History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c11.s5.3
History and Doctrines of the Ājīvikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c11.s5.3
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c11.s5.3
On finding that Mahāvīra had left the weaving-shed Gosāla searched for him high and low in Rāyagiha. Unable to find him, he returned to the weaving-shed, where he stripped off his upper and lower garments, and gave them, with his waterpots, slippers, and picture-board, to a brāhmaṇa.¹ He then shaved his hair and beard and went away. As he passed Kollāga he heard the cheering of a crowd, and concluded that it was applauding Mahāvīra. So he made a further search, and found Mahāvīra at Paṇiyabhūmī, outside Kollāga. He once more begged Mahāvīra to accept him as a disciple. This time his request was granted, and for six years after the meeting at Paṇiyabhūmī the two shared the hardships and joys of the ascetic life.²