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F04 Stories during Bhagawan Mahävir's Life
07 - Anand Shrävak
07 - Anand Shrävak
Once upon a time, there lived a king named Jitshatru in the city of Vänijya, India. A rich householder named Anand also lived in the same city. He was so rich that he had 4 million gold coins, an equal amount of cash, an equal amount invested in business, lots of jewelry, and many other assets. He also owned 40,000 cows. He was highly respected by the king as well as by the people of Vänijya. One day Lord Mahävir visited Vänijya and delivered a sermon. After listening to the sermon, Anand decided to follow Jainism by accepting the twelve vows of a householder. Anand observed these vows for fourteen years and progressed spiritually. One day Anand Shrävak attained a special ability known as Avadhi-jnän (clairvoyance) by performing severe penance, austerities, and meditation. His Avadhi-jnän was more pure and powerful than that acquired by other laypeople in their spiritual progress. At this time Lord Mahävir and his disciples were in town. While returning from gochari (getting food or alms), Gautam-swämi learned that many people were going to pay homage to Anand Shrävak for his newly acquired spiritual ability (Avadhi-jnän) and his austerities. He decided to visit him. Anand was very happy to see Gautam-swämi, his guru (spiritual teacher). Though weak due to his austerities, he got up and welcomed Gautam-swami warmly. Gautam-swämi inquired about his health and then asked about his new special ability. With due respect, Anand replied to Gautam-swämi, "Revered guru, I have attained a special ability (Avadhi-jnän) with which I can see as high as the first heaven and as low as the first hell." Gautam-swämi explained to Anand, "A layman (Shrävak) can attain the special ability of Avadhi-jnän, but not of this magnitude. You need to do Prayashchitta (atonement) for imagining these visions." Anand was puzzled. He knew that he was correct but his guru questioned his truthfulness and told him to repent for it. He therefore politely asked Gautam-swämi, "Does one need to repent for speaking the truth?" Gautam-swämi, equally puzzled, replied, "No one has to repent for speaking the truth." He then left Anand thinking that he would reconfirm this with Bhagwan Mahävir. Gautam-swämi returned to Bhagwan Mahävir and asked about Änand's special ability. Mahävir replied, "Gautam, Anand was telling the truth. He has acquired Avadhi-jnän of such magnitude. Rarely does a layperson attain such power and knowledge. You should repent for your mistake." Gautam-swami set aside his alms and immediately returned to Anand and asked for his forgiveness for doubting his honesty and truthfulness. It is characteristic in Jain religion that if a guru makes an error he should ask forgiveness from the disciple. Also if monks make an error then they should ask forgiveness from the laypeople. In the later part of his life Anand fasted until death and was then reborn as a heavenly being in Saudharma Devaloka (a heavenly region). After the completion of that heavenly life, he would be reborn as a human and would attain liberation. Moral: The essence of human life is to practice one or more of the twelve vows in daily life. This story tells us how householders (Shrävaks) should have faith in truth. It also shows that Gautam-swämi was simple, humble and a true follower of Lord Mahävir. When Lord Mahävir pointed out his mistake, Gautam-swämi went to Anand without any hesitation to ask for forgiveness even though he was the chief disciple of Mahävir-swämi. It also shows how impartial Lord Mahävir was because even though his chief disciple had made a mistake, he did not cover it up. On the contrary, he took the side of truth and explained his mistake to Gautam-swämi. Anyone can make a mistake, but one must accept it and make up for it. Highlights:
Änand Shrävak followed the 12 vows of a Shrävak religiously for 14 years and attained a special ability known as Avadhi-jnän (clairvoyance) which was more pure and powerful than other laymen. Gautam-swämi did not believe Anand at first, but after Mahävir-swämi corrected Gautam-swämi he asked Anand for forgiveness for doubting him.
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
Page 355 of 398
