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484 ] [ Dialogue between Goshala and Prince of Ardrakapura
a fancy to keep disciples with him. Previously he observed a vow of remaining silent, but now he delivers lectures to the public. Such a conduct is highly objectionable on the part of any ascetic. You seem to be quite unfamiliar with the narrow streets of this world. If he considered that Religion consisted in wandering alone, why does he now like to keep an army of disciples with him; and if, on the other hand, he thought that Religion lay in making disciples only, why did he wander alone for so long a time ? Similarly, if silence was religion, speaking in public must be non-religion; and if preaching was religion, why did he remain silent for so long a time ?"
The Prince replied, "Goshalaji, Whatever you may say, you cannot deflect my mind from the resolve it has made. It is dyed deep with the faith in the Lord. I know it quite well that he is as indifferent to love or harted as he was before, and that making of disciples or keeping them with him has produced no effect on his calm mind as yet. Previously, he observed a vow of silence in order to destroy his GhanGhati Karmas; and now he preaches his religious sermons to the ignorant public with the intention of destroying his Aghati Karmas. He knew that one who was imperfect himself, could not teach well; therefore, with the object of attaining omniscience, he practised austere penances, observing a vow of silence at the same time. And, it cannot be said that he did not preach while observing a vow of silence, for his very silence is an instruction for us. It teaches us that we should not speak on a subject in which we are not expert. The great souls teach ns not only by word of mouth but also by their various actions. The Lord has taught us even by
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