Agama And Tripitaka Comparative Study

SR No.: 022804
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nagaraj Muni
Publisher: Today and Tomorrows Printers and Publishers
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 804
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 125

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Consequently, many a unanimous historical facts have been contradicted in his new chronology. As for example, it is now almost undisputable that Candragupta's accession took place in 322 B.C. and also this date serves as a 'lighthouse' in that dark period of Indian history. But, according to Dr. Shah's chronology the date of Candragupta's accession is 316 B.C. (124). Regarding the date of Mahavira's Nirvana', it should be noted that 527 B.C. is traditionally as well as historically accepted date. But, the date of Buddha's Nirvana 543 B.C. is only based on the Ceylonese tradition and is found to be unauthentic in the historical investigations (125).
Sri Sricand Ramapuria
Sri Sricand Ramapuria, a well-known literator, has collected a good deal of data on the present problem, in his article titled 'A Discussion on the age of Mahavira and Buddha (126). He has elucidated both the sides of the controversy and criticized the prevalent views on the issue, but he has not reached a definite conclusion, However he seems to be more inclined to the view that Mahāvira was older than Buddha. He has successfully refuted the arguments of Dr, Jacobi as well as Muni Kalyana Vijayji, which they advocated to prove Buddha's seniority to Mahavira.
Another remarkable point in the above article is that according to Sri Ramapuria, there are only two allusions found in the Buddhist Pitakas, which make the seniority of Mahavira a little dubious. Citing the first allusion, he writes (127): "The Buddhist scriptures clearly show that Mahāvira was alive when Ajātsatru acceeded to the throne of Magdha.
"Again, they also state that once Mahavira had asked Abhaya Kumara (The minister of Magdha) to see Buddha and to have a discussion with him (128). The subject of discussion was connected with the following event (1 29).
"Then Devadatta, rising from his seat, having arranged his upper robe over one shoulder, having saluted the Lord with joined palms, spoke to the Lord; "Lord, the Lord is now old, worn, stricken in years, he has lived his span and