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Jaina
Monachism After
completing the practice of Anuvratas
and Pratimas, a house-holder
seeks permission from his relatives to renounce completely mundane
affairs and become a Jaina monk. Then after worshipping panca
Paramesthins (Arhanta, Siddha,
Acarya Upadhyaya, and Sadhu)
he requests the Ganin to admit him into his Order. Being accepted by the
Ganin, he pulls out his hair and becomes a completely naked ascetic
according to the Digambara
tradition. There
were at first no caste restrictions to be a Jaina monk, but later on
Brahmana, Ksatriya, and vaisys are said to have been preferred.42
Robbers, sick prsons, slaves, blinds, debtors, etc. are not to be
admitted into the Order.43 The
new monk makes gradual progress in monkhood and attains the position of Sthavira,
Upadhyaya Acarya, Ganadhara. and pravartaka.44
There are three Monastic Units which are recognized by the Jainas:- (i)
Gana consists of at least
three monks and maximum a thousand.45 It is a unit made up of many kulas
(parasparasa-peksanekakulasamudayah).46 (ii)
Kula forms the Gana
(ganah kulasamudayah)47. (iii)
Gaccha consists of seven
monks (saptapurusako gacchah)48 It
is under a particular Acarya (Guruparivarah.)49
The entire Order consists of monks, nuns, laymen, and women, and is
called Sangha. If one breaks any rules or regulations, he should observe
Prayascittas like Alocana,
Pratikramana, Ubhaya, Viveka, Vyutsarga, Tapa, Cheda, Parihara, and Upasthapana.50
During the rainy season a Jaina ascetic should stop his thouring and
abstai from walking on green grass or water. One should move about only
during the day taking proper care not to tread on any living creature (samyak
iriya samiti).51 Complete
nakedness (jahajaya) is one
of the essentials of Jaina (Digambara)
monkhood.52 He should have 27 qualities Pranalipatavirmana
etc.53 Among the requisites he is permitted to have a broom made of
peacock feathers and a waterpot made of wood for using after answering
calls of nature. He sleeps either on the bare ground or on a plank of
wood. He never uses blankets and the like, even during the cold season.
He is not supposed even to touch money. A
Jaina ascetic takes his meal and water once a day between about 9 A. M.
and 18 Noon. He eats out of his own palms in a standing position. The
concept behind this rule is to abstain from all botherations and mundane
affairs. The food should be pure in nine ways (navakoti-parisuddham).45
The faults pertaining to the improper begging of food are generally
grouped into four, viz. Udgama
(preparation of food), Utpadana
(the ways of adopting food), Esana
(the method of accepting food), and Paribhoga
(way of eating is to gain physical strength adequate for the purpose of
Performing religious duties. The
fundamentals of moral discipline consist of the twenty-eight Mulagunas,
the Uttaragunas, five-fold Acaras,
the twelve Anupreksas or
reflections, the twelve-fold penance or Tapas,
ten kinds of Vaiyavrtya, and
the twentytwo kinds of Parisaha.
