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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
The only way we can overcome our past actions is through nonattachment and love.
TEACHING his FOLLOWERS
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
IN THE NEARBY CITY OF APAPA a great religious sacrifice was in progress. It was being staged by a wealthy Brahmin who wanted it to be a grand occasion. He had made lavish arrangements to bring leading scholars and priests from far and wide to teach in his city, and he had succeeded in bringing the eleven most renowned philosophers of India to be present there along with their thousands of disciples. Sacred fires were burning and mantras were being chanted, and the throng of people was waiting for the gods themselves to arrive. However, the gods did not seem to be coming. With consternation the wealthy Brahmin was told that the gods had indeed been seen traversing the sky nearby in their aerial chariots, but they were not coming to his sacrifice instead they were going to a dazzling pavilion that had been erected nearby,
Most disappointed of all was Indrabhuti Gautama, the greatest of the eleven philosophers, who had brought with him his five hundred disciples and was present to give his teachings to the assembly. When he saw that the gods had not come to hear him speak, and instead were going somewhere else, his pride was hurt.
The eleven inost renowned philosophers of India,
with their thousands of disciples, bowed before Mahavira and became his followers.
"What is it that attracts the gods more than the chance to hear from me?" he inquired with indignation. "Mahavira, who was once a great prince of these lands, has returned from thirteen years of spiritual practices, having achieved enlightenment. Now everyone, even the gods, wishes to honor him and hear his teachings."
When he heard these words, Gautama was dismayed.
"Who is this Mahavira?" he demanded to know, "I will go and meet with him, and we shall soon see who is the most learned. My superior knowledge will dazzle him. It is important that I put a stop to him before his teachings spread confusion among the people."
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