Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 5

Author(s): Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication

Page 63

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Farmer Ascetic
By knowing what relation existed between the soul of Gapadhara Mahārāja Indrabhūti (laatama and that if śramana Bhagayān Mahāvīra during his previous life, we shall have a good deal of important material to think about. Because, if an individual comes in contact with another individual, under any unexpected circumstances, it is surprising to see how they invariably meet in future lives.
Śramana Bhagayān Mahāvīra sent Indrabhūti Gautama to a farmer, for the purpose of instructing him in religion. The ever-obedient Gañadhara, immediately on receiving the order from the Venerable Ascetic, went to the farmer, preached him his duties, and initiated hrin into his Order of Monks.
When Gañadhara Mahārāja Indrabhūtı Gautama was ready to take the newly-made farmer-ascetic to śramana Bhagavān Mahāvīra, the farmer-ascetic asked Indrabhūti Gautama, "Where are you taking me now? Indrabhūti Gautama said, “ To my preceptor.' The farmer-ascetic said "Have you a preceptor also ? You appear to be so glorious, what must, then, your preceptor be like ? Now let us go on and let us go quickly to him." So saying, he went on with the Canadhara Mahārāja. As the farmer-ascetic approached the Samavasaraga where śramaņa Bhagavān Mahāvira was preaching, he was wonder-struck with the beauty of the Samavasaraņa and with the grandeur of the prosperity of the Venerable Ascetic who was respectfully attended upon by millions of gods and demi-gods, and he thought within himsell How great must be the preceptor of my Quru who has been enjoying such divine happiness ? I am very fortunate that I got this opportunity of seeing Him."
With these noble ideas uppermost in his mind, the farmerascetic entered the Samavasaraņa, came to its central portion where śramaņa Bhagavān Mahāvīra was, preaching, and as soon as he saw the Venerable Saint, a feeling of animosity of previous