Beyond Doubt

Author(s): Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation

Page 36

CHAPTER IV
Indrabhuti, at last reached the samavasarana. As mentioned earlier he had a doubt in his mind based on the Vedas, which he did not present it before anyone for clarification. His doubt was genuine for it arose in his mind, when he was contemplating over the scriptures. Only those questions having depth will lead to answers which will be effective and impressive. That was the reason for Indrabhuti to have renounced everything and become Lord Mahavira's disciple at once.
ON
Some people have doubts that are either incomplete, incorrect or borrowed. They do not get satisfactory answers for their questions, because they themselves are not clear about their doubts as such. One cannot make out head or tail of the questions. Only that question can be given a satisfactory reply which has developed after serious contemplation and enquiry, makes some sense, and that which is not baseless. Only that thirst can be quenched which comes right from the heart and that which is internal. One cannot borrow thirst or interest for truth. You may find lot of sources to quench your thirst but you will find none who will provide you with the thirst itself. Similarly there are a number of priests who preach but the interest has to come from within yourself. Based on the nature of the questions shall be the answers.
Professor Mafatlal, Professor of Philosophy, one day while teaching his students, asked them a question which was as follows, “If I travel for Delhi by plane and if the speed of the plane is 300 Km/hr, what will be my age at that time?" All the students were quite bewildered by the question for the question was so silly and vague. In Mathematics there was no formula which could provide the solution for such a silly question. While all the students were discussing the question with each other, one student who was quite witty, naughty and smart stood up and said. “Sir if you do not