Yasastilaka and Indian Culture

SR No.: 001609
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Krishnakant Handiqui
Publisher: Jain Sanskruti Samrakshak Sangh Solapur
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 566
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Story, Literature, & Culture
File Size: 16 MB

Page 350

13. JAINISM AND OTHER FAITHS
331
towards all creatures, hospitality to all and an altruistic disposition. The four gifts of protection, food, medicine and religious instruction, which constitute the groundwork of Jaina charity, are duly emphasized by Somadeva in connection with the customary vows of a Jaina householder. It is, however, necessary to point out a certain parochial attitude noticeable in the matter of according hospitality and rendering charitable assistance to persons who were not adherents of the Jaina faith. Somadeva distinctly says that those who do not possess the Three Jewels, that is, do not believe in the fundamental Jaina dogmas of Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, are not eligible for gifts, and that charity practised in favour of those who hold wrong views and indulge in wrong conduct, that is, all who are outside the pale of Jainism, leads only to evil consequences, like the feeding of serpents with milk. Hospitality towards such people should be limited to a residual portion of food to be taken away, as a Jaina layman is forbidden to entertain them in his house. He is also asked to keep at arm's length members of other communities such as the Buddhists, the Saivas and the Brāhmaṇas who perform sacrifices lest familiarity with them should lead to friction and disputes ending in violence, Isolation rather than amity based on free social intercourse was the object aimed at in inter-communal relations.
Jaina writers often attack the Hindu caste system, and we need
to the strictures of Jaţāsimhanandi on the theory of castes in liis Varāngacarita 25. 2 ff. It is, however, well-known that the caste system is prevalent among the present-day Jainas almost to the same extent as among the Hindus; and it has been said that in practice the modern Jaina is as fast bound as his Hindu brother in the iron fetters of caste. " Evidence recorded by Somadeva in Yasastilaka goes to show that conditions were not far different in the tenth century. He says, for instance, that the three higher castes are alone eligible for religious initiation, while all the four including the Śūdras are fit to receive gifts of food. The status of
1 See Chap. XI. 2 See Chap. X, section XV. 3 For the relevant versés see Chap. X, section XV. 4 In Dharwar, for example, Jain Kshatriyas have disappeared, but Jain Brāhmans,
Vaisyas and Sūdras remain. Jain Sūdras are also called Jain Caturthas [ 27. There are various restrictions on interdining. If Karnatak Jains go to Gujarat they do not dine with Gujarat Jains, por, when thoy come to Dharwar, do Gujarat
Jains dine with local Jains'. Bombay Gazetteer, Vol. XXII, p. 117. 5 erialaut arecare faalfaar:' Yaśastilaka, Book VIII, section 43. A marginal
note in Ms. A says: maaf PUT BIET gaat dudu:.