Religion and Culture of the Jains

SR No.: 014007
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: D C Sirkar
Publisher: University of Calcutta
Publication Year: 1973
Total Pages: 168
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 10 MB

Page 103

RELIGION AND CULTURE OF THB JAINS
subsequent chapter intervened by a large number of verses. To cite only one example, the quantum of the effects of two of the five kinds of ulkā, viz., Tārā and Dhișnya, is described in verse 9 of Ch. II, while that of the three remaining kinds, viz., Asani, Vidyut and Ulkā, is specified in verse 12 of the following chapter. Then there are numerous repetitions not only of ideas but even of words, sometimes in one and the same chapter. Verse 7 of Chapter XIII is, for instance, repeated once again after an interval of just sixteen verses (XIII. 23).80 Although minor defects of language, metre and grammar are not uncommon in texts dealing with technical subjects like astrology, astronomy, medicine and philosophy, the Bhadrabāhusaṁhitā is vitiated by these defects in an unprecedentedly serious proportion which many a time hamper a proper understanding of the text.61 As against this, the Bșhatsaṁhitā is distinguished by well-knit chapters arranged scientifically, succinct but self-sufficient delineation of relevant topics, variety of metres skilfully used, clarity of expression, general correctness of language which varies according to the requirements of the topics dealt with, originality and poetic talent, qualities conspicuous by their absence in the work allegedly composed by Bhadrabāhu. The Bhadrabāhusamhitā cannot thus stand comparison with Varāhamihira's work, not to speak of surpassing it which was the avowed purpose of composing it. But this is not all. Many statements of Varāhamihira are repeated in the Bhadrabāhusamhitā, sometimes with the only difference that, while the former employs only a few words, the latter says the same thing in so many words. To mention only a few examples, Ch. XXXIII of the Brhatsamhita and Chs. II-III of the Bhadrabāhusaṁhitā deal with ulkā. Varāhamihira defines ulkā and names its five varieties in XXXIII. 1 which is reiterated in so many words in the Bhadrabāhusaihitā, II. 5-6. The quantum of the effects of the five kinds of ulkā is described in a single stanza by Varāhamihira (XXXIII. 3) and the same is repeated by
60 This has reference to Nemichandra Shastri's ed. 61 For some such defects, see Gopani, op. cit., intro., pp. 19-20.