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Lord Mahavira : A Revolutionary
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and said : "Oh ! you are all busy discussing high philosopy. Can you answer my simple question, "Why should one practice religion ?” They at once replied. "We should do so to achieve material prosperity here.” Mahâvîra merely said, “No” and walked on. At a short distance the Lord reached a temple where people were singing a chant. The tumult of the sound was powerful and penetrating. He went inside and repeated the same question to the singers. They were immersely engrossed in the music, yet replied. “Sir, religion makes our future life happy and so we adhere to it.” The Lord again gave a negative reply and proceeded further on his way.
He was now nearing a big city. A huge congregation caught his eye. On an elevated platform a robust man was addressing the audience. He was discussing religion. Mahâvîra stopped a while. When the lecture was over, he repeated the question to the people. Their leader stated: “We live in a material world. Man becomes happy with fame and name. Therefore religion is practised to acquire these.” Mahâvîra again nodded his head in the negative, and went away.
Now he had reached the outskirts of the town. A dilapidated house attracted his attention. He went inside and saw to his great surprise a man in simple dress sitting in the corner of a room performing meditation. His eyes were closed and he was completely engrossed in his job. Some time after he opened his eyes and found the Lord standing before him. He hastily got up. bowed with reverence and welcomed Mahâvîra. The Lord repeated the same question to him. The man replied, “Lord, religion is infinite. It is the nature of the soul. It should be practised for the spiritual betterment of a life. Purity of life is the pre-requisite of spiritual development.” The Lord exclaimed : “There you are ! You are on the right path. You have truly embibed the essence of religion I can prophesy you emancipation is not far away. You have attained the material light. It shall light your path Go ahead.” The news spread throughout the city. A few hours later men and women assembled in a big .congregation. The whole city was in excitement. They all came to Lord Mahâvîra and requested him to throw light on the true application of religion. Thus the Lord stated:
