Jain Journal 2008 04 No 04

Author(s): Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/520270/1

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ISSN 0021-4043 A QUARTERLY ON JAINOLOGY VOL. XLII No. 4 April - 2008 Journal ||jain bhavanA JAIN BHAWAN PUBLICATION

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With best compliments A person becomes a monk by equanimity, a Brahmana by practising celibacy, an ascetic by acquiring knowledge and a hermit by his austerities. . LODHA CHARITABLE TRUST 14 Government Place East Kolkata - 700 001

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a quarterly on Jainology JAIN JOURNAL // jaina bhavana JAIN BHAWAN CALCUTTA

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JAIN JOURNAL Vol. XLII No. 4 April 2008 Rupees Fifteen Copyright of articles, stories, poems, etc. published in the Jain Journal is reserved. All contributions, which must be type-written, and correspondence regarding contributions, and book-reviews should be addressed to the Editor, Jain Journal, P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata-700 007. For advertisement and subscription please write to the Secretary, Jain Bhawan, P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata-700007. Subscription : for one year : Rs. 60.00, US $ 20.00: for three years : Rs. 180.00, US $ 60.00. Life membership : India : Rs. 2000.00, Foreign : US $ 160.00. Cheques must be drawn in favour of only Jain Bhawan Phone No: 2268 2655. Published by Satya Ranjan Banerjee on behalf of Jain Bhawan from P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata-700 007, and composed by Jain Bhawan Computer Centre and printed by him at Arunima Printing Works, 81 Simla Street, Kolkata-700 006. Editor : Satya Ranjan Banerjee

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Contents 179 THE CARVAKAS AND THE JAINS : AN OVERVIEW Ramkrishna Bhattacharya 184 CONCEPT OF SOUL/SELF (ATMA IN JAIN PHILOSOPHY Dr. Veer Sagar Jain 200 JAIN SOCIETY IN THE REIGN OF JAIN KINGS Satya Ranjan Banerjee

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JAIN JOURNAL Vol. XLII No. 4 April 2008 THE CARVAKAS AND THE JAINS: AN OVERVIEW Ramkrishna Bhattacharya The Carvakas, the Buddhists and the Jains share a common platform in the Indian philosophical scene in as much as they all refused to accept the Vedas as an instrument of cognition on a par with perception and inference. Hence the Brahminical philosophical schools call all of them nastika -s, that is, negativist, non-believers in the Vedas. Curiously enough, the Jains and the Buddhists in their turn brand the Carvakas as nastika for an altogether different reason, viz. the Carvakas deny the existence of the after-world and the concept of rebirth.' Ambiguity in the use of the two terms, astika and nastika, is a pointer to the antagonistic relations between the pro-Vedic (Brahminical or orthodox) philosophical schools, such as the six traditional systems of philosophy, namely, Mimamsa, Nyaya, etc. on the one hand, and the non-Vedic (anti-Brahminical or heterodox) systems on the other. At the same time all the three heterodox systems had very little in common to them. In their acceptance of after-life, the Jains were akin to the Brahminical school, but in their opposition to animal sacrifice in ritual performances and post-mortem rites (sraddha), their views tally with that of the Buddhists. This leads us to an interesting question : what was the attitude of the Carvakas towards non-violence ? Being uncompromising materialists, quite naturally they had nothing to do with the Vedic sacrificial act (yajna) or performance of post-mortem rites. In a number 1. For different meanings of astika, and nastika, see, besides the standard Sanskrit dictionaries, Hopkins, 86-87.

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180 JAIN JOURNAL : VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL 2008 of verses attributed to the Carvakas, satirical references are made to the futility of such senseless acts. One of these verses cited in SayanaMadhava's SDS reads as follows: mrtanam api jantunam sraddham cet trptikaranam / nirvanasya pradipasya snehah samvardhayec chikham /1.3 Sayana-Madhava most probably got the verse from the PC (2.21), where Carvaka himself is made to speak these words. Yet Hemacandra too quotes this couplet in denouncing Vedic sacrifices in the autocommentary on his YS (2.43), with a minor variant in b. Similarly Mallisena quotes the verse in his commentary on Hemacandra's AYVD. There is only a minor variant in c. In all other respects the verse quoted is similar to the reading found in the PC. It is difficult to believe that Hemacandra would borrow the verse from the Carvakas, although he preferred to have a pronounced nastika like Carvaka rather than Jaimini, whom he calls "a demon, in the disguise of an ascetic, mouthing the words of the Vedas." . Moreover, it is worth noting that both Hemacandra and Mallisena have quoted from the Manu. (3.268) in the same context in which the matanam api verse is quoted. Manu enjoins which kinds of animals are to be offered as food for the ancestors : fish for two months, deer for three months, sheep for four months and foul for five months. Hemacandra does not attribute the authorship of the mrtanam api verse to anyone in particular. Mallisena however refers rather vaguely to the followers of a "great ssi" (paramarsah). It is therefore conceivable that both Hemacandra and Mallisena knew the verse to be of Jain origin and unhesitatingly employed it against the Vedic ritualists in general. Ktsnamisra apparently made no distinction between the Carvakas and the Jains insofar as both were anti-Vedic; hence he could make his Carvaka echo the Jain view vis-a-vis nonviolence, or rather opposition to violence as such, even if it was violence sanctioned by the Vedas. 2. For a collection of such verses, see R. Bhattacharya, 2002. 3. For a detailed discussion of the variant readings of this verse, see K. Bhattacharya, 2003.

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Ramkrishna Bhattacharya : TheCavakas and the Jains: Anvoerview B Like all other philosophical systems of India the Carvaka-s too had a sutra work and several commentaries thereon. Unfortunately none of them has survived. Attempts have been made to reconstruct the basic tenets of the system by assiduously collecting all fragments that lie scattered in the works of other philosophical schools. Jain authors right from Jinabhadra down to Gunaratna and others provide us with an invaluable source of information. No fewer than seventeen authors of original philosophical works, commentators of Jain canonical texts and compilers of digests/compendia have quoted almost verbatim both from the now-lost Carvakasutra and its commentaries. Not that Jain philosophical works alone refer to them but the readings of the aphorisms are confirmed by comparing them with other Brahminical and Buddhist books of the same nature. The names of Anantavirya, Haribhadra, Hemacandra, Prabhacandra, Siddharsi, Vadidevasuri, and Vadirajasuri deserve special mention. As regards the commentators of the Carvakasutra, three of them have been mentioned and quoted more or less extensively by the Jain savants. Without their help we would have no supporting evidence about the commentaries of Aviddhakarna, Purandara and Udbhatabhatta. Vadidevasuri refers to Udbhata as jarad-dvijanmamahanubhavah, "respectable veteran twice-born". This also proves that the Carvakas were taken as serious philosophers and not merely as propounders of an eat-drint-and-be-merry attitude to life. The logical acumen of Aviddhakarna and Udbhata is clear from the extracts quoted in Jain philosophical works. Similarly at least six verses attributed to the Carvakas also occur in the works of Jain writers. They also help us to determine the original readings of the couplets. More importantly, Jain works, both philosophical and nonphilosophical, make us aware of the existence of two materialist 4. See n2. all sources are to be found here. 54 SVR, 764, lines 24-25 181

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182 JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008 schools in India: pre-Carvaka and Carvaka / Lokayata. The basic difference lies not so much in the doctrine itself but in the number of elements to be admitted. The earlier school noted in the SKS was bhutapancakavadin, who professed their belief in five gross elements, viz. earth, water, fire, air, and space. The Vasu. and the Ska too refer to this proto-materialist school." The existence of such a school is corroborated by the Mbh, and Manimekalai. The Carvakas, on the other hand, were bhutacatustayavadin-s, who did not consider space as a separate element, presumably because space was not susceptible to any sense-organ. Thus, in the task of reconstructing the history of materialism in India the service rendered by the Jain authors and commentators is invaluable. Earlier scholars like D.R. Shastri and Mamom Namai utilized several Jain sources, but many more Jain works have been published in the recent past. Farther exploration will certainly yield fruit.7 6. For sources etc., see R. Bhattacharya, 2004 7. I have tried to incorporate some sources in my articles, 2002 and 2007.

