Studies in Jainology Prakrit Literature and Languages

SR No.: 001597
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: B K Khadabadi
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 460
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Literature, & Language
File Size: 22 MB

Page 84

Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
experts fulfilling socio-religious nceds, enhancers or enlighteners of religio-spiritual interest among the common members of the Jaina Social Organization (Jaina Sangha). Prof. R. Williams remarks in his Jaina Yoga (p.152): "Somadevasūri seems to be the originator of another classification of the pătras designed to put a premium on crudition."
The verse containing this classification (v.808) runs as follows: Samayī sādhakah Sadhuh Sūrih Samaya-dipakah Tat punah pancadhā pātramamananti manīşinah
The wise also recognise the following five as the proper recipients:
(1) Samayi - ascctics and laymen who duly follow the teachings of the Jina
(2) Sadhakā - experts or specilists in sciences of practical utility to the community in general
(3) Sādhū - ascctics and laymen who observe the basic as well as the secondary vows cnjoined to them
(4) Sūri - leaders or guides of the members of the community in respect of ethical and religio-spiritual matters
(5) Samayadipaka - cnhancers or enlightens of the teachings of the Jina.
Further in the subsequent 8 verses (vs. 809-816) the Acarya clucidates and brings out the significance of the contents of v.808 alrcady noted above. Of these, the two categories viz., sādhaka and samayadipaka are quitc innovative and, hence, descrve our special notice. The Sadhakas include astrologers, physicians, conservators (of images etc.), whom the community often nceds without dependence on others (from rival social or religious groups). The Samayadipakas include cruditos, literary figures, orators, debaters etc., who enlight or explain the members of the community the teachings of thc Jina in an effective manner (and kindle interest in others too).
It may be noted that in the introductory verse (v.479) of his treatment of this Disciplinary Vow of Gift, Somadevasuri enjoins