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Bhagawan Mahavir]
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opportunity to test his knowledge than the one that I have got today. Let me, therefore, put a suitable question to him by which I may be able to know the depth of his knowledge without annoying him. With this idea in his mind, Goshala began, "Lord, the annual celebrations will be performed in every house today. Indeed this will be a very happy day for all the people. I think, I shall have some better things in alms bowl to day. Can your Lordship guess what rich quality of food and other things I shall be given on this auspicious day ?" The Lord replied, "Indeed, today is a festival day, and there may be rejoicings and merrimakings in the houses of worldly-men, but for the ascetics all days are equal. They have nothing to do with the festivities or mournings of this world. They ought to devote every minute of their life to meditation and be satisfied with whatever kind of food they get for eating. However, if you insist for the answer I say you shall get some rotten and stinking food to eat today." Goshala showed a slight disregard for the answer of the Lord and started instantly for begging alms. He was quite sure that he would get some better things in alms today, but his hopes were not realised. He knocked at every door from morning to evening, but he did not get anything in alms, to say nothing of rich food and drink which he was expecting. At last, when he was too much tired and all his high hopes thoroughly collapsed, a layman called him to his house and gave him the same quality of food as the Lord had foretold to him. The sun had set by now; and as Goshala was feeling the pangs of hunger too much he sat down at that very spot and ate the food without showing any contempt for it. Now when he realised the truth of the prophecy
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