Jainism For Beginners Level 03

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 97

repentance will be in vain since it is not true or sincere.
N.
known as Avadhi-jnan (clairvoyance) by performing severe penance, austerities, & meditation. His Avadhi-jnan was more pure & powerful than that acquired by other laypeople in their spiritual progress.
חודרחרחרת
[3]
ANAND SHRAVAK
O nce upon a time, there lived a
king named Jitshatru in the city of Vanijya, India. A rich householder named Anand also lived in the same city. He was so rich that he had 4 million gold coins, an equal amount of cash, an equal amount invested in business, lots of jewelry, & many other assets. He also owned 40,000 cows. He was highly respected by the king as well as by the people of Vanijya.
At this time Lord Mahavir & his disciples were in town. While returning from Gochari (getting food or alms), Gautam-Swami learned that many people were going to pay homage to Anand Shravak for his newly acquired spiritual ability (Avadhi-jnan) & his austerities. He decided to visit him. Anand was very happy to see GautamSwami, his guru (spiritual teacher). Though weak due to his austerities, he got up & welcomed Gautam-Swami warmly. Gautam-Swami inquired about his health & then asked about his new special ability. With due respect, Anand replied to Gautam-Swami. "Reverend Guru, I have attained a special ability (Avadhi-jnan) with which I can see as high as the first heaven & as low as the first hell."
Stories During Bhagwan Mahavirs Life
-
One day Lord Mahavir visited Vanijya & delivered a sermon. After listening to the sermon, Anand decided to follow Jainism by accepting the twelve vows of a householder. Anand observed these vows for fourteen years & progressed spiritually. One day Anand Shravak attained a special ability
Gautam-Swami explained to Anand, "A layman (Shravak) can attain the special ability of Avadhi-jnan, but not of this magnitude. You need to do Prayashchitta (atonement)forimagining these visions." Anand was puzzled. He knew that he was correct but his Guru questioned his truthfulness & told him to