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486 ][ Discussion between Gautama Svami and Udaka Muni
the prince was very clever.He was on his guard and said, 'I am not criticising any Religion. Just as other followers of a faith give arguments in support of their religious principles, in the same way I am putting my principles before you. Telling the truth is no criticism. The self-controlled people, who are given to the protection of all living beings, cannot criticise any body. In spite of this, if a man is startled to hear their true and simple words, and finding himself unable to say anything in reply charges them with hatred or criticism, it shows that he is yet in the dark and caught fast in the grip of Karmas."
This reply made Goshala hold his tongue. He remained silent for some time; but when he found that he could not influence the Prince in any way, he left him. The Prince proceeded further and met Buddhas, (followers of Buddhism) Vaidikas ( followers of Veda ) and Sankhyas ( Philosophers of the Sankhya school ) etc., on his way. He satisfied all of them with his ready wit and made them believe in the deep principles of Jaina Religion. At length he reached Lord Mahavira, and requested him to consecrate him. The Lord consecrated him accordingly. After accepting consecration, the Prince began to roam about in the country. A DISCUSSION BETWEEN GAUTAMA SVAMI
AND UDAKA MUNI. Once Lord Mahavira was staying with Gautama Svami in a forest named “ Hastioyama,” which was not very far from Nalanda, a suburb of Raja-Girha. Ony day, Gautama Svami met Udaka Muni, a descendent in the line of Lord Parshvanatha. A discussion took place between the two on
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