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Ramkrishna Bhattacharya: TheCavakasandthe Jains:Anvoerview 183 Works Cited AYVD. Hemacandra. Anyayoga-vravaccheda-dvatrimsika with Mallisena's Syadvadamanjari. Ed. A.B. Dhruba. Poona: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 1933. Bhattacharya, Ramkrishna. "Carvaka Fragments: A New Collection". Journal of Indian Philosophy (Dordrecht), 30:6, December 2002. ------ "A Probable Jain Source for a Verse in Sarva-darsana-samgraha, Chapter I", Jain Journal (Kolkata), 38:1, July 2003. "Jain Sources for the Study of Pre-Carvaka Materialist Ideas in India". Jain Journal (Kolkata), 38:3, January 2004. -------- "What is Meant by Svabhavam Bhutacintakah?" in Karin Preisendanz (ed), Expanding and Merging Horizons: Contributions to South Asian and Cross Cultural Studies in Commemoration of Wilhelm Halbfass, Wien: Verlag der Osterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften (Vienna: Austrian Academy of Science Press), 2007. Hopkins, E. Washburn. The Great Epic of India (1910). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1993. Manimekalai Silappattihasam by Ilanko Adigal and Sattanar. Retold by Laksmi Holmstorm. Hyderabad: Orient Longman, 1996. Manu. Manusmrti. Ed. J.H. Dave. Bombay: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1972-84. PC. Krsnamisra. Prabodhacandrodaya. Ed. Sita Krishna Nambiar, Delhi: Motilal . Banarsidass, 1971. SDS, Sayana-Madhava, Sarvadarsanasamgraha. Ed. Vasudeva Sastri Abhyankar, Poona: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 1978. SKa, Haribhadra, Samaraicca Kaha. Ed. Hermann Jacobi. Calcutta: The Asiatic i Society, 1926. SKS and SKSVr. Silanka. Sutrakrtanga-sutra-vrtti. Re-ed. Muni Jambuvijaya. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Indological Trust, 1979. SVR. Vadidevasuri. Syadvadaratnakara. Ed. Matilal Ladhaji Osval (Delhi: Bharatiya Book Corporation. 1998). Vasu. Sanghadasaganivacaka, Vasudevahimdi, Part 1, Ed. Caturvijaya and Punyavijaya (1930-31). Gandhinagar: Gujarat Sahitya Akademi, 1989. YS. Hemacandra. Yogasasiram (with auto-commentary). Bhavnagar: Srijainadharma Pracarasabha, 1926. Revised version of a paper presented in the national seminar on Ethics and Philosophy in Jain Literature organized by the Asiatic Society, Kolkata, 10-11 March 2006.

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CONCEPT OF SOUL / SELF (ATMA) IN JAIN PHILOSOPHY Dr Veer Sagar Jain Jain philosophy is based on the duality of existence i.e. as living beings and non-living beings. Here also the main focus of Jain philosophy is the living being only and there also it is the self/ soul or atma which is specific to me the individual 'I'. To understand this through an example, we can say that atma is the addressee while the rest of the living beings and non-beings are like the address on the envelope. Therefore a number of philosophers have called Jain philosophy highly spiritual. The holy texts of Hindus, namely Vedas and Puranas also mention that the first preacher of Jain religion, Lord Rsabha Deva, was an exponent of the science and knowledge of soul. A reader will find extremely detailed and logical description of soul in Jain philosophical literature. There is no aspect of soul which has not been elucidated by Jain preceptors / acaryas in Jain literature. Not only have they explained the subject but also they have analyzed the subject with facts and figures and with all their pros and cons. The reason behind such a detailed treatment given to the subject by Jain philosophers and acaryas has been that the knowledge of self/soul is the foundation of the religion and ignorance about it is the cause of all pain in this world. One starts becoming religious by acquiring the knowledge of the self. Without knowledge of the self, our religious activities do not yield the desird spiritual beneficence. Jains say that one who knows the self knows everything; the cosmos, the canonical literature and so on. In fact, he has achieved emancipation. However, one who does not have the true knowledge of the self and has the vast knowledge of all books and other worldly arts, sciences and objects are still termed as ignorant (ajnani). Therefore, as per Jain acaryas, the first and foremost essential duty of every individual is to acquire the true knowledge of self, even at the expense of leaving all

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Veer Sagar Jain: ConveptofSoul/Self Atma) in Jainphilosophy 185 his worldly affairs. Until one has the knowledge of the self, he cannot progress further on the path of spiritual purification' To describe the detailed explanation of the self in the Jain literature, one article or even a book may not suffice. Therefore, I think that the books (given at the end of the paper), which the inquisitive reader can be referred to know are more about the self. I will now attempt to explain the concept of soul through the following points / topics. i. Existence of soul / self(atma) ii. Difference between soul and jiva (living being) iii. Synonyms of jiva and self in Jain texts and their meanings. iv. Etymological meanings of soul and jiva V. Nature of jiva, its nine basic virtues vi. Elimination of wrong concepts of soul/ self vii. Types and subtypes of jiva. viii. Nature of soul as per spiritual texts like Samayasara. ix. Experiencing the self and the ways to do so. X. Three types of soul / atma xi. Summary 1. Existence of soul/self (atma) Some people, due to their ignorance of insistence of their own perspective, blame Jain philosophy as atheists. To support this they say that Jain philosophy does not believe in soul / supreme soul, merit I demerit, heaven/ hell etc. However, this is totally false. We cannot discuss all the reasons and support this statement, but insist that Jain philosophy believes very clearly and in lucid terms the existence of soul / supreme soul, heaven/hell and merit/ demerit. Jain philosophy 1. a. Samaysara gatha 15, 17 and commentary. Paramatmaprakasa 2/99 and commentary. Chahadhala 4/9 Yogindu, Yogasara 53 d.

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186 not only believes in the existence of soul but also proves its existence with all its logic, examples etc. Jain acaryas in their philosophical works have presented many reasons/logic to prove the existence of soul. Acarya Samantabhadra (6/7 century AD) has written a full text on 'The Existence of Soul', named as Jivasiddhi' and gave many reasons to establish the existence of soul. Some important reasons given by Jain acaryas to prove the existence of soul are as follows: 2. 3. 4. 5. JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008. i. Like a mechanical statue, with its features, tries to establish the existence of its sculptor, similarly capabilities (pranas) like breathing etc, establish the existence of soul2 ii. I am happy, I am sad etc. etc. such feelings involving 'I' automatically proves the existence of soul.3 Besides these supporting arguments, the Syadvadamanjari gives this fullproof reason to establish the existence of soul. "What is the knowledge that this is soul? Is this knowledge a doubt (samsaya) or perverse (viparyaya), or indecisiveness (anadhyavasaya) or is true? It has to be some sort of knowledge. If it is a doubt, then it proves the existence of soul, as we do not doubt non-existent entities. If it is iii. Since there is the word 'Soul', there should be a meaning of this word also. An entity which does not exist is also not representable by words4 iv. Attributes (knowledge and bliss etc.) cannot exist without their owner (guni). That owner of these attributes is soul only.5 a. b. Sarvarthasiddhi 5/19 Syadvadamanjari 7 Syadvadamanjari 17 Aptamimamsa 84 Syadvadamanjari 17

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Veer Sagar Jain: ConveptofSoul/Self(Atma) in Jain philosophy perverse, then also it proves the existence of soul, as an unknown or less known entity cannot have perverse. It cannot be indecisiveness, as from the beginningless time we have experienced soul. And if it is true knowledge then it automatically proves is existence." This we find Jain literature full of assertive reasons.to prove the existence of soul. 2. Difference between jiva (living being) and soul (atma). Both jiva and atma are synonymous really. Function and nature of both of them is the same. However, both the terms are used differently and it is important to understand these terms and their usage. The word jiva is used in philosophical / textual and doctrinal discussions while the word atma is used in spiritual discourses. We can also say that jiva is the object of knowledge and study, while atma is the object of meditation and experience. We can also say that jiva is the subject of academia/universities and atma is the subject of temples / holy places where monks stay. In fact, we are all living beings, but soul is used just for self and not for all. An example is we call man to all male human beings, but we call husband specific to a woman; houses are many, but home is one specific to an individual. Similarly living beings are infinite, but soul is just self or I out of all living beings. I am soul / self for me, but a living being for you all. Mathematically we can express this as follows: 6. 187 jiva + feeling of 'I' = atma atma - feeling of 'I' = jiva In terms of Logic, we can differentiate atma and jiva as pervaded (vyapya) and pervader or one who pervades (vyapaka). Soul is pervaded and jiva is pervader. Thus we can call atma as jiva but not vise versa. Like mango and tree are related as pervader and pervaded, so are jiva and atma. Hence a tree is called a mango tree, but any tree, Syadvadamanjari

