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Life of Lord Mahavira
In the meantime, Mahāvīra went to the settlement of Kollaga, at some distance from Nālandā, where he was hospitably greeted by the Brahmin Bahula. (Kollāga is identified with the modern village Kolhuă.) Gośāla proceeded towards Rajagṛiha and its suburbs to find out Mahāvīra but in vain. He came back to the weaver's shed of Nanda where he gave away his cloths, vessels, shoes, and pictures to a Brahmin of the place, shaved off his hair and beard, and in despair departed in search of the Master. On his way, he came across Kollaga where he saw people praising Bahula's liberality towards Mahāvīra.1
Gośāla continued his search of Mahavira and at last succeeded in finding him out at Paṇiyabhūmi. He again requested him with greater earnestness to make him his disciple. This time his request was granted, and both Mahāvira and his disciple Gośāla lived together for six years in Paniyabhumi, practising asceticism. Afterwards, they started from Paṇiyabhūmi to Kūrmagrāma, and on from Kūrmagrāma to Siddharthagrāma. Siddhārthagrāma is probably the same as Siddhangram in the Birbhum District. While at Kurmagrāma, they met an ascetic named Vesayana who remained seated with upraised arms and upturned face in the glare of the Sun, while his body was swarming with lice. Gośāla enquired whether he was a sage or a bed of lice. Vesayana became very angry and attempted to strike Gośāla with his supernormal powers. Mahavira explained to him the severe ascetic discipline by which such powers could be obtained.
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While at Siddharthagrāma, Gośala uprooted sesame shrub and threw it away. Owing to a lucky fall of rain, the shrub came to life again. From this, he jumped to the conclusion that all plants were capable of reanimation. He drew even further conclusion that not only plants, but in fact all living beings were capable of reanimation. His theory of reanimation and other doctrines did not find favour with
1. HBsJY, p. 23.
2. History of Bengal, Vol. I, p. 22.
PLE-MAKEMBERGS OF OF OMENIRSAN, NORMADO HEAVEN W
