Aspects of Brahmanical Influence On Jaina Mythology

SR No.: 011037
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shaktidhar Jha
Publisher: Bharat Bharti Bhandar
Publication Year: 1978
Total Pages: 315
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

Page 264

246 Aspects of Brahmanical Influence on the Jaina Mythology the Jaina character of the above formula seems to be doubtful And, although the contribution of the Jainas to the education of the masses is really commendable, yet the ascription of the Hindu Samskāras to thc Jaina influence only on the strength of the aforesaid formula appears to be presumptuous
Upanayana
The Upanayana ceremony, according to Janasena, is to be solemnized in the eighth year of the boy from his conception in his mother's womb 65 But unlike Brahmanıcal authorsso, he does not prescribe different lower and upper time-limits for the members of the three upper classes Thus, in Jinasena's opinion the boys of all the three twice-born classes should be initiated in the eighth year of their life. As enjoined by Jmasena, the ceremony of hair-cutting having been performed, the boy should be provided with a Kaupina (undergarment) and be clad in pure and simple dress Next, a three-stringed girdle of Muñja grass should be tied round his waist and he should be provided with a sacrificial thread purified with the sacred Mantras, which the Brahmacărın must put on as a symbol of the sacred vows (Vratas).57 Now, "being sanctified by the (observance of ) vows he, who was so long a Brāhmaṇa only by birth, acquires through virtues, the appellation Dvija on account of his sacred birth (from the initiation-sacrament)"58 After the initiation the boy becomes a Brahmacānn. He is, next, asked to worship the Siddhas first, and then his teacher. That day, he should go on begging in the houses of his kithmen, and should respectfully offer his Upadhyaya
55 flailfaafaita a Thig# 9711
--MP 38.104a Cf. Monu 2 36 66 Manu 2 36-39 57 A1P 38 104-138, 40 166-158 68 जात्यैव ब्राह्मण पूर्वमिदानी व्रतसंस्कृत.। द्विर्जातो द्विज इत्येव रूढिमातिष्ठते गुण ॥
MP. 40 169