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 292

ANTIQUITY OF JAIN MANTRAS NISITHA SUTRA
283
etc., Nimitta, dream, Vidya, Mantra, Yoga and Curna and says that if they are employed for or communicated to the followers of other religions or even to Jain householders, the Sadhu so doing shall perform penance as therein prescribed. It is apparent from this that he does not commit any sin if the same are employed for or communicated to Jain Sadhus. We are however not left to gather the meaning in such an indirect manner for Bhāṣya verse 4284 and the Cūrni thereon (p. 841 s. y. 1996 Edn.) state the exceptions clearly: one should in exceptional circumstances employ Kautuka etc. or communicate Mantra. The exceptional circumstances are specified to be epidemic, famine, kingly oppression, fear, illness, blockade of roads, necessity to ascertain the cause of any strange happening, debate, or for adding to the glory of the faith. *
Nisitha Pithikā (pp. 8-9) refers to Matanga Harikeśa who was accomplished in Avanāminī and Unnāminī Vidyas and illustrates how humility and respect for the Guru are necessary in a Sadhaka for acquiring accomplishment in Vidyas. Nisitha Uddeśa I, Bhāṣya v. 410 (see Cürni thereon p. 125) states that for the purpose of acquiring Vidyas a Sadhu may cultivate friendly relations with a householder or a lax Sadhu (Pasattha). Nisītha Uddeśa XVI, Bhāṣya v. 63 refers to Ratnadevată, Suci-Vidyas and Matanga Vidyas named Gauri and Gāndhārī; compare Bṛhatkalpa Bhāṣya Udd. I, v. 2508. Niśītha Uddeśa XVI Bhāṣya v. 472 says that one may adopt another Āchārya as a preceptor for acquiring Vidya Mantra and Nimitta and it would be deemed to be done for enhancing the glory of the Faith. +
The most important reference however is at p. 1105 Nisithacurni Uddeśa XVI, Bhāṣya v. 571 which states that in case Sadhus get accidentally lost in a dense jungle and are unable to find their
x असिवे ओमयरिए, रायदुट्टे भए व गेलणे । अद्वाणरोहकज्जेऽट्टजा य वादी पभावणता || भा० ४२८४ ॥
+ Cf. Bṛhatkalpa Udd. V. Bhāṣya v. 5473.