Bhagvana Mahavira

Author(s): Tulsi Acharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 61

Foundation of Religious Order
Truth revealed by self-realization. They are rich in spiritual experience and express explicitly the great doctrine of anekänta or multifacetedness of Truth. The world pines for light whenever it finds itself engulfed in the colossal darkness generated by the ever-existing problems of violence, fanaticism, conflict of opinions, dissensions, wars, imbalance, disquiet, lust and craving. The teachings of Bhagavān Mahāvīra can serve as a beacon-light to the world. In the context of these ever-existing problems, the teachings of Bhagavān Mahāvīra are like the eternal, ever new and perennial source of light and guidance.
The Gospel of Anekānta
Indrabhūti Gautama was an erudite and versatile scholar having encyclopaedic knowledge. But his knowledge resulted in turning him extremely self-conceited. It is a common saying that learning purges man of egotism and makes him humble. But it is a cominon experience that it creates a superiority complex and reduces humility in man. Which is true--the common saying or the common experience? The doctrine of anekanta would hold that both of them are true : In the context of the spiritual learning, the foriner is found true, while in the context of the mundane knowledge, the latter holds good. No sooner did Indrabhūti enter the domain of the spiritual learning than his egotism evaporated, and he was filled with a sense of modesty. A now thirst for knowledge was awakened in him. He approached Bhagavān Mahāvīra and asked him enquiringly, "Bhagavan, what is Reality ?”
Bhagavān Mahāvīra replied, “Becoming." Gautama repeated his question, "What is Reality ?" Bhagavān Mahā. vira replied, “Non-becoming.” Gautama repeated his question again, "What is Reality ?" Bhagavān Mahāvīra replied, "Being."
Bhagavān Mabāvīra revealed to Gautama the basic for