$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 29

GURU GAUTAM-SWÄMI Mahävir welcomed Indrabhuti by calling him by his name even though they had never met. Indrabhuti was surprised, but then he said to himself, "Who does not know me? I am not surprised he knew my name. I wonder if he knows what I am thinking." Omniscient Mahavir knew what was going through Indrabhuti's mind. Indrabhuti, even though a great scholar, had doubt about the existence of Ätmä (soul) and was
thinking to himself "Can Mahävir tell that I doubt the existence of the soul?" The next moment Mahävir said, "Indrabhuti, Ätmä (soul - consciousness) is there and you should not question it." Indrabhuti was shocked and began to think very highly of Mahävir. Then they had a philosophical discussion and Indrabhuti changed his beliefs and became Mahävir's first and chief disciple. Indrabhuti was fifty years old at the time, and from then on he was called Gautam-swämi, because he came from Gautam family.
Meanwhile in the town, Somil and other scholars were waiting to greet the expected winner of the debate, Indrabhuti. They were shocked to learn that Indrabhuti had become a disciple of Mahävir. The other ten Brahmin scholars also went to debate with Mahävir, but instead became his disciples the same way as Indrabhuti did. The people present at Somil's place began to leave and Somil canceled the ceremony and turned all the animals loose.
Anand Shrävak's Special Power Once, Gautam-swami was returning after the Gochari (getting food or alms) and he noticed many people going in another direction. He asked them what was going on. They said, "We are going to see Anand Shrävak. He has been performing austerities and has attained a special power (Avadhijnän)." Anand Shrävak was Lord Mahävir's follower so Gautam-swämi decided to go and visit him. When Anand saw Gautam-swämi coming to his house he was very happy that his guru (spiritual teacher) visited him. Though he was very weak due to his austerities, he got up and welcomed Gautam-swämi. Gautam-swämi inquired about his condition. Anand replied, "With your blessings, I am fine." After some time Anand told Gautamswämi with respect, "Reverend teacher, I have attained a special power (Avadhijnän) and because of which I can see as high as the fourteenth heaven and as low as the seventh hell." Gautam-swämi thought, "A Shrävak can attain Avadhijnän, but not to this extent." Aloud he told Anand, "You should do Prayashchitta (atonement) for your wrong imagination." Anand
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I