Book Title: Bhagavana  Mahavira
Author(s): Chauthmal Maharaj
Publisher: Jainoday Pustak Prakashan Samiti Ratlam

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Page 454
________________ Bhagwan Mahavir ] | 421 the fact that a god had informed him of his arrival beforehand. Now his heart silently began to admit his omniscience. He bowed down at the feet of the Lord and prayed, Lord, My shops are situated just on the skirts of this city. I am an ignorant and erring man; I hope you will stay with me and remove all my misconceptions there.” The Lord accepted the invitation of Saddala and stayed with him for some time. One day, when the servants of Saddala were drying in the sun the earthen pots made by Saddala, Lord Mahavira tho. ught it a good opportunity for removing his misconception. He therefore said to him, Saddal, tell me how these pots etc. were made. Saddala replied, "First clay was brought; then water and ashes were mixed with it; after that, when the clay was ready, it was placed on the wheel and turned at will into pots." Then the Lord asked, " Did they require any force, strength, labour or external agency for their preparation; or, were they prepared of their own accord ?” He was a follower of Goshala who believed in fatalism. According to him everything which was destined to happen must have happended whithout any external force or agency, Therefore, Lord Mahavira said to him, " Now, Saddala, look here. Tell me what action you would take upon him who steals a way your pots, scatters or breaks them, or upon him who spoils the chastity of your wife.” Saddala replied, “Lord, I would try to punish him as much I like, and even kill him if I could.” Then the Lord said, Saddala, Think before you speak. You are contradicting yourself. You believe that what is destined must happen; why should, then, you be angry with one who harms you in any way. When the breaking or stealing a way of your pots and spoiling the chastity of your Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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