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PREFACE : XXV
Thus, we see, here, that Munijī has quoted some verses of Āturapratyākhyāna, Ganividyā, Tandulavaicārika, Candravedhyaka, Devendrastava, and Mahāpratyākhyāna out of context and tried to prove that all Prkirnakas are contrary to the canonical texts. The Muñijī has not given any canonical references in support of his arguments against the quotations from Candravedhyaka and Tandulavaicārika. How can we take his version as authentic in the absence of such references?
His accusation about the Devendrastava is not at all important as there, a Srāvaka (householder) and not a monk has addressed his own wife as Sundari. Again, the addressing of ladies as Beauties is available in such canonical works as Uapāsakadaśāniga "and Bhagavatīsūtra 29 as well.
Here, we would like to set the record straight about the accusations laid by the Muniji on the quotations from Āturapratyākhyāna, Ganividyā and Mahāpratyākhyāna as well.
About the Aturapratyākhyāna Prakīrnaka, the Muniji's accusation is that in this Prakirnaka the use of wealth for seven purposes has been prescribed. This prescription is not acceptable as it promotes violence. Here, we fail to understand as to how the employment of wealth in the service of monastic institution and fellow-followers can be termed as violent use of wealth. Even though the food, etc is not procured and cooked specifically for the
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Upāsakadaśānga : ‘Sundarī naṁ Devānuppiyā!'
- Quoted, Pāiasaddamahannavo, pp. 911-912. Bhagavatīsūtra, 9/33.
- Quoted, Ardhamāgadhi Kośa, Part 4, p. 776.
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