Sthaviravali

Author(s): Ratnaprabhvijay
Publisher: Jain Granth Prakashak Sabha

Page 74

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Although Gañadhara Bhagavān Indrabhūti Gautama had extensive knowledge of many Sastras and possessed many wonderful fon Labdhis, Natural acquisitions, he was greatly devoted to Sramaņa Bhagavān Mahāvīra. His love for his Guru was unique, and he was always prepared to act in accordance with his orders. He was never engaged in any important undertaking without the consent of Srama na Bhagavān Mahāvīra. He invariably, immediately and joyfully executed whatever orders were given and no matter at whatever time these orders were given. He not only did not have the slightest idea in the remotest corner of his Soul, that the execution of the orders of Šramaņa Bhagavān Mahāvīra would, in any way, be detrimental to his exalted position, but he used to make himself sure by repeated questioning to śramaņa Bhagavān Mabāvīra whether the explanation acquired by himself about the nature of objects was strictly in accordance with the usage of the canonical knowledge or not. He never had the slightest idea in his mind that whatever he knew was quite appropriate and that there was no need for having an explanation from the Venerable Ascetic. He was never proud of his knowledge.
By knowing what relation existed between the soul of Gañadhara Mabārāja Indrabhūti Gautama and that of Sramana Bhagavāni Mabāvīra during his privious 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.
Srama na Bhagavān Mahāvīra sent Indra bhūti Gautama to a farmer, for the purpose of instructing bim 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 him into his Order of Monks.
When Ganadbara Maharaja Indrabhūti Gautama was ready to take the newly-made farmer-ascetic to śramaņa