They are as follows: The
twenty-eight Mulgunas: (1)
Panca Mahavratas : total
abstention from five great sins, i.e. Himsa
(violence), Asatya (telling a
lie), Steya (theft), Abrahma
(sexual intercourse), and Parigraha
(wordly attachment). (2)
Panca Samitis :five religious
observances, viz. (i) Iriya
or walking with proper care looking 3 1/2 yards ahead, (ii) Bhasa or
speaking with proper care, (iii) Esana,
or taking only pure food which was not specially prepared for him, (iv) Adananiksepana
or proper care in lifting and laving, and (v) pratisthapana
or proper care in excerting. (3)
sadivasyakas : five daily
duties, viz. (i) Samayika or equanimity of soul, (ii) Vandana
or saluting of Tirthankaras
images in the temples. (iii) Stuti,
praising the qualities of holy beings. (iv) Pratikramana
or repentence of faults, (v) Svadhyaya
or reading the scriptures, and (vi) Kayotsarga
or giving up attachment to the body and practising contemplation of the
self. (4)
pancendriyanirodha or
restraint of five senses. (5)
pancacara : five kinds of acaras,
viz. Darsanacara or to induce
strong and steady faith, (ii) Jnanacara
or to increase knowledge, (iii) Caritracara
or to improve one's daily life, (iv) Tapacara,
and (v) Viryacara, to
increase the power of one's inner self. (6)
Triguptis : the three-fold
restraint of mind, body and speech. Besides,
a monk is said to have seven other duties, viz. (i) Kesaluncana
or pulling the hair with one's own hands, (ii) Acelakatva,
or Nakedn ss, (iii) Asnanatva,
or not to bathe, (iv) Bhusayanatva,
or sleeping on the ground, (v) Ekabhukti
or taking only a little food once a day, (vi) Adantadhavanatva,
or not applying a brush to the teeth, and (vii) Taking food in a
standing posture, and only in the hollow of the folded hands. A
monk, as we have already referred to in the last chapter, is supposed to
meditate on the twelve Anvpreksas
or Bhavanas (reflections) and
observe the austerities (tapas
and Parisahas). References
to Jaina Monachism in Pali Literature Pali,
as well as Budhist Sanskrit, literature refers to Nigantha Nataputta as
the head and teacher of a very large Order (sanghi
ceva gani ca ganacariyo ca), well known (nata),
famous (yasassi), the founder
of a sect (titthakara).57 Here
Sanghi, Gani, and Ganacariyo
indicate the stages of gradual development in Jaina hierarchy. The Sadhu
or Nigantha is mentioned as
the ordinary category of monks. Such monks (seha or antevasin) are of
four types in Jaina literature, and their main duties are to practise
the monastic conduct and study. Acarya
is superior to Upadhyaya and
is supposed to be head of a small group of monks. The Avasyakaniryukti
mentions the qualities of a Acarya
viz. that he should possess the five-fold conduct (acara)
knowledge (jnana), faith (darsana),
good behaviour (caritra),
penance (tapa), and fortitude
(virya). Gani,
a head of a gana, is
separated from Acarya, but
his duties are not much different. He is said to be equipped with
eightfold ganisampada, viz. Acara,
Sruta, Sarira, Vacana, Mati, Prayoga, and Sangraha.58
Ganadhara is a chief disciple
of Tirthankar. The Tirthankara
karma is obtained by meditation of Darsanavisuddhi
(purity or right belief), Vinayasampannata
(reverence for means of liberation and for those who follows them). Silavratesvanaticara
(faultless observance of the five vows, and fault-less subdual of the
passions), Abhiksnajnanopayoga
(cease-less pursuit of right knowledge), Samvega
(perpetual apprehension of mundane miseries), Saktitastyaga
(giving up according to one's capacity) Sadhusamadhi
(protecting and reassuring the saints or removing their troubles), Vaiyavrttya-karana
(serving the meritorious), Arhadbhakti
(devotion to arhats or omniscients), Acaryabhakti
(devotion to Acaryas), Bahusrutabhakti
(devotion to Upadhyaya), Pravacanabhakti
(devotion to scripture), Avasyakaparihani
(not neglecting one's duties), Margaprabhavana
(propagation of the path of liberation), and Pravacanavatsalatva
(tender affection for one's brothers on the path of liberation).59 Church
Units The
monks were grouped in various Units under their respective Heads. The
whole congregation of monks, nuns, laymen, and lay-women is called Sangh.
