Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature

SR No.: 007699
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan
Publication Year: 2014
Total Pages: 257
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 1 MB

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about danda and dandanīti. The 2nd adhyāya opens with the names of fourfold vidyās, viz. ānvīksīki, trayī, vārtā and dandanīti. In the 5th adhyāya he says that the fourth one is at the base of the other three vidyās. The 4th adhyāya discusses about तीक्ष्णदण्ड, मृदुदण्ड and
UTEGUS categorically. In the 13th adhyāya, the four measures to satisfy the dissatisfied ones are told, viz. sāma, dāna (upapradāna), danda and bheda. In the 31st adhyāya, the definitions of these four measures are given. With a great thought-clarity Kautilya says, “Killing (violence), torture (ill-treatment) and snatching away the wealth (fine) is called danda (punishment)”. The famous cāņakyasūtras throw light on the importance of danda and dandanīti.
The Jaina code of conduct, discusses a lot about danda, arthadanda, anarthadanda, manodanda, vacanadanda, kāyadanda, dravyadanda, bhāvadanda, and so on and so forth, but witha slight different manner. Danda is violence. Arthadanda is violence with some purpose or reason. Anarthadanda is purposeless violence. The Uttarādhyayana says -
दंडाणं गारवाणं च, सल्लाणं च तियं तियं । ut furę alus Ato , À 3775 H5 II (Utt.31.4)
The three types of dandas mentioned here are the inauspicious activities of mind, speech and body which are harmful to one's self and other living beings. Anartha-danda-viramana is the third guņavrata among the 12 vows prescribed for a Jaina householder. This is the vow to abstain from frivolous and harmful activities which do not serve any human purpose (Tattvārtha. 7.16).
Though the word “danda' is same in the Arthaśāstra and Jaina ethics, the implications are different. Kautilya's danda is the punishment inflicted by the king to the criminals but the Jainas think