Comparative Study of Mantrashastra

SR No.: 006575
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
Publication Year: 1944
Total Pages: 376
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, L000, & L020
File Size: 21 MB

Page 164

JAIN MANTRAVADA AND CAITYAVASIS: PRABHRTAS
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who were lax in the observance of the rules laid down for their conduct. These characteristics were 'Nityavāsa' or permanent residence, extreme attachment for 'Caityas' or temples, Kula, Gana or Sangha and taking all kinds of rich food including sweets, ghee, milk, curds etc. and also food obtained through female ascetics. Similarly five kinds of lax Sadhus are also described who are said to be not deserving of obeisance. They are Păsatthās, Avasannas, Kusīlas, Samsaktas and Yathachandas. Their lax practices also seem to have been later on followed to a cosiderable extent by Caityavāsis who also practised and employed Nimittas and Mantras. We think all these contributed to the rise of Caityavāsis. The other causes and circumstances contributing to their rise are dealt with further on.
PRĀBHRTAS We would here mention the Prābhịta* works which are summaries from the Pūrva literature. The first person who appears to be connected with summarising or compilation of these works is Sri Bhadrabāhu already mentioned. He might have composed these because he did not instruct his pupil Sri Sthūlabhadra into the meaning of the last four Pūrvas and he therefore knew that knowledge of the Pūrvas would be lost in near future. As a matter of fact the last Acharya who
* Prabh;ta was the term used to signify a chapter in Purva literature. Etymologically it is said to mean collecting something which may be lying scattered or a beautiful present. See also articles (in Gujară i) by the writer entitled 'Alabhya Prabhịto' in "Jain yuga' Vol. III P.162-163 and Vol.V p. 161-162 and the articles entitled 'Apaņā prabhrato' by Sri Kalyanıvijaya in Jain Yuga' Vol. I p. 87 ff. and p. 127 ff. Vyavahārasūtra IV Udd. Bhāṣva V.12 refers to Påbuda and the commentary interprets it as Yoniprābhsta. The verse also mentions miraculous powers through Vidyās Nimitta etc. The Pāhudas or PrābhȚtas, important for our purpose, are Vijjāpāhuda, Siddhapāhuda Jonipāhuda and Nimittapāhuda. They are all mentioned in Sri Bhadreşvarasüri's Kathāvali in the Prabandha of Padaliptasūri as also in Prabhāvakacaritra. They respectively deal with (1) Vidyās (2) magical applications, collyrium,pills and powders (3) creation of insects and animals an1(4) Divination through astrology dreams and other Nimittas.