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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
Unique Dialogues
The venerable Tirthankara Mahavira and his principal direct disciple, Gautama, made a wonderful example of a teacher and a disciple. The highly learned Gautama politely asked Tirthankara Mahavira questions and Mahavira answered them with pleasure and affection.
The questions and answers presented deep and intricate know.edge in simple and natural style and language. Extensive and intensive study of scriptures was conveyed to others in such a manner that everyone could understand it easily. Tirthankara Mahavira a answered questions not only of his disciple Gautama but also those of common men. He explained the serene philosophy in simple language.
Gautamaswami put his questions to Mahavira, addressing him as 'Bhante (O Venerable one)', and Mahavira answered them, addressing Gautama as 'O Gautama'. Humility, obvious in the manner in which questions are asked, touches our hearts and affection with which answers are given gladdens our hearts. The fifth canonical anga work entitled Vyakhyaprjnapti or Bhagavatisutra is in the form of dialogues between venerable Mahavira and learned Gautama.
The dialogues contain the essence of Jaina philosophy. The vast and deep knowledge is succinctly contained in this canonical
work as the vast and deep ocean is contained in a small pot. Let us have a glimpse of some of the dialogues.
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