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Main Index
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OF HIS STATE TO WHOMEVER HE CHOOSES.
NANAK SAYS, HE IS THE KING OF KINGS.
There are many who indulge in this prattle in the sphere of religion. In no other field is it so easy to say whatever you please, because the whole field of religion is mysterious and there are no proofs, therefore anything passes.
Thus there are three hundred different religions. Could there have been so many otherwise? And in these three hundred religions there are three thousand sects -- both big and small. A lot of useless junk has been introduced in the name of religion. Besides, there is no way to judge what is true and what is untrue. And the one who sermonizes is usually so glib!
Mahavir used to speak of seven hells. There was an opponent of Mahavir by the name of Makkhali Gosal. When his disciples asked him whether he knew about the seven hells that Mahavir spoke of, he said, "Mahavir doesn't really know. There are really seven hundred hells."
What are we to do now? Is Makkhali Gosal stating the truth or Mahavir? Who is right? What is the truth?
In the life of Makkhali Gosal it happened exactly as Nanak would predict. Having made far-fetched statements his whole life, he repented at the time of death. As death approached he began to tremble with fear. He called his disciples together and said to them, "Whatever I have told you is a lie. Drag my body along the road when I am dead and tell people to spit on my face, because with this mouth I have uttered nothing but falsity."
This man Makkhali Gosal must have been a man of courage and honesty, or else he would have kept quiet a few moments more. Having spoken lies his whole life, he could have remained silent and died quietly. Then perhaps there would have been a sect or a religion following after him, because there were many who believed in him. He was one of the greatest opponents of Mahavir, though he started as Mahavir's disciple. As soon as he learned something he began to create his own new order, because he was clever and able and a good orator.
When Mahavir came to the village where Makkhali Gosal was staying he insisted on meeting him. "He is my erstwhile disciple. I will
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