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234
SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
During the days of Mahavira it was different Mutual behaviour was on a free unrestricted footing Lord said to Gautam, 'Gautam! You are to meet a friend of yours today'
'Who is it, sire ?' 'You will meet Skandaka' 'When shall I see him, sire?'
'He is on way to this place He is not far now in a short while he will be here'
'Will my friend seek precept from you, sire ?' 'Yes he will
Before the Lord had finished, Skandaka arrived Gautam on seeing him rose and came forward to receive him
'Welcome to you Skandaka Doubly welcome is your arrival Hearty welcome to you'l
3 In Shravasti near Kritangala there was an abode of roving monks of Vedic order Acharya Gardbhal was their master One Jain monk Pingal lived in the town One day he visited the abode? He enquired of Skandaka1 Planes of existence are finite or infinite ? 2 Lives are finite or infinite?' 3 Liberations (Moksha) are finite or infinite ? 4 Liberated souls are finite or infinite ? 5 What kind of death induces the individual self to streng
then the inertia of repeated incarnations and what kind weaking it?
Skandaka felt quite confused at this volley of queries He failed to reply to these Pingal repeated his questions. Skandaka had no choice but to be quiet Pingal returned unsatisfied
The freedom of coming, going and free questioning in these saintly abodes indicates the absence of restrictions in all matters theological during those days
1 'Bhagwai, 2/20-36 2 Eleventh year of tirthankarhood