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188 JAIN JOURNAL : VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008, d. cannot be called mango. Thus we see it is essential to understand the diference between soul / self and living being. 3. Synonyms of atma and jiva in Jain texts and their meanings. Jain texts, especially Dhavala (Acarya Virasena 10th AD) and Gommatasara (Acarya Nemicandra Siddhantacakravarti 11th century AD), mention a number of synonyms or equivalents of jiva along with their meanings clearly. Briefly some synonyms of living being (empirical soul) are given below : a. jna Because it cognizes. jnani Because knowledge is one of its attributes. jnata Knower or one who knows. Karta Doer of its own nature; from practical viewpoint enjoyer of its matter acts. Bhokta Enjoyer of its own nature; from practical viewpoint enjoyer of its matter acts. Vakta Speaker or who speaks. Sakta Infatuated with the body, family, friends and other worldly possessions. . Prani Has forces / capabilities of breathing, sense organs, lifespan and general energy. Visnu Co-exists in the entire body it owns. Svayambhu Originates and develops by itself. Sariri. With a body Dehi with spatial extensions. Manava Built of and by knowledge. Jantu Gets born in the four destinies i.e. hellish, human, sub-human, sub-human and heaven. 0. Mani With the passion - pride p. Mayavi With the passion - deceit Yogi Owner of the activities of mind, body and speech. 1.

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Veer Sagar Jain:ConveptofSoul/Self(Atma) in Jain philosophy 189 Sankuta Contracts in a small body S. Asankuta Expands to a very large body t. Ksetrajna Capable of knowing all territories in the cosmos. u. Antaratma Stays inside the eight matter karmas. The above synonyms, in fact, indicate the attributes of jiva as per Jain texts.. 4. Etymological development of the words jiva and atma and their special meanings. Even though there are numerous synonyms of the words soul and living beings in Jain texts, the most commonly words are jiva and atma. Therefore we shall attempt to understand the meanings and significance of these two words specifically. Jiva in Jain literature has been described as the one who lives, lived in the past and shall live in the future namely: panehim caduhim jivissadi jo hi jivido puvvam Dasasu pranesu yathopattaprandparyayena trisu kalesu jivananubhavanat jivati, ajivait, jivisyati eti va jivah, Etymological development and meaning of the word Atma is said to be an entity that always manifests (transforms, changes, originates and destroys) as knowledge. Atma in Sanskrit is formed with the syllable 'ata' (ata satatyagamane) having two meanings namely to go and knowledge and both are applicable here. 5. Understanding the nature of soul by its nine attributes | characteristics. To present a lucid description of jiva, Jain acaryas have used 7. a. b. Dhavala 1/1/1/2 Gomatasara Jivakanda 365,366 Pravacanasara 147 Tattvarthavartika 1/4

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190 JAIN JOURNAL : VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL 2008 the nine characteristics of jiva. Acarya Nemicandra Sidhantacakravart (11th century AD) in his text Dravyasamgraha has explained all these nine characteristics in thirteen verses (gathas). These nine characteristics are very briefly given below : i. Jivatva An entity which lives, as per absolute viewpoint with the force and capability of its consciousness and as per practical viewpoint with its four forces / capabilities of breathing, lifespan, sensual organs and its energy, is called to have jivatva or is called jiva. ii. Upyogamaya or able to manifest Here upayoga means primarily manifestation of consciousness into intuition (darsanopayoga) and knowledge (inanopayoga). There are further sub divisions of these two manifestations of consciousness that we do not discuss at this stage. However, it is to be understood that this manifestation of consciousness is the primary or main characteristic of jiva in Jain philosophy, e.g. the verses 'upayogo laksanam '10 and 'cetanalaksano jiva'll indicate this concept clearly. iii. Amurtika - non-concrete Jiva by its sature is non-concrete and attributes like touch, taste, colour and odour are not associated with it. iv. Karta or Doer / Agent From absolute viewpoint, it is the doer of its nature and from practical viewpoint it is the doer of its matter karmas. v. Svadehaparimana or is of the size of the body it owns. Jiva expands or contracts in shape and size according to the body it lives in at different times. When it is liberated of all its karmika impurities, it is of the size and shape slightly less than the last body it owned. vi. Bhokta or enjoyer From absolute viewpoint, it is the enjoyer of its nature and from practical viewpoint it is the enjoyer of its matter karmas.

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Veer Sagar Jain: ConveptofSoul/Self(ama) in Jain philosophy 191 vii. Samsarastha or exists in this cosmos. From the beginningless time, it exists in this cosmos at different places and destinies. viii. Siddha or Pure soul When it is fully free from all the karnika impurities, then it attains the status of siddha (one who attains its objective) or mukta (free from bondages). It stays in this status forever and is omniscient, detached and in a state of bliss. It does not get born again in any other form (no reincarnation). ix. Urdhvagamana or to move upwards Like the flame of a fire, its nature is always to move straight up, but due to karmika bondage it appears to moving in different directions. 6. Elimination of wrong concepts of soul / self. Jain acaryas used the above nine characteristics of jiva to remove the misconceptions about jiva of different philosophies / philosophers. Besides these, they have also given logical explanations emphatically to explain clearly the Jain concept of jiva. Given below is the explanation of jiva as per Jain philosophy. i. Jiva has existence. It cannot be treated as void or non-existent or imaginary. ii Tiva is completely independent. It is not a part of any God. It exists by itself. iii. Infinite jivas exist in cosmos. They look similar but are different and infinite. iv. Jiva is capable of manifestation. Neither created nor a combination of the five basic elements. v. Its nature is consciousness Consciousness is not just an attribute but is nature of jiva. vi. It is non-concrete and It is neither with extension, nor indestructible. with origination/destruction. differe 10.*** Tattvarthasutra 2/8 Sarvarthasiddhi 1/4

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192 JAIN JOURNAL : VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL 2008 vii. It is elastic by nature.. It is neither omnipresent nora pointless existence. It expands and contracts fully as per the body it owns. viii.Doer/agent of its acts (bhava) Nobody else is the benefactor or agent of its activities. It is responsible for all its activities and their results. ix. Knows and experiences its self. "Sva-para prakasaka' i.e. it. knows its own self as well as all other beings also. x. Delusion, attachment etc. Delusion, attachment and aversion etc. are not its nature, but they exist to some extent. They look like that but after destroying all these, it can attain pure state. 7. Classification of Jiva or Types and subtypes of jiva. As per Jain philosophy, there are infinite jivas in this cosmos. By there characteristics, they look alike but from modal viewpoint they are all different. They are classified in different categories like on the basis of the sense organs or on the basis of their ability to move or the basis of their place of existence etc. One such classification is shown in the chart below. Jiva Samsari/empirical Mukta/liberated Sthavara/immobile (One sensed) Water bodied Air bodied Fire bodied Soil or earth bodied Vegetation Tras / mobile (2 - 5 sensed) 2 senses 3 senses 4 senses 5 senses

