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Walk With Me
We rarely came across monks of the Parshva tradition during our travels, so this encounter was indeed a rare event. I decided to visit Keshiswami's camp with my colleagues to convey Bhagwan Mahavir's greetings. I was curious and wanted to know more about them. The next morning on our way to Keshiswami's camp, one of my colleagues asked me, “Gurudev, the monks from Acharya Keshi's group are also Sraman. Like us, they receive training in sadhana. Their ultimate goal is also the same as ours. Why then is their sangh separate from ours?"
“I don't know, but this is a good opportunity to find out." I replied. We are a larger sangh, but, we are also a newer tradition. Therefore, it is up to us to ask such questions of Swami Keshi, and report that information to Bhagwan Mahavir."
In the Bharatiya (Indian) tradition, the leaders of different groups came together to debate. One leader would then challenge the other to a debate and the loser would accept the winner as his guru. The news of my decision to meet with Swami Keshi's group had already reached the people; and the city was awash with rumors. What kind of debate would ensue? Which group would win: the larger one of Ganadhar Gautam, or the more ancient tradition of Keshiswami?
Thousands of curious towns' folk had already arrived at the Tanduk Gardens when I reached there. People were expecting that Keshiswami would simply scoff at me, the young challenger. However, they were surprised when Keshiswami welcomed our entire group with warmth and respect, and offered me a seat by his side on the dais.
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