Lord Mahavira Vol 01

SR No.: 023276
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S C Rampuria
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati Institute
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 320
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 25 MB

Page 160

The Founders of Jainism
151 And there was a famous disciple of this light of the world, the young Sramana Kesi, who had completely mastered the science and right conduct.
He possessed the light of Sruta and Avadhi knowledge, 57 and was surrounded by a crowd of disciples; wandering from village to village he arrived in the town of Sravasti.
In the district of that town there is a park, called Tinduka; there he took up his abode in a pure place to live and sleep in.
Now at that time there lived the prophet of the law, the Jina, who in the whole world is known as the venerable Vardhamana.
And there was a famous disciple of this light of the world, the venerable Gautama by name, who had completely mastered the sciences aid right conduct.
He knew the twelve Angas, was enlightened, and was surrounded by a crowd of disciples; wandering from village to village he, too, arrived in Sravasti. .
In the district of that town there is a park Koshtaka; there he took up Ibis abode in a pure place to live and sleep in.
The young Sramana Kesi and the famous Gautama, both lived there. ...
The pupils of both, who controlled themselves, who practiced austerities, who possessed virtues, and who protected their self, made the following reflection:
"Is our law the right one, or is the other law the right one? are our conduct and doctrines right, or the other?
“The law as taught by the great sage Parsva, which recognizes but four vows, or the law taught by Vardhamana, which enjoins five vows?
“The law which forbids clothes (for a monk], or that which (allows) an under and upper garment? Both pursuing the same end, what has caused their difference?"
Knowing the thoughts of their pupils, both Kesi and Gautama made up their minds to meet each other.
Gautama, knowing what is proper and what is due to the older section (of the church), went to the Tinduka park, accompanied by the crowd, his pupils.
When Kesi, the young monk, saw Gautama approach, he received him with all becoming attention. He at once offered Gautama the four pure kinds of straw and hay to sit upon.