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The Thunderbolt of Violence
against Non-violence
Lord Mahavira stayed at Kaushthak chaitya in Shravasti His principle disciple Gautam went inside the town for begging food He learnt that Gaushalak claimed to be Jina (tirthankar).
When Gautam returned to the Lord he said, 'I have heard in Shravasti today that Gaushalak calls himself a Jina Is it correct, sire ? Pray, let me know his antecedents'
Said the Lord, 'Gaushalak's father was Mankhali and mother Bhadra I was spending my second rains in the weaving-shed outside Nalanda Gaushalak also came down to stay there I had observed fast for a month I visited Vijaya's house for my first meal He offered me food most courteously This mode of offering meals was applauded by the townmen
Gaushalak also came to know of it He got interested in me He said, 'You are my preceptor Accept me as your disciple, sir?' I refused to accept him
'The second month-long fast was broken by me at householder Ananda's place and the third month-long fast at Sunanda's place To break my fourth month-long fast I went to the neighbouring place called Kollag from Nalanda A Brahmin named Bahul lived there He offered me meals Gaushalak located me where I was on the outskirts of Kollag. We met at Panyabhumi He said to me, 'you are my preceptor,
