Jain Legend Vol 3

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

Page 222

King Bhoja said, 'O great seer! By seeing his age and experience please do not think that he is a child. Please have faith that Goddess of knowledge Saraswati herself in the mode of this youth have come to this court to hold debate with you. I will accept that your defeating this youth will be the defeat of this royal court.'
Src rya honoured the king's decision and as per traditional rules, he asked his competitor to present his recitations first.
The child debater repeated the pre memorized citations as his presentation. Hearing such recitations, Src rya immediately understood that this child scholar is repeating the memorized verses only without knowing their meanings. Therefore interrupting him in the middle Src rya said, 'O Sir! The last part of recitation is incorrect. Please repeat it.'
With a simple mind, the child scholar demonstrating the truth said, 'I honestly say with firm determination that I am speaking exactly the same as was given to me in writing on a wooden slab.'
On this disclosure of the true state of the child debater, everyone present was stunned to know that he was repeating the lessons given to him.
Sr crya then put up a secretive question ‘O M law r ja! Is this the type of scriptural debates conducted in your royal court?'
After defeating the royal court of King Bhoja in scriptural debates, Sr crya returned to his place of stay immediately. The disgrace of unfolding of the secret and the shame of losing the debate made the king dismiss his court and he retreated to his conference room.
crya B a Saraswat said to his guest S r c rya, 'O crown of scholars! Debating skills and intellect of yours had greatly enhanced the prestige of Jainism. I am feeling happy for this. But now life is in danger. I am greatly worried about your imminent death. Actually King Bhoja, as per his nature, gets the winner of his court killed in one way or the other.'
Pacifying
crya B a Saraswat, S r c rya said, 'Please do not worry about anything. I will definitely protect myself from this sudden danger to my life.'
222