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________________ 186 Homage to Vaisali northern India. The important Caityas at Vaisali were called Capala, Udena, Gotamaka, Bahuputtak, Sattambaka, Sarandada, 1 and Gotama-nigrodha. From the comments made by the celebrated commentator, Buddhaghosa, it is reasonable to assume that the yakkhas were worshipped in these Caityas. The Buddhist books point out that the Vedic and many popular gods and goddesses were worshipped by the people in the region where Buddha preached. According to the Jaina Acaranga Sutra, Mahavira's parents were the lay supporters of the followers of Parsvanatha. For the sake of protecting the six classes of lives, they observed the rules of continence and committed religious suicide through starvation.8 After Mabavira developed his doctrine and preached his faith of unbounded charity to all living beings in the Vajji land and in Magadha, the number of his followers among the Licchavis appears to have been among them. According to the Vinaya Pitaka, Siha, a Licchavi general gradually felt attracted towards the sramana Gautama by listening to the discussion among the Licchavis at their mote-hall. Siha was afterwards converted to the Buddhist faith.4 Saccaka, a Nigaatha, had the hardihood to challenge the Buddha himself to a discussion on philosophical tenets before an assembly of 500 Licchavis.5 The Buddha paid several visits to the city of Vaisali and from the beginning he appears to have met with great success.' How great was the veneration with which he was received on his first visit to this city! The Licchavis sought the aid of the Buddha for the solution of many problems about religion and dogma that presented any difficulty to them. Once when the Buddha was staying in the Kutagarasala at Mahavana in Vaisali, Bhaddiya, a Licchavi, paid a visit to the Buddha who explained to him kusala and akusala dhamma. Bhaddiya was much delighted with his exposition and declared himself a follower of the Buddha.6 A Licchavi named Salba and another Licchavi named Abhaya went to the Buddha 1. Dialogues of the Buddha, Pt. III, p. 14-Patika Suttanta; Cf. Divyavadana, p. 201. 2. Samyutta, I, pp. 1, 3, 10, etc., Mahaparinibbana Suttanta, VI, 15, etc., etc. 3. Jaina Sutras, I, S.B.E.. XXII, p. 194. 4. Vinaya Texts (S. B. E., XVII), 108 foll. 5. Majjhima, I, pp. 227-237. 6. Angutara Nikaya, II, pp. 190-4.
| SR No. | 012088 |
| Book Title | Vaishali Abhinandan Granth |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Yogendra Mishra |
| Publisher | Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology and Ahimsa |
| Publication Year | 1985 |
| Total Pages | 592 |
| Language | Hindi, English |
| Classification | Smruti_Granth |
| File Size | 17 MB |