Jain Legend Vol 1

SR No.: 007594
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 367
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 2 MB

Page 348

j vaka and
j vakaism
Go laka's tradition is popular as j vaka tradition. Followers of this tradition observe various kinds of penance and meditation. However, they believed in soul, nirva and self-suffering, yet they were staunch fatatlists. In their opinion, human endeavour does not get any work done. Whatever be the other reasons for the name “ j vaka', one of the reasons is also . j vaka’, livelihood. According to Jain gama, Bhagavat , Go laka followed the doctrine of logic / reasoning. The j vaka used to accumulate pleasurable things using this knowledge. This way, they managed their living easily. This is why in the Jain scriptures this sect is called as j vaka and limga-j v.
According to Majjhimanik ya, just like the nirgranthas, the j vaka too had tough norms of living. Their alms seeking practice praised as
j vaka monks used to take alms from alternate homes or sometimes from one out of three homes. Just like the six karmic stains, Go laka propounded six abhij tis (divisions) with names such as black, blue etc. Giving a brief introduction of j vaka followers, Bhagavat states that Go laka's followers consider; Arihanta as God; serve their parents; not consume fruits like the wild fig, fruit of the banyan tree, jujube, fig fruit, pilamkhu, etc; would neither emboss on oxen nor pierce their ears or nose; and would not do any business where there is violence on mobile beings.
The Founder of j vaka Sect
Many to date consider Go laka as the founder of the j vaka sect. According to Jain scriptures, Go laka was the proponent of fatalism and main teacher of the j vaka tradition, but there is no mention anywhere of him being its founder. In the Buddhist, text D rghanik ya and Majjhimanik ya we find names of 'Kissa Samkicca' and 'Nandavaccha', apart from Go laka among the j vaka leaders, who were j vaka monks before Go laka. Perhaps after accepting the j vaka sect, knowing Go laka as one with miraculous powers (labdhidh r ) and with knowledge of fatalism, they made him the leader of the j vaka order. There being no clear account of the founding of the j vaka sect, Ud y Ku diy yana who existed 133 years prior to Go laka's death is believed as the founder of the j vaka order.
348