Cultural Study of Nisitha Curni

SR No.: 001743
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Madhu Sen
Publisher: Sohanlal Jain Dharm Pracharak Samiti Amrutsar
Publication Year: 1975
Total Pages: 432
Language: English, Prakrit
Classification: Book_English, Agam, Canon, & Literature
File Size: 23 MB

Page 333

RELIGION
313
at will (viuvvaņa ), could fly high in the sky (akā sagamana ) or acquire vibhaṁga-miņa (a type of clairvoyant knowledge in which knowledge was not totally free from false perception ).1
The term vijja is frequently used to denote various spiri. tual powers (i. e. charms and magics ) and a person possessed of the same was called vijja siddha.2 Vijja could be accomplished by performing certain mystic rites incurring severe penances ( sasāhan2 ). It was presided over by a female deity. The mamta (mystic formula ) on the other hand could be accomplished by reciting (padhana-siddha ) and had a male deity to preside over it.3 A story narrated in the text alludes Pālittāyariya to have cured king Murunda of his severe headache by chanting certain mystic formulae ( mamta ).* Mahākāla is mentioned as another mystic formula by reciting which the underground treasures (nihi) could be detected.
Cunna and joga are also other practices frequently mentioned in the text. Cunni was the consecrated powder used for fascination or conjuration ( vašikaraña). Foga could be applied in various forms, sometimes body was rubbed with substances like sandalwood powder and paste, or the clothes were perfumed with fragrant substances, or the consecrated paste was applied to the feet ( padalevajoga ) which enabled a person to walk on the surface of water. 6 With the help of joga the inauspicious things ( dūbhaga ) could be made auspicious ( subhaga ) or vice-versa.? It could be accomplished
1. इढित्ति इस्सरियं, तं पुण विज्जामतं तवोमतं वा, विउव्वगागासगमणविभंगणाणादि
594-NC. 1, p. 17. 2. NC. 1, p. 22; NC. 3, p. 58. 3. FAHAETT À FAI, y TAETT #S129871-T TART faszt, af&4.
het HÀNC. 3, p. 385. -4, NC. 3, p. 423. 5, NC. 3. p. 387. 6. NC. 3, p. 425. 7. CHT gHit posla, Hit a CERTIFACT gitaui._—Ibid. Bana also
mentions siddhajoga which was an infallible charm.-Harsacarita, Tr. p. 267.