what are the questions asked in gandhar vaad
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Answer
In Gandhar Vād, the main questions are the doubts asked by the eleven Ganadhars before they accepted Bhagwan Mahavir as their spiritual master.
Each Ganadhar had one major philosophical doubt. Bhagwan Mahavir resolved these doubts, and they became his chief disciples.
Main Questions Asked in Gandhar Vād
- 1. Indrabhuti Gautam: Does the soul exist?
- 2. Agnibhuti: Does karma exist?
- 3. Vayubhuti: Is the body itself the soul, or is the soul different from the body?
- 4. Vyakta: Do the five elements truly exist?
- 5. Sudharma: Is the being in the next birth the same as the present being, or different?
- 6. Mandik: Is bondage real?
- 7. Mauryaputra: Do heavenly beings exist?
- 8. Akampit: Do hellish beings exist?
- 9. Achalbhrata: Does punya, merit or auspicious karma, exist?
- 10. Metarya: Does paap, sin or inauspicious karma, exist?
- 11. Prabhas: Is liberation possible?
Explanation
These questions cover the foundation of Jain philosophy:
- Jiva — soul
- Karma — karmic matter and its bondage
- Body and soul distinction
- Reality of existence
- Rebirth
- Bondage and liberation
- Punya and paap
- Heavenly and hellish states
Spiritual Understanding
Gandhar Vād is important because it shows that Jain Dharma is based on deep inquiry, reasoning, and direct spiritual wisdom. Bhagwan Mahavir did not ask the Ganadhars to believe blindly; he removed their doubts through true knowledge.
Takeaway
The questions of Gandhar Vād are not ordinary questions. They are fundamental doubts about the soul, karma, rebirth, bondage, and moksha — the core truths of Jain Dharma.