________________
Bbaga wan Mahavir ]
[ 423
arguments, am unable to debate with the Lord.” At this, Saddala said to him, “I am pleased to hear this praise of my religious instructor, Lord Mahavira, from your mouth; I therefore offer my respects to you and pray you to say here with me; I shall make all arrangements of food, drink and bed for you.” Goshala accepted his request and stayed at his house. He then tried to persuade Saddala to be his follower again; but all was in vain. Saddala's heart was dyed fast in the eye of Lord Mahavira's instructions, and could not, therefore, accept any other colouring. Atlast when Goshala found that it was useless to persuade him any more, he left him, and went away with his disciples.
LORD MAHAVIRA IN RAJA-GRIHA.
During his wanderings, one day, Lord Mahavira came to Raja--Griha. Here Mahashatakaji was greatly influenced by his instructions. He accepted the 12 vows of a house holder and tried to better his life like other Shravakas. A detailed account of these above-mentioned ten Shravakas is found in the Upasaka-Dashanga. They tried to mould their lives according to the instructions of Lord Mahavira, and became famous throughout the world. They are described at length in the Jain Sutras, and people may draw inspiration from a careful study of their lives.
We, too, can mould our lives in the same manner in which these Shravakas moulded theirs. We ought to realise the importance of human life. We should never allow the feelings of pride and selfishness to overpower us. We should never distinguish between man and man on the score of his caste, creed, colour, and nationality, but try instead to deve
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