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Veer Sagar Jain: Convept ofSoul/Self(Atma) in Jain philosophy Similarly jiva can be classified in a number of ways based on its destiny (gati) (like human, subhuman, heavenly and hellish) or its capability to achieve liberation (bhavya and abhavya) or its state of spiritual purification (gunasthanas) etc. 8. Nature of the soul as per spiritual texts like Samayasara and others As we have seen earlier that the word jiva is used in philosophical / textual and doctrinal discussions while the word atma is used in spiritual discourses. We can also say that jiva is the object of knowledge and study while atma is the object of meditation and experience. Jain philosophy is considered highly spiritual philosophy in which meditation on the self and its knowledge attribute are the focal points for study and practice. Jain acaryas like Kundakunda in their texts have emphasized these two points extensively. Hence we shall discuss soul from the spiritual viewpoint only. It is said that existence of soul and its experience are inexplicable i.e. cannot be described by speech. Therefore we do find description of jiva in affirmative terms texts but description of soul is seen more from the negation form. Affirmatively Jain texts only say that soul is an amalgam of intuition, knowledge, and conduct etc. and even these are refuted immediately saying that these are different while soul is inseparable or cannot be divided into parts. vavaharenuvadissadi nanissa caritta damsanan nanan, na vi nanam na caritam na damsanam janago suddho12 From practical viewpoint we say that knowledge, intuition and conduct are the attributes of soul but from absolute viewpoint it has neither of these; it is just the knower. Similarly Sumayasara, as per verses given below explains these in a negation style. arasamaruvagamdham avattavam cedanagunamasaddam, ja na alimgagahanam jiivamanidditthasantthanam13 193 12. 134 Samayasara 7 Samayasara 49

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194 JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL 2008 aham ekko khalu suddo damsanananamaiosadaruvi, na vi attha majjha kimci vi annan parumanumettam pil4 The first verse is very popular and found in all the five texts of Kundakunda. It says that soul is without taste or form or odour and is inexplicable, is with consciousness, is without any gender and you know it like this. In the second verse it says, "I am one, pure, with intuition and knowledge, non concrete. Except my nature of intuition and knowledge, not even an iota of other matter is mine" Another way of enunciating the difference between soul and living being is that living being is always described as a collection of pure and impure manifestation of its nature but soul is always described as per its just pure nature and without any impurities associated." In the Niyamasara verses 44-48 say that from absolute viewpoint soul is without bondage, without an attachment, free of all flaws, without any desire or anger or deceit or pride. Even the empirical soul from the absolute viewpoint is like siddhas (existing in the summit of the cosmos) without body or sense organs or destruction and is pure and without any karma attached to it. 9. Method of experiencing the existence of the soul. Jain texts repeatedly suggest / preach that we must experience the nature and existence of soul. This is the only way to destroy delusion. Amrtacandra writes : ayi kathamapi mrtva tatvakautuhali san, anubhava bhava murteh parsvavarti muhurtam Prathagadha vilasantan svam samalokya yena tyajasi jhagiti murtya sakam ekatvamoham's i.e. Meditate upon self, stay contented with selfand be focused on it; you will attain contentment and then bliss, Even Kundakunda has said the same at a number of places in his texts.!? 14. 15. 16. 17. Samayasara 38 Niyamasara 44,48 Samayasara commentary verse 23 Samayasara 206

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Veer Sagar Jain: ConveptofSoul/Self(Atmc) in Jain philosophy 195 Many spititual texts of Jain say that one can never experience self with the aid of external media and the only way to experience is by meditating upon the knowledge attribute of the self.'8 The practitioner who wishes to experience the self should think / contemplate that the entity which intuits and knows is me and everything else is non-self.' We can explain the process of experiencing the soul in simple and lucid terms as follows: i. Acquire true and correct knowledge of soul and understand it properly. ii. Divert all wandering and external tendencies of sense organs and mind towards the inner self or soul i.e. from gross body to subtle body and then to soul. iii. Get rid of thoughts of attachment, aversion and just concentrate / meditate on the inner self. 10. Three types of soul : external, internal and supreme Jain texts talk of three types of soul namely; external (bahiratma), internal (antaratma) and supreme (paramatma). i. External : The self that thinks that the body it owns is the soul is deluded and ignorant20) ii. Internal: The self that understands its nature properly is with right vision and faith.21 iii. Supreme: The self that is completely detached from externa! impurities and is omniscient. Supreme soul is of two types namely 18. 19. 20 mm Samayasara 205, commentary verse 143 Samayasara 298,299 Yogindu, Yogasara 10 Yogindu, Yogasara 8 21

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JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008 with physical body (known as Arhanta) and without physical body (known as Siddha).?? 196 Status as external soul is to be eliminated; that of internal soul is good and the status of supreme soul is the aim to be realized. 11. Summary To conclude, we see that Jain philosophy has detailed spiritual and logical explanation of soul. Jain thinkers have proved the existence of soul, synonyms of soul, its types and sub types, nature of self, need to experience the self and detailed the ways to do so. There are infinite living beings in this cosmos and each one is soul/self just for itself. Everyone can become supreme soul by giving up its status of external soul, moving to the status of internal soul and then meditating upon it. Once we achieve the status of supreme soul, then we can get out of the cycle of birth-death i.e. samsara and enjoy our nature of knowledge and bliss (jnanaanda) forever. 12. Recommended books for further reading ii. 111. iv. V. vi. vii. viii. ix. X. 22. 22. 4 Samayasara Niyamasara Pancastikaya Dravyasamgraha Paramatmaprakasa Satdarsanasamuccaya Syadvadamanjari Structure and Function of Soul in Jainism Jain Darsna mein atma vicara Yogindu, Yogasara 9 Acarya Kundakunda do do Acarya Nemicandra Yogindudeva Acarya Haribhadra Suri Acarya Mallisena Dr S.C. Jain Bhartiya Jnanpeeth, New Delhi Dr L.C. Jain PVR Instt, Varanasi

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Soul / Jiva Distinguishing quality : Sentient. Number: Infinite Quality : : Empirical soul Pure soul Remarks Samsari jiva' mukta jiva Omniscient Veer Sagar Jain:ConveptofSoul/Self(Auma) in Jain philosophy Vision, knowledge Consciousness Manifestation of consciousness (upayoga) Empirical Soul has its knowledge and vision obscured by respective karmas, while pure soul is just knowledge and vision. Senses, age, power, breathe Non concrete Live Lives (lita hein) Pure soul was empirical soul in the past. Pure soul has consciousness as its life and enjoys its own nature. Empirical soul bonded with matter karmas behaves like matter and thus interacts with matter. Non concrete amurtika) YES. But looks like concrete due to karmic bondage. YES 197

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Number: Infinite 198 Quality Empirical soul Pure soul Remarks Agent / Doer (Karta) Of matter karmas due to activities of mind, body and speech Of its own nature i.e. Empirical soul converts karman infinite vision, knowledge, varganas and then attracts them bliss and power towards it and bonding them with its own space points. Doer of own nature (svabhava) as well as affected by others (vibhava). Consciousness and of Soul is the owner of countless its own-nature only. space points and adjusts itself to any size due to the karmas associated with it. Pure soul has no karmas bonded and is hence of constant size. Enjoyer (Bhokta) Ofresults (pain, pleasures of matter karmas JAIN JOURNAL : VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL 2008

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Number: Quality Infinite Existence Size (svadeha parimana) Adapts to the size of the matter body-associated with it except at the time of changing-mode (samudaghata) Empirical soul Upwards movement (urdhva gamana) Exists everywhere in the cosmos in different forms/modes and capabilities. Has the capability. Is the nature of pure Soul. Pure soul Slightly less than the last human body it owned. Fixed. Only at the summit of cosmos. Does not move from there. Stationery, does not move. Remarks The empirical soul is born as beings in human, sub-human hellish & heavenly being accordingly exists at appropriate place in cosmos. Pure soul just stays at the summit of cosmos, as there is no dharma and adharma dravya beyond that. Pure soul has a natural tendency to go up but due to its bondage with karmas, does not do so always. Veer Sagar Jain:ConveptofSoul/Self(Atma) in Jain philosophy 199

