48. GAUTAMASWAMI ATTAINS ABSOLUTE KNOWLEDGE AND FIRST SERMON

Indrabhuti, of Gautama Gotra, Was the senior-most disciple of Bhagavan Mahavira. He became Ganadhara at the age of fifty and was in charge of a large number of monks and nuns. But he had great attachment and affection for Bhagavan Mahavira and this proved to be an obstacle in his attaining the absolute knowledge. In order to cut asunder the bonds of affection, Bhagavan Mahavira sent him on a mission to preach the gospel to a Brahmin who was staying in a nearby village, on the very eve of hi Nirvana. On his return journey he learned about Bhagavan Mahavira’s Nirvana and was completely broken down with grief. He went on lamenting and bewailing throughout the night. But then all of a sudden he realized the folly and futility of it and at that very moment he attained absolute knowledge. Then, seated in the Padmasana posture on a golden lotus, he commenced his first sermon.