Gana, Kula, and Gaccha
were the main Units. Nigantha Nataputta is said to be a head and a
teacher of such Sangha and Gana
(Sanghi ceva gani ca ganacariyo
ca).60 The gana was the
largest unit made up of many kulas (paraspararasanakakulasamudayah).61
The maximum number of the members of a Gana
is said to be a thousand (utkrstah
Purupusapramanam saharrbyaptharktvam.62 It was headed by Ganadhara
or Tirthankara.63 Vassavasa
or stay in rainy season During
the rainy season a Jaina ascetic is suposed to stop his touring. The
rule was so popular that the people criticise the Buddhist monks for not
adhering to it at the beginning, "How can these recluses,
Sakyaputtiyas, walk on tour during the cold weather and hot weather and
rain trampling down the crops and grasses, injuring life that is one-facultied
and bringing many small creatures to destruction? Shall it be that these
members of other sects, whose rules are badly kept, cling to and prepare
a rains-residence, shall it be that birds having made their nests in the
tree-tops, cling to a proper rains-residence, which these recluses
trample on walking."64 Then the Buddha prescribed the rules
pertaining to the observance of indoor residence in the rainy sesaon. Here
the word annatitthiya refers
to the heretical teachers. We are not aware of this rule in their
doctrines, except in those of Nigantha Nataputta. The Mulacara
Mentions that a Jaina monk should stop touring in the rainy season and
abstain from causing injury to vegetable beings which grow profusely
during this time. Tanarukkhaharidachedanatayapattapavalakandamulaim. Phalapupphabiyaghadam
na karenti muni na karenti. Pudhaviyasamarambham
jalapavanaggitasanamarambham. Na
karenti na karenti ya karentam nanumodanti.65 The
vassavasa in Jainism66 as
well as Buddhism67 commences on the full-moon day of Asadha
and ends on the fullmoon day of Kartika.
The Thananga permits the
monks to go to another place under certain circumastences.68. Requisit
es A
Jaina monk has no attachment to the world. Nakedness or acelakatva is
considered one of the essential of monkhood (lingkappa).69
Pali literature refers to
Jaina ascetics as Niganthas, for they claimed to be free from all bonds
(amhakam ganthanakileso
palibujjhankileso natthi, Kilesaganthirahitaayam ti evam vaditaya
laddhnamavasena Nigantho).70 Cloth
and other requisities are considered Parigraha
(possession) which is an obstacle to the attainment of salvation. Acarya
Kundakunda says: "If (you were to say) it is (found) stated in
certain texts that monk accepts a piece of clothing and possesses a pot,
(we are to ask) how can be (with these) be independent and without
activities involving preliminary sins? If he accepts a piece of
clothing, gourdbowl or anything else, necessarily there is involved harm
to living beings, and there is disturbance in mind.71 Somadeva also puts
forth the same view.72 According to Digambaras,
no body can attain complete emancipation from karmas without being
naked. The
Buddha was completely against nakedness (Acelakatva).
He criticised this rule along with others on several occasions. In Pali
literature the word Acela is
used quite loosely and referred to any naked ascetic rather than a
member of any single organised religious sect.73 In the Vinaya74
both Acelaka and Ajivika
are used synonymously. In the Majjhima
Nikaya, the Buddha is said to have followed the Acelakatva
before he had attained Buddhahood. But in the Dhammapadatthakatha,
a person with an unsettled mind is compared to one who starts as an Acelaka,
Nigantha and Tapasa.75 In
the same work an incident is referred to where he Niganthas wearing a
piece of cloth are considered better than those who are completely
unclothed (Acelakas). The
reason given for wearing a garment was the prevention of dust and dirt
falling into their alms-dishes. For even dust and comprise beings
endowed with life76. This reference appears to the Svetambara
sect of Jainas which apparently had come into existence at the time of
Buddhaghosa. The
same work mentions another incident which happened during the marriage
of Visakha, a lay-woman who was a follower of Buddhism. It is said there
that her father-in-law Migara, follower of Jainism, escorted the naked
ascetics (perhaps Jainas) into his houe for a meal, and called visakha
to pay homage to them. As she entered the hall where the naked ascetics
were eating and looked at them, she said "Men like these are
totally bereft of a sense of modesty and fear of mortal sin and have no
right to the title of Arhant.