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Jain Society in the Reign of Jain Kings Satya Ranjan Banerjee From dim hoary antiquity down to the 16th century A.D., there were some Jain kings, though exceptionally very small in number, who ruled some small territories of the then India sometime in the history of Indian civilisation. History has not clearly recorded the society of the Jains in these climatic conditions of Jain emperors, yet we can form some ideas about the society of the Jains from some contemporary evidences. In this short limited space and time, I shall try to depict century-wise the position of the Jains in the reign of Jain kings vis-a-vis other contemporary emperors. In the Pre-historic Age (3000 B.C. 1500 B.C.), history has not recorded any Jain rulers. But the Jains normally claim that they have traces of Jainism in the Mohenjodaro and Harappan culture. For the lack of any historical conerete evidence we are unable to comment on this point. In the Vedic Age (1500 B.C. 6th cent. B.C.), we come to know from the Jain Hagiology that the Tirthankaras were the rulers. Even then in the Vedic period we do not have any direct and definite evidence of Jainism. It is true that the word Rsabha occurs in some of the Rgvedic passages, but what was his tenets and what doctrines of Jainism he practised is not as apparent as it was at a later time. Tradition says that Rsabha (whose another name is Adinatha not found in the Rgveda) was the first Tirthankara who ruled this world for many years. Tradition further says that in his time agriculture system was first introduced and also the writing system in Brahmi - the name which became current after the name of the daughter of Adinatha. Tradition again says that the doctrine of Ahimsa was propagated and established by Rsabha in Vedic times. However, we cannot frame our ideas about the society of India at that time from any Jain records whatsoever. - In a similar way, the Jain tradition says that all the other Tirthankaras, from Ajitanatha to Nami, i.e., from the second to the twentyfirst, equally ruled India and made sociological progress of the country. Tradition also says that all the Tirthankaras in the middle of

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Satya Ranjan Banerjee : Jain Society in the ReignofJain Kings 201 their ages, had renounced their kingdoms, because of the impermanent nature of life, leaving aside the kingdoms to their sons and grandsons. As the history of these Tirthankaras is not clear to us, we do not know their contributions as social reformers. During the Late Vedic period (1000 B.C. - 600 B.C., i.e., from the periods of the Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanisads), there came there Tirthankaras - Aristanemi (1000 B.C.), Parsvanatha (817 B.C.) and Mahavira (599 B.C. - 527 B.C.). The social and political conditions of India in those days were not congenial to the Jains, as Jainism was still in a state of flux. Practically, we do not know anything about Aristanemi, the twentysecond Tirthankara, except the fact that he was a relative to Krsna who is considered a historical person, and so also Aristanemi. The social and political conditions of India at that time are not known to us, except the fact that India was greenery. Though the history of Parsvanatha is very blurred, we can say that Parsvanatha was the real reformer of Jainism. From the appendix to the Kalpasutra we come to know that out of five Mahavratas, Parsvanatha introduced the four vratas, except the aparigrahas. He also, like Rsabha, gave emphasis on agriculture. In the Age of Imperial Unity (7th cent. B.C. - 320 A.D.) the real history of Jainism actually started in the 6th century B.C. at the time of Mahavira (599 - 527 B.C.) who gave a final shape to the doctrines of Jainism. Mahavira's father Siddhartha was a ruler and the condition of India was very much luxuriant in those days. From the data of the Upasakadasasutra where the life style of ten laitys (Sravakas) are described, we come to know that people used to keep lots of cows and other animals and a large quantity of gold in the houses and they used to lead a luxurious life. From the Jain canonical literature, we also come to know some references from which we infer the idea of educational notion among the Jains. The Jains think that education should start at home in a family. The infants at the proper age should start learning.correct speech at home. In the Upasakudasasutra it is stated that the sadhus (monks) should be engaged in daily studies. It is said that besides begging alms and other duties the monks should spend three hours daeity for their studies. In the Antakrddasa and Anuttaropapatika it is said that "Goyama received his first training in speech at home under

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202 JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL 2008 the care of his parents" (translated by Barnett, p29). In the Antakyt and Anuttara it is further stated that the princes used to receive their education in seventytwo arts which included, among other things, language, arithmetic, practical sciences, and phycical education.'" The Jainas are fond of sending their children to the art school. Goyama, at the age of eight, was sent to an art school. It is again said in the Antakrt and Anuttara, "Then when his father and mother saw that their little Goyama was past eight years of age, during an auspicious tithi, karana day, star, and hour, they brought him to a teacher of the arts. The teacher trained little Goyama and taught him the seventytwo arts. And now the young Goyama should himself learned in the seventytwo arts with the slumbering nine organs awakened". In a similar way, prince Meha was also sent to an art school by his parents on an auspicious tithi, And gradually he was also trained up in seventytwo arts. Mahavira himself was trained up in the Vedic lore, particularly in the Upanisads, as most of his philosophical discourses pointed towards the ideas of the Upanisads. When Goutama raised a doubt about the existence of atma (soul), Mahavira, citing a line from the Brhadaranyakopanisad (II. 4.12) - vijnanaghana evaitebhyo bhutebhyah samutthaya tanyevanu vinasyati, na pretya samjnastiti - explained the existence of soul (atma). It was, of course, true to say that at the time of Mahavira the Vedic eduction was prevalent. From a careful perusal of the Jain canonical literature, it can be inferred that the general social condition of the Jains at the time of Mahavira were very much healthy and luxuriant. At the time of Mahavira the languages were Sanskrit and Prakrit, Ardhamagadhi in particular, and also the language of Buddha, commonly known as Pali. Mahavira used to preach his religious sermons in a spoken language, known as Ardhamagadhi. It can be presumed that Sanskrit was probably used for all sorts of communication - be it a general conversation or an ecclesiastical one. Buddha used to preath in Pali. Both Mahavira and Buddha broke the tradition and realised the value of a spoken language as a vehicle of religious discourses. See S.R. Banerjee's Foreword to Jaina System of Education, Motilal Banarsidass, 1999, p. xvi.

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Satya Ranjan Banerjee: Jain Society in the ReignofJain Kings 203 Though historically the starting point of Jainism was Magadh, at the time of Mahavira it spread to the kingdoms of Kosala, Videha, Anga, Vanga etc. In the Kalpasutra Mahavira's itinerary is preserved to some extent. He wandered as far as Anga - Magadha to the east, Sthuna to the west, Kausambi to the south and Kunala to the north, The Kharavela (3rd/2nd cent. B.C.) inscription says that Mahavira established Jainism in Kalinga, and Kharavela, the chief king of Orissa, showed his great respect towards Jainism. After the nirvana of Mahavira, for a few centuries, the history of Jainism was nothing but 'little more than the history of the Jain Church'! Later on, of course, the Church organisation became very complex. Even at the time of Mahavira, we have references to seven schisms.? In the 4th century B.C., at the time of Maurya Chandragupta (376 - 322 B.C.), there was a famine for twelve years which made a group of people led by Sthavira Bhadrabahu, who was the head of the undivided Jain community, emigrated into the Karnata country in the south. Over the other portion that remained in Magadha the Sthavira Sthulabhadra assumed the headship. This incident had established Jainism in the south. At a later time, when the emigrating portion returned, there arose a great divergence of conduct between the two groups. The difference was so strong indeed that ultimately the community was divided into two - later on known as the Digambaras and Svetambaras. It is true indeed that the difference between the two did not result to a definite schism. The Maurya Chandragupta, the Jains say, became the follower of Jina at the end and died in the south. In the 3rd century B.C., at the time of Asoka (273 - 236 B.C.), the grandson of Chandragupta, the social conditions of India, particularly to the Jainas, was favourable and Asoka had maintained the equal status of the Jains with other religious beliefs. Asoka's attitude towards the Jain religion was favourable. In the 3rd/2nd centuries B.C. from the Inscription of Kharavela (3rd/2nd cent. B.C.), we gather that people including the Jains, were entertained by dancing and music performances as well as festivities, and merry gathering. 11 Majumdar, History and Culture of the Indian People, vol-II, p. 415f. 21. Glasenapp, Der Jainismus, pp. 346 - 49

