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APRIL, 1971
169
thou sayest, that the doctrine of the Law of Gosala Mankhaliputra is good because it says that there is no such thing as exertion, labour, power, vigour and manly strength, but all things are unalterably fixed, but that the doctrine of the Law of Samana, the blessed Mahavira, is bad, because it says that there is such a thing as exertion, labour, power, vigour and manly strength and that are not unalterably fixed,--that saying of thine is false."
Then that Deva, being thus spoken to by Kundakoliya, the servant of the Samana, and becoming doubtful and feeling guilty of sin, was unable to say anything more in reply to Kundakoliya, the servant of the Samana. So he placed the seal inscribed with his name, and his upper garment on the masonry platform ; and having done so, he went away to the place whence he had come.
At that time and at that period the Lord arrived in Kampillapura. ...
Then that Kundakoliya, the servant of the Samana, having been informed of this news, was happy, ... and went out to hear Mahavira and ... stood waiting on the Samana.
Then the Samana, the blessed Mahavira, addressing Kundakoliya the servant of the Samana, spoke to him thus: “Surely, Kundakoliya, yesterday, at that time of the midday hour, in the little grove of Asoka trees, there appeared before thee a certain Deva. Then that Deva spoke unto you : 'O Kundakoliya, good is the doctrine of Law of Gosala, Mankhaliputra, which says that there is no such thing as exertion or labour or vigour or manly strength, but all things are unalterably fixed ...' Then you Kundakoliya answered him thus : 'How, then O Deva didst thou acquire, how didst thou achieve this thy celestial, bliss, thy celestial glory, thy celestial power of a Deva ? Was it without exertion, without labour, without vigour without manly strength ?' Surely, Kundakoliya, this account is correct ?”
Kundakoliya replied : “Yes, it is.”
Mahavira continued : “O Kundakoliya, thou servant of the Samanas, happy art thou, O Beloved of the gods, satisfied, successful and fortunate, thou has well-attained the true object of living in the condition of human existence ; for that thou hast attained, acquired and achieved such a perfect hold on the doctrine of the Nigganthas. ..."
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