Page Text
________________
The Vajjiputtiya monks have been considered as moderates in the Buddhist tradition. They had demanded for some moderations in the disciplines for the monks, viz.. snacks after meals, keeping gold coins etc. There is also a mention in Buddhist literature and inscriptions, of some sub-sects of Vajjiyaputtiya sect. The subsects are as follows:
1. Dhurmottariya Nikaya: Although it was quite popular and had good following, there is no information about its principles. 2. Bhadrayanik Nikaya: Details can be seen in works like Mahavansha, Deepvansha etc.
3. Chhannagarika Nikaya The literal meaning of Chhannagarika is those who live in covered abodes. The followers of this sect were those who practiced meditation in institutionalised buildings and not under trees or inside caves.
The Vajjiputta mentioned in Rishibhashit is the Vajjiputta of Buddhist tradition. He belonged to the Lichchhavi clan and was a contemporary of Buddha and Mahavir. He was still alive after Buddha's Nirvana. Also, his preachings compiled in Rishibhashit have no contradiction with Buddhist philosophy.
As regards the preachings of Vajjiputta compiled in Rishibhashit, they mainly clarify the Karma principle. According to him the sequence of life and death continues like that of seed and sapling. At the root of karma he postulates attachment. This theory about karma is generally accepted both in Jain and Buddhist traditions. Preachings similar to those of Vajjiputta can be found in the thirtieth chapter of Uttaradhyayan. The discussion about Karma-santati, which shows the influence of Santativad of Buddhism, provides the basis of authenticity of ideas put forth in this chapter. This chapter also indicates that Vajjiputta emphasizes more on knowledge rather than conduct. Vajjiputtiya (Vatsiputriya) sect of Buddhists also emphasizes on the path of knowledge and purity of soul as against the stagnant rules of conduct. In my opinion he is none else but Vajjiputta Ther of Buddhists.
In the Vedic tradition there is a mention of Vatsiputra which is the Sanskrit form of Prakrit Vajjiputta. In the last clan list of Vrihadaranyaka Upanishad, Vatsiputra can be found. He was a
Rishibhashit: A Study 153
| SR No. | 006236 |
| Book Title | Rushibhashit Sutra |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Vinaysagar, Sagarmal Jain, Kalanath Shastri, Dineshchandra Sharma |
| Publisher | Prakrit Bharti Academy |
| Publication Year | 2016 |
| Total Pages | 512 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari & agam_anykaalin |
| File Size | 33 MB |