________________
boundless peace, but a moment seemed as long as a year to Kumadac'andra. At any cost, he wanted to make Déva Suri enter into debate with him, and hence he went beyond limits. To tease the Swetămbari ascetics, happened to be his main occupation. A nun passing by the way, was also harassed. She approached the Guru and made a complaint. Pacifying her coolly, the Guru said, “That wicked person is sure to suffer a fall due to his evil deeds" The old nun who had been'angry on account of molestation chanced to utter, “Whether that wretch will fall or not, is uncertain, but the society relying on you, will assuredly
fall. ”
These expresseions touched the heart of the Acârya, and he became conscious of his position and responsibility. He, at once, asked the Jaina society to arrange for a debate. Kumudc'andra was quite ready. The day was fixed, and the Guru, with auspicious marks started for the debate In this assembly of debate, the poet Śreepala had played an important part as a prominent person He had a partiality for Śwetāmbara sect and he had given very geart encouragement to Deva Sūri. Hemc'andra Sûri, who was called Kalıkâlasrvajna ( knowing every thing in the days of the iron age, had taken part in this assembly at the age of 36 years, and had rendered good assistance to Déva Sûri as his helper
During the course of debate and discussion, Déva Sari with the help of the commentary on Uttaradhyayan written by SantiSûri the Vådivetal, started this discussion on the subject of the salvation of females and at the end of the debate he made Kamudac'andra silent, and then defeated him.
Thre was a great multitude of persons in the King's assembly who sided the Digambaris, and partiality was shown to them during competition, yet having a firm faith in his victory, the Guru had accepted the challenge Regarding the challenge, it was so decided that, if the Digambars were defeated they should, be
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