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204 JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008, In the 2nd century B.C., a group of Jain community migrated to Mathura and Ujjayini. In Mathura we have some ruins of Jain shrines and a small number of Inscriptions engraved on Jain images. Ujjayini was also a stronghold of Jainism. Apart from the fact that king Samprati, grandson of Asoka, was responsible for spreading Jainism to Malwa, the Jaina sage Kalakacarya was also equally responsible for spreading Jainism in Malwa in the first century B.C.. During the Ist and the 4th centuries A.D., Jainism had a bleak period. It lost its stronghold in Magadha and other places. It is normally guessed that for lack of royal support, it was lost in the north, but it was confined to the merchants and bankers for a long time. On this point Majumdar says : "This loss of kingly support in the north, was, however, make good by the favour shown to this religion by many ruling families of the Deccan!" In the 5th century A.D. in the Classical Age (320 - 740 A.D.), the second council at Valabhi was held in 454 or 467 A.D. under the able guidance of Devardhigaai Ksamasramana to codify the Jain canonical texts at the time of king Dhruvasena I of the Maitraka dynasty of Valabhi who extolled as a Jain convert. Though history doubts it, but the Jain tradition asserts it. In the 6th and 7th centuries A.D., the Ganga kings of Mysore, though not Jains, were very much attracted to Jainism. In a similar way, the Kadamba rulers of Vaijayanti, showed unusual respect to Jainism. The Chalukyas of Badami did not show much respect to Jainism, but Pulakesin II (610-11-642 A.D.) favoured Jainsism very much. Even though the conditions of the Jains in the society in the reign of Jain kings was practically blurred, the contemporary history can throw some light about the conditions of the Jains in the society in the times of non-Jain kings. For example, in the 7th century A.D. from the records of Hiuen Tsang (who was in India from 629 to 645 A.D.), we come to know that both the Svetambara and Digambara monks were found near Texila to the west, and Vipula to the east. The record also tells us that there were numerous Digambara Nirgranthas in Pundravardhana and Samatala to the east. 1. History and Culture of the Indian People, vol - III. p. 409.

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Satya Ranjan Banerjee: Jain Society in the ReignofJain Kings In the Dasakumaracarita', Dandin (7th cent. A.D.) made a reference to a Jaina convent where a Jain mendicant of miserable look was sitting under an Asoka tree. This shows that there were caityas in different parts of the country for the Jain mendicants to stay or to pass their nights. In the 7th century A.D. at the time of Harsavardhana (606 - 647 A.D.), the Digamnara Jains were not held in high esteem, at least, in the Northern India. This piece of information we gather from the Harsa-carita of Bana. In that book there is a reference to the Jain asceties walking naked and carrying peacock feathers to sweep insects out of their path. It is said there that the sight of a naked Jaina ascetic is a very bad omen (abhimukham ajagama sikhi-picchalanchano nagnatakah)2. The same idea is also expressed by Visakhadatta in the 8th - 9th centuries A.D. in the fourth act of his Mudraraksasa. It is said there that the sight of a Ksapanaka is said by Amatya Raksasa to be an evil omen. 205 This idea about the Digambara Jains was also found till the time of Madhavacarya (13th 14th cent. A.D.) who in his Sarvadarsana-samgraha (Arhata-darsana) recorded the same idea when he said-luncitah picchika-hastah panipatra-Digambarah). This trend of thought was also in vogue even in the 10th / 11th centuries A.D. In the Caryagiti3, also known as Dohakosa, specimens of old Bengali, there are some passages which describe the position of the Jain sadhus (monks), particularly of the Digambaras, in a society. Saraha, the auther of the text, describes a Digambara saint as follows: diha-nakkhajje malina vese naggala hoi a upattia kese / khavanehi jana vidambiya vese appanu vahia mokkha uese // 1. Dasakumaracarita of Kale's edition, second chapter of the Uttarapithika, p. 73ff. 2. Harsacarita 5th Chapt. p. 20 of P.V. Kane's edition. See his Introduction p. xxxviii. 3. MM Haraprasad Sastri, Hajar Bacharer Purana Banlabhasava Bauddha Gan 0 Doha, Calcutta, 1916.

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206 JAIN JOURNAL : VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008 "Long-nailed, naked mendicant in shabby look picks up hair from his head. The Digambara saints in an awakard way used to walk for salvation (moksa)". They were often ridiculed for their religion saying that the nakedness of a saint will not lead him to salvation (moksa). Saraha further says. jai nagga kia hoi mutti ta sunaha siyalaha // "It nakedness frees a man (from bondage), then jackles and dogs will get salvation." Saraha has further said that if picking of hair leads to moksa , then the buttok of a young lady will lead to : lomoppattane accha siddhi a ta juvai nitambaha // "If picking hair leads to siddhi, then the buttok of a young lady too." Saraha describes the different aspects of the Digambara sadhus and says that if taking the peacock feathers one gets moksa, then elephants and horses would also get. picchi gahane dittha mokkha ta kariha turangaha // "If peacock feathers lead to moksa, then elephants and horses will also get." ubbhe bhoane hoi jana ta kariha turangaha // "If taking used meal leads a man to knowledge, then the horses would also get it." Finally, Saraha says that a Jain mendicant does not know what moksa is : khavanana mokkha kim pi abhavai "Jain mendicent does not know what moksa is." The above mentioned passages are not intended to describe - still less to disparage - the position of the Jain sadhus in a society, but only to suggest that despite these references to the low estimate, the positions of the Jain monks were, however, very good. Their activities were highly adorned, their knowledge of the subject was greatly respected, and wherever they used to roam people thronged together round

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Satya Ranjan Banerjee : Jain Society inthe ReignofJain Kings 207 the Jaina sadhus and used to listen to them, and at times, after listening to them, a group of people became the followers of the Jain tenets. In the Age of Imperial Kanauj (8th - 1000 A.D.) Jainism lacked royal patronage in northern India, but it enjoyed extensive royal support in the South. But in the north its popularity was compensated by the trading classes. But in the Deccan this is the most flourishing period in the history of Jainism. A. S. Altekar' surmises, "Probably one-third of the propulation of the Deccan was following the gospel ahavira during the period under review. Jainism received a serious set back shortly afterwards owing to rapid spread of the lingayata sect." In the 12th century A.D. in the history of Gujarat, Kumarapala? occupied a unique position. After Jayasimha (1094 - 1142 A.D.), Kumarapala (1142 - 1173 A.D.) became the king of Gujarat and was initiated into Jainism in 1159 A.D. by Hemacandra (1088 - 1172 A.D.). After ascending the throne Kumarapala made the Jaina religion a state religion in his country. The king himself abandoned hunting, and prohibited the killing of animals, eating meat, drinking, gambling and animal combat. Apart from the fact that Kumarapala made the Jain religion a state religion, we do not know what he did as a social reformer. But from the works of Hemacandra counterchecked by contemporary evidence, we can build the edifice of sociology to some extent at the time of Kumarapala. From Hemacandra's Kumarapalacarita we can say that society looked like a feudal organisation with the king at its head. The other officials are to be considered next in rank to the king. The officials used to enjoy some special honours and privileges. From Hemacandra's description, we can infer that there was a difference in the standard of living between the common people and the privileged officials. "The rich people because of their abundant wealth, indulged in luxury. The food and dress of the wealthy people were rich and gaudy. The rich people lived in highly decorated palatial buildings and probably amused themselves with 1. Rastrakutas and Their Times, Poona, 1934. 2. S.R. Banerjee, Prolegomena to Prakritica et Jainica, pp. 176 ff.

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208 JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL 2008 outdoor and indoor games. Besides the rich people there was a "middle class" also who used to live on a standard suited to their professions.'" As far as Hemacandra's record in the Kumarapalacarita is concerned, it can be guessed that there were four castes (caturvarna) at the time of Kumarapala. These castes were Brahmana, Ksatriya, Vaisya and Sudra (I. 183 ; II. 2). But Hemacandra has used different names for them. For brahmin Hemacandra used dvija, ksatra for ksatriya, vit for vaisya and sudra for sudras. This caste system is still prevalent among the Digambara Jains in the South. At the time of Kumarapala all these castes used to enjoy their rights in the usual way. Apart from these four castes, there were other tribes also in his time. These tribes were Abhira (xv. 85), Kirata (xiv. 23), Candala (iv. 38) Jangala (xviii. 71), Nisada (v. 50), Bhilla (1 - 179), Takka (I. 54), Maheya (xvi. 6) and Khasa (vi. 26). Besides these tribes, some other foreign tribes are also mentioned. These are Cina (viii. 58), Barbara (viii. 58), Mleccha (iv, 38), Turuska and Hunas (vii. 102). The mention of these tribes shows that at the time of Kumarapala, Indian society was heterogeneous, and each one has a part to play in the society. Hemacandra has not said specially anything for the Jainas. The education system at the time of Kumarapala was something different. But we can believe that a sort of primary and secondary education existed. The kings used to encourage such education by granting lands or money to different monasteries, individual saints andasramas. The name of the educational institution is Vidyamatha (1.7). There is a Gurukula system and students, both boys and girls, used to reside in Gurukulas and studied various branches of learning (xv. 37). All the Vidyamathas were patronized by the kings (xv. 120 - 121). In the Vidyamathas the teachers were the sadhus or gurus. The students were normally asked to learn by heart (I. 66), There were discourses among students (I. 43). The teachers were highly respected (I. 33). The languages prevalent at the time of Kumarapala were mainly Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhransa and Pali. It should be noted that it 1. S.R. Banerjee, Prolegomena to Prakritica et Jainica, The Asiatic Society, Calcutta, 2005, p. 189.