Why did my father-in-law send for mee77? Another
story78 gives a dialogus between Sirigutta and Garhadinna, the followers
of Buddha and the Nigantha Nataputta. Garahadinna says to Sirigutta that
the Niganthas (Jaina monks) are
omniscient. They know the past, present and the future. Afterwards
Sirigutta, a follower of the Buddha, trys to test this boast of the
naked ascetics. He prepared a ditch to be dug between two houses. ON
invitation, when the Niganthas came, they fell into the pit and their
bodies were covered with mud etc. Then it is said that he had them
beaten with sticks and brought humiliation upon them. In the end it was
proved that Buddhist monks were ominiscient for they could avoid the pit
which was secretly dug for them too. One factor is important here, that
is, the Jaina monks who figure in this story are only ordinary monks and
Nigantha Nataputta is not connected with the incident at all. All
these references to Acelakas
and Niganthas indicate that the Buddha and his followers were not only
opposed to nakedness, but they also ridiculed it. On the other hand, it
is clear that Acelakatva or nakedness was one of the essentials of Jaina
monkhood. Ascetic
Practices Some
ascetic pratices which were prevalent at that time among Samanas
and Brahmanas are referred to
by the name of Acela Kassapa79. The same practices are said to have been
practised by the Buddha himself before he attained enlightenment80. The
Ajivikas are also said to have followed them91. These practices are as
follows: (1)
He goes naked (acelako hoti). (2)
He is of loose habits (performing his bodily functions, and eating food
in a standing posture, not crouching down, or sitting down, as well-bred
people do. (muttacaro). (3)
He licks his hands clean (after eating, instead of washing them, as
others do)-(hatthapalekhano). (4)
When on his rounds for alms, if politely requested to stop nearer, or to
wait a moment, he passes solidly on (na
ehi bhaddantiko na tittha bhaddantiko). (5)
He refuses to accept food brought to him (nabhihatam) (6)
He refuses to accept food if prepared especially for him (na
uddissakatam). (7)
He refuses to accept any invitation (na nimantanam sadiyati). (8)
He will not accept food straight from the mouth of a pot or pan (so
na kumbhimukha patigganhati, na kalopimukha patigganhati). (9)
He will not accept food placed within the threshold (na
elakamantaram). (10)
Nor among the sticks (na
dandamantaram). (11)
Nor among the pestles (na
musalamantaram). (12)
Nor when two persons are eating (na
dvinnam bunjamanam). (13)
Nor from a pregnant woman (na
gabbhaniya). (14)
Nor from one giving suck (na
payamanaya). (15)
Nor from one in intercourse with a man (na
purisantaragataya). (16)
He will not accept food collected (na
sankattisu). (17)
Nor accept food where a dog is standing (na
yattha sa upatthito hoti). (18)
Nor where flies are swarming (na
yattha makkhika sandasandacarini). (19)
Nor accept fish, nor meat, nor drink, nor intoxicants, nor gruel (na
maccham, na thusodkam pivati). (20)
He is one-houser accepting one mouthful or a two-houser accepting
two-mouthfuls or a seven-houser accepting seven mouthfuls (so
ekagariko va hoti ekalopiko va hoti dvalopiko, sattagariko va hoti
sattalopiko). (21)
He keeps himself going on alms given by only one or only two, or so on,
up to seven (ekissapi dattiya
yapeti, dvihi pi dattihi yapeti, sattahi pi dattihi yapeti). (22)
He takes food only once a day, or once every two days, or so on upto
only seven days. Thus does he dwell observing the practice of taking
food according to rule, at regular intervals, upto even half a month. (ekahikam
pi aharm ahareti, dvihikam pi aharam ahareti, sattihikam pi aharam
ahareti, iti evrupam addhamasikam pi
pariyayabhottabhajananuyogamanuyutto viharati.) Out
of these practices, several are reminiscent of the eight faults
pertaining to food, which arementioned in the Mulacara
viz. Udgama; Utpadana, Esana,
Samyojana, Angara, Dhuma and Karano.32
These are identical with the rules prescribed for Jaina monks. Jacobi
also accepts that "many are quite clear, and bear a close
resemblance to well known Jaina usages.33" The
Udgamadosa84 are of sixteen
kinds. viz. Adhahkarma, Auddesika,
Adhyadhi, Putimisra, Sthapita, Bali, Praviskarama, Krita, Pramrsya,
Abhighata, Udhinna, Malaroha, Accheddya and Anisrsta. Among these
faults some are referred to in the above reference. They are as follows: Nabhikatam
(5) is the abhighata dosa of
the Mulacara, according to
which a Jaina monk should not aceept the food brought from other
places85: Na
uddisakatam (6) is Auddesika
Dosa of the Mulacara
which means: whatever is prepared specially for any saint or Sramana or
Nirgrantha, should not be accepted by a Jaina monk.86 The reaso behind
this rule is that the lay-devotees of Jainism should always take pure
food and be prepared to offer faultless food to a monk at any time.87 Na
kumbhimukha patigganhati, na kalopimukha patigganhati, na elakamantaram,
na dandamantaram, na musalamantaram (8-11) are the Sthapita
and Misra dosas pertaining to
food in Jaina asceticism.88 According to these rules, the utensils and
things cooked therein should not be mixed: Pasanndehi
ya saddham sagarehim ya jadannamuddisiyam. Dadumidi
samjadanam Siddham missam viyanahi. Pagadu
bhayanao annamhi ya bhayanamhi pakkhaviya. Saghare
va paraghare va nihidam thavidam viyanahi.89 Sankattisu
(16) is the Praduskara (sankramana)
and Rnadosa of the Mulacara.
