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you do not care for the support of people. I therefore, earnestly request you, that I was formerly unfit for dīksā on account of my possession of a number of clothes etc, but, now, I am placed in a more suitable position as I have left thein all. Therefore, O Enlightner of the Three Worlds? You do we the favour of accepting me as your disciple. You alone will be my religious preceptor throughout my life. O Lord | I have prevented, with great difficulty my heart being burst by a short-lived separation only with a desire of meeting you again. I know that affection towards an individual devoid of worldly pleasures does not last long. However I cannot in any way prevent my affectionate heart. Leaving aside everything, if you will only took upon me with your lovely newly-blossomed lotus- like sigbt, I will understand that you have accepted ine". When Srainaņa Bhagavān Mabāvira was so politely and affectionately requested, he accepted the request of Gośāla although he himself was perfectly free from an idea of love Śramana Blagavāı Mahāvira knew that Gośāla was a wicked man and that he would do great mischief in future, however great souis never show indifference towards persons who become affectionate.
Third Year of Ascetic Life (B. C. 566-65. )
Śrainaņa Bhagavān Mahāvira lest Kollăga Sannivesa and went in the direction of Suvarna Khala accompanied by Gośāla. On seeing some cowherds preparing rice--pudding with milk and entire grains of new rice in a large dish Gośāla said, “ O Lord I I am very hungry. Let us wait for the rice -pudding". Siddha. riha on getting an opportunity after a long time, said “O yood man ! Do not despair. The dish of rice-pudding will break down before the rice-pudding is ready". With a desire to falsify the words of Śramana Bhagavăn Mahāvīra, on account of his own innate wicked nature, Gośāla went to the cowherds and told thein, “ Ah! this worshiplul sage, on account of his super. physical powers of knowing past and future events, says that the milk-dish will break down accidentally and that you should, therefore, take utmost care for it. Becoming greatly afraid on
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