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SRI BHAGAVATI SŪTRA
5TH ANGA SŪTRA
GAUTAMA'S 36,000 QUESTIONS TO LORD MAHĀVĪRA
The Bhagvati Sūtra is the fifth Anga Sūtra containing the doctrines of Lord Mahāvīra. It is a narration of Gautama, a Brahmin scholar, who on his first visit to Lord Mahāvīra was overshadowed by Lord's omniscience. He surrendered himself with all humility to Lord Mahāvīra and served the Lord. Gautama was twelve years older to Mahāvīra, yet he bowed down at His lotus feet and attained the status of a Ganadhar. The credit of compiling the doctrines of Lord Mahāvīra into scriptures goes to him.
Gautama and other spiritual seekers had asked Lord Mahāvīra 36,000 questions. Lord Mahāvīra answered them keeping in mind the welfare of mankind. These question and answer sessions are compiled in this volume. Lord Mahāvīra has explained many universal topics. It illustrates the difficulties the Lord had to face and the way he overcame the trials and tribulations in a calm and composed manner.
Like a scientist, the Lord has explained the theory of atoms and molecules. He has also illustrated the life of an ascetic. The story of Lord Mahāvīra's sonin-law Jamali and his first disciple Gaushalak are narrated in this scripture. The clarification that no God or Goddess could possess someone's body, but they have powers to rule over and control someone else's body, is mentioned here. Reading this Holy scriptures is very beneficial to the soul.
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