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SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
the norm in the domain of existence and pragmatism in that of individuality
Lord Mahavira has a votary of custence but he was alvare of the expectations of an individual. To advance on individual toivards pure existence, his individuality was also to be made instrumental Said the Lord, 'Monks! Bofore discussing religion with an individual,heep in mind wlio lie is and and whose votary
Once he was at Rajgnha. A few monks of Lord Parsliwa's creed visited him They expressed their query, 'Lord! In the infinite world the days and nights that passed were finite or infinite ?
'Infinite.' What leads you to believe so, sire ?'
"You have studied the views of Lord Parshiva I owe this knowledge to him Lord Parshiva las affirmed that the planes of existance are infinite with no beginning and no end Since they are beginningless and endless the days and nights would also be infinite."
Lord Mahavira was the creator of tirthas (moral orders) and canons Hence he hardly needed to qoute another. Sull he referred to the word of Lord Parshwa. The sole purpose was to bring home the truth to Lord Parshwa's followers Citing the testimony of Lord Parshwa was certainly felicitous in the circumstances. Hence he did so. Besides, le meant to convey that truth is inherently true Enunciation at another's hands does not lend it its' veracity. The sage witnesses the patent truth that does not borrow its veracity from exposition by somebody
The Lord recited Vedic hymns to bring home the self to Gautam. The Lord's relativism operated behind it, it is the self-same truth for all and it is amenable to all. It is nobody's privileged possession. It is nobody's prerogative to give it
1. 'bhagwat', 5/254, 255 2 'Anashyal churai, I pt p 336