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Satya Ranjan Banerjee : Jain Society in the ReignofJain Kings 209 was the time of the birth of modern Northern Indian languages like Maraghi, Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, Oriya and others. It can be surmised that Sanskrit studies were mainly in vogue; and the Prakrit language was also studied mainly by the Jain sadhus and sadhvis. As it was the time of Apabhramsa, lots of Jain scholars composed their treatises in Apabhraisa. Pali was studied by the Buddhists only. The subjects' which were taught at the time of Kumarapala were the four Vedas and the Brahmanas and Upanisads. The sadangas were also equally studied. The Puranas, Grammar and Philosophy got prominence in the Vidyamathas. The arthasastra, Poeties and Medicine were also in their curriculum. Hemacandra mentions in his Kumarapalacarita the study of the Upanisad, as a jnanaguhya Vidya (xi. 23). Hemacandra also mentions sadanga in several places of his Kavya (xv. 120-21, 1. 108; xvi. 75). From his book we also come to know that all systems of philosophy were taught at the time of Kumarapala. The Carvaka philosophy, also called Laukayita (xv. 12021) was also taught. The Mimamsa philosophy (xv. 124) was also taught at that time. Whether this system of education was equally applicable to the Jains or not, is not clear from Hemacandra. But at a much later time from Merutunga (1306 A.D.) we come to know the nature of educational policy of the Jains among the kings. Merutunga says in his Prabandhacintamani (p. 138), "The king Kumarapala, desiring to acquire learning, had the treatise of Kamandaki on polity read to him for a time after dinner by a certain learned man with the approbation of the minister Kapandi" : Merutunga further says that debates on religious themes were regularly conducted, and sometimes intra-monastic debates took place when learned monks from far-off regions came to participate in the debates. In the Debate Hall, the king was the presiding officer. He further says that there were libraries attached to every monastery, and the learned monks used to read and write books for the additions to the library." Rajasekhara suri (1349 A.D.) has also emphasized that people used to go to Jain monks for getting encyclopaedic courses of studies - religion, secular arts and physical 1. See S.R. Banerjee, Prolegomena to Prakritica et Jainica, 2005, p. 191. 2. For this see my Foreword to Jaina System of Education, 1999, p. xvi.

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210 JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008 training. This extraordinary brief survey shows that the Jains were very particular in imparting education to all kinds of people - be they sadhus or sadhvis, kings, princes, princesses, or even laymen'. It will not be out of place here if I mention the contributions of Mahamatya Vastupala2, a Jaina minister and not a king, who lived in the history of Gujarat in the first half of the 13th century A.D. Vastupala and his younger brother Tejapala were ministers of king Viradhavala of Dhavalakkha (modern Dholka in the Ahmedabad district), who was feudatory of king Bhimadeva II of Anahilabad Patan. Vastupala came from a Jaina family belonging to the Pragvota (Porvad) commumity. Vastupala, though not a king, but acted like a king, was a great patron of learning. In his regime as a minister, he promoted Jain literature to a great extent. Vastupala will remain great in the history of Gujarat for building the temples on Abu and Girnar. In fact, Vastupala helped the growth and development of all sorts of literary circle and the poets like Akalanka, Jayasimha suri, Udayaprabha suri, Jinadatta suri, Jinabhadra, Nayacandra suri and many others adorned the court of Vastupala. In Vastupala's time all religious people used to foster their religious faiths without any enmity. Vastupala made no distinction between a Jaina and a non-Jaina devotees. Vastupala's tolerance of other faiths had become proverbial and this is testified by a verse found in the Puratana-prabandha-samgraha which shows how Vastupala was honoured by all sorts of religious people.3 bauddhair bauddho vaisnavair vsnubhaktah. saivaih saivo yogibhir yoga-rangah/ jainais tavaj jaina eveti krtva sativadharah stuyate Vastupalah // "Vastupala, the depositor of strengh, is praised in this way by the Buddhists as Buddha, by the Vaisnavas as Visnu, by the Saivas 1. Ibid, p. xvii. 2. For this information. see B.J. Sandesara, Literary Circle of Mahamatya Vastupala, Bharatiya Vidyabhavana, Bombay. 1953, p. I ff. 3. See. S.R. Banerjee, Prolegomena to Prakritica et Jainica, The Asiatic Society, Calcutta, 2005, p. 153.

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Satya Ranjan Banerjee : Jain Society in the ReignofJain Kings 211 as Siva and by the Yogin as a devotee of Yoga and also by the Jains as a Jina." The above verse will tell us how a sort of secularism in the modern sense of the term was prevalent in the middle history of India where all sorts of religious faiths could live together without any enmity. One of the greatest contributions of the Jains in the Age of Imperial Kanauj (750-1000A.D.) was the introduction of the caturasrama concept of Hinduism.' It is believed that Jinasena (9th cent. A.D.), a pupil of Virasena, and the friend of king Amoghavarsa I (815 - 877 A.D.), and an author of the Adipurana, accepted the Caturasrama system of Hinduism. His follower the famous Digambara Camundaraya (10th i 11th centuries A.D.) in his work Caritra-sara has acknowledged this concept of the four asramas of the Hindus. Except one, the names are also the same. His system of caturasrama can be tabulated thus : Caturasrama grhastha vanaprastha grhastha vanaprastha brahmacarin 1. upanayana brah 2. avalamba brah. 3. adikna brah 4. gudha brah 5. naisthika brah bhiksu i. anagara ii. yati iii. muni iv. rsi jati ksatriya tirtha ksatriya This above classification is given by the followers of the school of Jinasena. Whether this system is still in vogue or not is difficult to say. But this much it can be said that in the normal Jaina context the term muni has no relevance, even though the term is prefixed to certain Jaina sadhus in modern times. As the term bhiksu generally refers to a Buddhist monk, this term is not generally used by the Jains. Sometimes the Svetambaras use it to describe an ordinary Jaina sadhu. 1. Along with the concept of caturasrama, the Jains also discussed See S.R. Banerjee, Introducing Jainism, p. 34 f.

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212 JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO4 APRIL, 2048 the types of sravaka in the same period. Santisuri (11th cent. A.D.) in his Dharma-ratna-prakarana (verse 32f) has enumerated four categories of sravaka, e.g. namu sravaka, sthapana sravaka, dravyasravaka and bhava sravaka. Nama sravaka is one who is a Jaina in name only. Sthapana sravaka is a Jaina layman who follows some statutory principles of Jain orders, but a dravya sravaka is one who follows the Jaina rules compulsory for a Jaina, whereas a bhava sravaka is a mere believer of Jainism. After a few centuries, Asadhara (1240 A.D.) in his Sagaradharmamrta and Medhavin (1504 A.D.) in his Sravakacara had given threefold classification of the Sravaka. These are paksika, naisthika and sadhaka. This classification had little effect to the society. In the 16th century A.D.' a great incident happened in the history of Jainism. It is to be noted here in this connection that in the reign of Great Akbar (1556 - 1605 A.D.) "whose spirit of tolerance and eclectism led him to form the idea of embracing all the Indian creeds in his new Ilahi Din or "Religion of God" - the Jains obtained a warrant prohibiting the slaughter of animals, etc., wherever their faith was practised". Bholanath Chunder in his Travels of a Hindoo (1869), Vol - I, notes : "It is a remarkable sanad or document bearing the bonafide seal of Akbar, which has recently come to light, the name under which Pareshnath was known in that emperor's age appears to have been Semet Sikhar. This whole hill together with others in Bihar and Gujarat, was granted to, and bestowed upon Hira Vijaya Suri Acharya, the then pontiff of the Svetambara Jaina sect, by Akbar. They were given in perpetuity and there is an especial clause prohibiting the killing of animals either on, below, or about the hills (pp. 210 - 11) In a similar way, John Tod in his Travels in Western India referring to this act of the Great Akbar remarks: "It was this scrupulous regard for the religious opinions of all the varied sects within his mighty realm, that procured this monarch "he inevitable designation of Jagat Guru, "the guardian of mankind" S.R. Banerjee, Introducing Jainism, 2002, p. 73 ; Prolegomena to Prakritica et Jainica, 2005, p. 168 f.