According to them, the food for Jaina monks should neither be collected
nor be borrowed from any other places.90 This indicates that a donation
should be made according to one's capacity.91 So ekagariko
va. dvagariko va. sattagariko vahoti (20) are identical with the Acinna
dosa. A muni should not
go begging beyond seven houses. He is supposed to have returned in case
he could not get alms92. Na
dvinnam bhunjamananam, (12) Na
gabbhiniya93, (13) Na
payamanaya94 (14) Na puri
santaragataya (15) are identical with the Dayaka Dosas, according to
which a woman who is eating (ghasatti), is pregnant (gabbhini)
or is nursing a baby (piyamanam
darayam) is not eligible to offer alms to a monk.95 Na
ehi bhadantiko, Na tittha bhadantiko (4) Na
uddissakatam (6) are related
to Uddista-tyaga, according to whic a Jaina monk does not accept any
invitation. (uddistam
pindamapyujjhed). Mode
of eating We
have already seen that a Jaina monk (Digambara) does not possess
anything except a water-pot and a broom. He therefore eats food in the
hollow of his palms in a standing position.96 The hatthapalekhano
(3) indicates the same mode of eating of Jaina saints in an ironical
way. The Muttacaro (2) also
perhaps hints the same. Somadeva points out here that although no body
attains salvation by observing this mode of eating but it gives an
impression that an ascetic takes an oath that he should take his meals
till he could keep food in the hollow of his palms in standing
position.97 Quantity
of food AJaina
monk is supposed to fill half his belly with food, one fourth with
water, and one fourth with wind. The maximum quantity of food to be
taken ordinarly is 32 morsels (kavala).98 the `Ekalopiko,
dvalopiko, sattalopiko indicate further restrictions on the quantity
of food consumed by a monk. The
Circumstances under which Food could not be taken A
long list of circumstances under which food could not be taken is given
in the Mulacara. If a crow
touches the food or if some one vomits or if the monk happens to see
blood or flesh or somebody crying or if living beings like flies fall
into his food, no food should be accepted under such circumstances. Na
yattha sa upatthito hoti (17), Na
yattha makkhika sandasandacarini (18), Na
maccham, na mamsam, na suram, na merayam, na thusodakam pivati (19)
point out further circumstances. Fasting The
reference "Ekahikam pi
aharam ahareti, dvihikam aharam ahareti, sattihikam pi aharam ahareti,
iti evarupam addha masikam pi pariyayabhattabhojananuyogamanuyutto
viharati," (22) shows that fasting was prevalent in the Acelaka
sect, especially in Jainism. According to Jaina ethical standpoint, one
should fast according to dravya
(substance), ksetra (place), kala
(time), and bhava (mental
state. Various methods fasting are mentioned in Jaina literature and
monks used to fast even for months.99 Thus
the above mentioned references to Acelaka's practices in Pali literature
are related in many respects to the practices of Jaina monachism. Supernatural
Powers Supernatural
powers of Jaina monks are referred to in Jaina literature.100 But they
were prohibited to show them in public for such purposes as obtaining
food.101 Later on, certain occasions the Jaina monks were allowed to
make us of such powers.102 Acarya Smantabhadra103 and Siddhasena
Divakar104 are famous for displaying such supernatural powers. The
Vinaya Pitaka105 mentions
that the six heretical teachers including Nigantha Nataputta approached
a great merchant of Rajagaha to get a bowl. But all of them failed and
Pindola Bharadwaja, a follower of the Buddha, fetched it down. Likewise,
the Digha Nikaya refers to an incident where a Nigantha failed in
manifesting the supernatural powers which he claimed. How far these
references are correct, we cannot say. But the Jaina literature, does
not preserve any record of such incidents which could tally with these
references in Pali literature. Daily
routine As
regards the routine of a Jaina monk, he is supposed to spend more time
in study and meditation. He gets up early in the morning and pays his
homage to the Pancaparamesthins
during Samayika or Kayotsarga.
