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also told them that henceforth they should not seek his approval in worldly affairs. Thus after discarding all worldly affairs, he began to spend his days in the Paushadha Shala in religious activities.
One day, while he was in kayotsarga, a certain god visited him to test him out of curiosity, but he was found firm in his resolve.
After observing the eleven padimas, Anand became emancipated. He now observed fast upto death. As he progressed spiritually destorying karmas which obscure knowldge, he got Avadhignan (Limited Divine knowledge).
Gautam Swami was on his way begging his food and came to see Anand. Learning from him that he had attained the divine knowledge extending vision, upto the 12th Devaloka, Gautam Swami told Anand that it was not possible for a householder to gain such a vast power of vision, so he should alone for telling a lie. Anand politely asked, please tell me if in Jainism atonement was meant for telling the truth. Gautam Swami became doubtful. He promised Anand to consult Lord Mahavir to decide who was at fault. Lord Mahavir advised Gautam he was in error and should apologise to Anand. Gautam Swami confessed his mistake and openly asked for Anand's apology. It is revealing, how unassuming, humble and devoted to Lord. Gautam was the master of scriptures.
Anand observed the Shravak-dharma for twenty years, and obvserved eleven padimas. Then he observed fast upto death for a month, dying with equainimity and in profound peace. He was reborn as a god in Saudharma Devloka (a heavenly region). After the completion of that span of life he will be reborn in Mahavideh as a human being and shall realise liberation.
Please realise how householders of the ancient times used to observe religious vows with great firmness of mind ! Should we not listen to religious advice and practise at least one or two vratas ? To make our life sublime is the meaning of human life for which however small if may be, but a beginning has to be made right now.
WAY TO TRUE HAPPINESS :
आपदां कथितः पन्था इन्द्रिणामसंयम: ।
तज्जय: संपदां मार्गों येनेष्टं तेन गम्यताम् । Lack of control over senses leads to unhappiness and control over senses leads to happiness. Hence follow either of the paths you like.
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