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Satya Ranjan Banerjee : Jain Society in the ReignofJain Kings and which caused him to be regarded by the Vaisnavas as an incarnation of Kanhaiya." (pp. 290-91). 213 This beneficial act of Akbar granted in 1589, was recorded in one of the inscriptions at Satrunjaya. In a similar way, another grant was made in the reign of Shah Jahan (1592 1666A.D.) under the seal of his second son, Murad Bakhsh, the Governor of Gujarat, by which the hill and surrounding district was given in perpetual inam to Satidas Javheri, a Sravaka and jeweller to the court." The above survey as recorded here shows how the Jains were received socially by the then Indian society. Even the Jain kings who virtually could not do a great service to their community did not substantially render any social progress for the Jains, save and except, the establishment of Jain monuments, images of the Tirthankaras and making Jain religion as the state religion of his kingdom. As the social recorded facts are extremely scanty, it is difficult to pen a comprehensive picture of the position of the Jains in a society. But one picture is quite clear that the Jain monks, despite some adverse criticism at a later stage, have been honoured to a great extent throughout the history and the Jain laymen have been regarded as a part and parcel of Indian society.

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214 Statement of Ownership The following is a statement of ownership and other particulars about Jain Journal as required under Rule 8 of the Registration of News Papers (Central) Rules 1956. 1. Place of Publication 4. Publisher's Name Nationality and Address 2. Periodicity of its Publication 3. Printer's Name Nationality and Address 5. Editor's Name Nationality and Address JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008 Form IV 6. Name and address of the owner Date 15 July 2008 : Jain Bhawan : P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata - 700 007 Quarterly : Satya Ranjan Banerjee Indian : : P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata 700 007. : Satya Ranjan Banerjee : Indian : P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata - 700 007. : - : Satya Ranjan Banerjee Indian : : P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata - 700 007 I, Satya Ranjan Banerjee, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Jain Bhawan P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata - 700 007 Satya Ranjan Banerjee Signature of Publisher

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215 JAIN BHAWAN : ITS AIMS AND OBJECTS Since the establishment of the Jain Bhawan in 1945 in the Burra Bazar area of Calcutta by eminent members of Jain Community, the Jain Bhawan has kept the stream of Jain philosophy and religion flowing steadily in eastern India for the last over fiftyeight years. The objectives of this institution are the following: 1. To establish the greatness of Jainism in the world rationally and to spread its glory in the light of new knowledge. 2. To develop intellectual, moral and literary pursuits in the society. 3. To impart lessons on Jainism among the people of the country. 4. * To encourage research on Jain Religion and Philosophy. To achieve these goals, the Jain Bhawan runs the following programmes in various fields. 1. School: To spread the light of education the Bhawan runs a school, the Jain Shikshalaya, which imparts education to students in accordance with the syllabi prescribed by the West Bengal Board. Moral education forms a necessary part of the curricula followed by the school. It has on its roll about 550 students and 25 teachers. 2. Vocational and Physical Classes: Accepting the demands of the modern times and the need to equip the students to face the world suitably, it conducts vocational and physical activity classes. Classes on traditional crafts like tailoring, stitching and embroidery and other fine arts along with Judo, Karate and Yoga are run throughout the year, not just for its own students, but for outsiders as well. They are very popular amongst the ladies of Burra Bazar of Calcutta. 3. Library: "Education and knowledge are at the core of all round the development of an individual. Hence the pursuit of these should be the sole aim of life". Keeping this philosophy in mind a library was established on the premises of the Bhawan, with more than 10,000 books on Jainism, its literature and philosophy and about 3,000 rare manuscripts, the library is truly a treasure trove. A list of such books and manuscripts can be obtatined from the library. 4. Periodicals and Journals: To keep the members abreast of contemporary thinking in the field of religion the library subscribes to about 100 (one hundred) quarterly, monthly and weekly periodicals from different parts of the world. These can be issued to members interested in the study of Jainism. 5. Journals: Realising that there is a need for reasearch on Jainism and that scholarly knowledge needs to be made public, the Bhawan in its role as a research institution brings out theree periodicals: Jain Journal in English, Titthayara in Hindi and Sramana in Bengali. In 37 years of its publication, the Jain Journal has carved out a niche for itself in the field and has received universal acclaim. The Bengali journal Sramana, which is being published for thirty year, has become a prominent channel for the sbvgftr54pread of Jain philosophy in West Bengal. This is the only Journal in Bengali which deals exclusively with matters concerning any aspects of Jainism. Both the Journals are edited by a

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JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLII, NO.4 APRIL. 2008 renowned scholar Professor Dr Satya Ranjan Banerjee of Calcutta University. The Jain Journal and Sramana for over thirty seven and thirty years respectively have proved byond doubt that these Journals are in great demand for its quality and contents. The Jain Journal is highly acclaimed by foreign scholars. The same can be said about the Hindi journal Titthayara which is edited by Mrs Lata Bothra. In April this year it entered its 25th year of publication. Needless to say that these journals have played a key-role in propagating Jain literature and philosophy. Progressive in nature, these have crossed many milestones and are poised to cross many more. 6. Seminars and Symposia : The Bhawan organises seminars and symposia on Jain philosophy, literature and the Jain way of life, from time to time. Eminent scholars, laureates, professors etc. are invited to enlighten the audience with their discourse. Exchange of ideas, news and views are the integral parts of such programmes. 7. Scholarships to researchers : 216 The Bhawan also grants scholarships to the researchers of Jain philosophy apart from the above mentioned academic and scholastic activities. 8. Publications: The Bhawan also publishes books and papers on Jainism and Jain philosophy. Some of its prestigious publications are: The Bhagavati Sutra [in English] Parts 1 to 4 Barsat ki Rat (A Rainy Night) [in Hindi], Panchadarshi [in Hindi] Bangal ka Adi Dharma (Pre-historic religion of Bengal) Prasnottare Jaina-dharma (in Bengali) (Jain religion by questions and answers). Weber's Sacred Literature of the Jains. Jainism in Different States of India. Introducing Jainism. 9. A Computer Centre: To achieve a self-reliance in the field of education, a Computer training centre was opened at the Jain Bhawan in Fabruary 1998. This important and welcome step will enable us to establish links with the best educational and cultural organisations of the world. With the help of e-mail, internet and website, we can help propagate Jainism throughout the world. Communications with other similar organisations will enrich our own knowledge. Besides the knowledge of programming and graphics, this computer training will equip our students to shape their tomorrows. 10. Research : It is, in fact, a premiere institution for research in Prakrit and Jainism, and it satisfies the thirst of many researchers. To promote the study of Jainism in this country, the Jain Bhawan runs a research centre in the name of Jainology and Prakrit Research Institute and encourages students to do research on any aspects of Jainism. In a society infested with contradictions and violence, the Jain Bhawan acts as a philosopher and guide and shows the right path." Friends, you are now aware of the functions of this prestigious institution and its noble intentions. We, therefore, request you to encourage us heartily in our creative and scholastic endeavours. We do hope that you will continue to lend us your generous support as you have been doing for a long time.

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Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India Under No. R. N. 12121/66. Summer - 2008 He, who himself is restrained, should speak of only what is seen and that with moderation and clarity. His utterance should be whole, intelligible and direct, with no verbosity or emotion. With Best Compliments from Kotak Securities 3A, Landmark, 3rd floor, 228A, AJC Bose Road, Kolkata - 700 020 Phone : 2283460 - ..