Besides begging and preaching he engages himself in the performance of
duties without transgressions. His duties are to observe the Pancamahavratas,
pancasamitis, Sadavasyakas Pancendriyas Dvadasanupreksas, twenty two
Parisahas, Pancacaras, and Triguptis.
References to them as found in the Pali literature are as follows: rere
as follows:
re asre
as follows: Pancamahavratas Thre
as follows:re as follows:re
as follows: Panre
as follows: Pancamahavratas The
Samannaphala Sutta of the Digha Nikaya mentions the Catuyamasamvre
are as fre as fore asre
as follows: re
as follows:re as
follows: Pancamahavratas The
Samannaphala Sutta of the Digha Nikaya mentions the Catuyre as followre
as follows: re
re asre as follows:re as
follows: Pancamahavratas Thre
as re as followsre as
follows: re
as follows: Pre
as fre as follows:re as
follows: Pancamahavre
as re as follows:re as
follows: Pancamahavratas The
s avoided. This
is undoubtedly a very faint picture of Nigantha Nataputta's doctrine.
Buddhaghosa's Sumangalavilasini
also does not help much in this respect. Jacobi remarks: "This is
certainly, neither an accurate nor an exhaustive description of the
Jaina creed, though it contains nothing alien from it and successfully
imitates the language of the Jaina Sutras." He further says that
"The Buddhists, I suppose, have made a mistake in ascribing to
Nataputta Mahavira's doctrine which properly belonged to his predecessor
Parsva. This is a signiflcant mistake; for the Buddhists could not have
used the above term as descriptive of the Niganthas creed unless they
had heard it from followers of Parsva, and they would not have used it
if the reforms of Mahavira had already been generally adopted by the
Niganthas at the time of the Buddha."108 There
are several versions of the Samannaphala
Sutta different from each other. For instance, the Tibetan Dulva
retains Nigantha Nataputta's authentic teaching of wiping and karma by
penance, while in one of its Chinese versions date 412-13 A.D. Nigantha
Nataputta claims omniscience, and in another Chinese version dated
381-395 A.D., he is mentioned to hold the view of karma.109 Basham
thinks that SamannaphalaSutta
shows a completeness and consistency lacking in the rest, and perhaps
represents the original source of the other references"110 This,
however, does not seem to be quite correct. As a matter of fact, the Caluyamasamvara
followed by Parsvanatha tradition comprised: (i) Sarvapranatipataveramana,
(ii) Sarvamrsavadaveramana,
(iii) Sarvadattadanaveramana,
and (iv) Sarvabahiddhadanaveramana.
