Publication Year | 1986 |
| Total Pages | 804 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 19 MB |