Here the Maithuna (sexual
intercourse and Parigraha
(worldly attachment) were included in the last vow, that is Sarvabahiddhadanaveramana. In
course of time its real meaning was forgotton and the followers of
Parsvanatha tradition or Pasavaccijja
considered the Sarvabahiddhadanaveramana
(Parigraha) as concerned only, with wealth, and not sexual desires. As a
result, they did not consider the Strisamibhoga
to be a falt if it is done for getting a son.113 This is the reason why
one was advised not to have contact with them.114 Observing
this slackened conduct, Nigantha Nataputta separated the last into two
vow viz. Brahmacarya
(celibacy) and Aparigraha
(non-attachment to the worldly enjoyment), and made it into five. Since
then the Jainas are called the followers of five great vows (Pancamahavratas).115
It seems, as we have already seen that the Pali Canon was also familiar
with Pancamahavratas. Pancasamitis The
Majjhima Nikaya111 describes
the kind of language which should be used by a Jaina monk. It is said
there that "Nigantha Nataputta sent Abhayarajakumara to the Buddha
to ask a question whether he (the Buddha) utters a speech that is
disliked by others, or disagreeable to them. If he speaks so, what is
the difference between him and a common man." This indicates that
according to Nigantha Nataputta no monk should speak harshaly.117 Sadavasyakas Among
the Sadavsyakas, only the Kayotsarga
* is referred to in Pali literatute. In the Majjhima
Nikaya118 the Buddha told Mahanama that while he was staying at Rajagaha,
he had seen a number of Niganthas on the Isigili Kalasila standing
erect, refraining from sitting, and experiencing acute, painful, sharp
and bitter sensations. This
reference indicates the Kayotsarga
or Samayika as prescribed for
the Jaina monks. It should be performed without movement of or
attachment to the body (sthitasyasinasya
sarvangacalanarahitasya subhadhyanasya vrttih Kayotsargah,119 Loca
or Kesaluncana One
should pull out his hair of head and beard in five handfuls with
intervals of two, three or four months following a upavasa
and Pratikramana.120 Before
the attainment of Buddhahood, Prince siddhartha had himself observed
this rule. He says, "I was one who plucked out the hairs of head
and beard intent on the practice of doing so (kesamassulocako
hoti, kesamassulocananuyogamauuyutto).121 Acelakatva Acelakatva
(nakedness) with non-attachment to anything is essential to attain
salvation.122 According to the Majjhima Nikaya123, the Buddha, too,
followed this rule before attaining Buddhahood. Triguptis Trigupti
is the essence of a monk's creed to which he should thoroughly adher to
destroy karmas.124 The Niganthas, who were engaged in severe penance on
Gijjhakutapabbata at Rajagaha said to the Buddha that according to
Nigantha Nataputta, the past deeds could be destroyed by preserving the
proper control over the mind, body, and speech (yam
panetha etarahi kayena sambuta; vacaya samvuta, manasa samvuta tam
ayatim papassa kammassa akaranam.......). As its corollary it is
said that the kayadanda,
vacidanda and manodanda
are said to be the causes of sins.125 Meditation126
(dhyana) and concentration (samadhi)
are fundamental obligations of a Jaina monk. Meditation is of four
kinds, namely Artadhyana
(painful concentration) Raudra
dhyana (wicked concentration), Dharmadhyana
(righteous concentration) and Sukladhyana
(pure concentration). The first two are the causes of bondage to the
karmas, while the last two lead to salvation,127 The severe penance
observed by the Niganthas at Rajagaha was to attain the last two dhyanas,
for which the self-realization was essential. The regular study, the
right conduct, right attitude, and non-attachment, are the factors which
pave the way to Dharmadhyana.128
The Sukladhyana contributes
to the steadiness of the mind which ultimately results in the attainment
of omni science. Thus
the reference to Jaina ethics as found in Pali literature are, though
meagre and sometimes defective, very important. From our survey of these
references, we may conclude that: (i)
Catuyamasamvara was followed
by the Parsvanatha tradition, and not Nigantha Nataputta tradition, and
the Buddha and his followers were not perfectly aware of this difference
in the two traditions. (ii)
Nigantha Nataputta separated the last vow of Catuyamasamvara
into two Brahmacarya and Parigraha,
which was known to the Pali Canon, (iii)
The Gunavratas and Siksavratas
were so popular among both the monks and the laity that their nature and
implications were well known to Buddhist circles. (iv) Acelakatva and other severe forms of penance were put into practice in Jaina community during that period, and Jainism had already acquired a fame for the severity of its vows and observences. |