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

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In this manner, many people became initiated as monks in Mahāvira's order. They have been introduced as follows:
"'They were from the Ugras, the Bhogas, the Rajanyas, the Jnatas or the Nāgas, the Kurus and the Ksatriyas. There were many chroniclers, warriors, army-cominanders, spiritual teachers, merchants and commoners. Many came from noble families from the sides of both their parents. Many of them were foremost in beauty, humility, knowledge, appearance, grace and power. They were second to none in wealth and excellence. They were rich in wealth, grains and families. They had ample supply of objects bestowed by their respective kings to give happiness to their five organs of sens es, and they could have enjoyed a comfortable life if they had so wished. But they considered these to be of no more worth than kimpāka fruits. They took life to be transcient like a dew drop at the tip of a Kusa grass. They were ever prepared to thrown out riches and ephemeral objects in the same manner as one throws out dust deposited on cloth. They joined the order of monks by giving up vast stores of silver, gold, wealth, grains, army, vehicles, treasures, granneries, kingdoms, states, cities, seraglios, riches, bullion, gems, jewels, pearls, conches, corals, padma rāga (a precious stone with lotus tinge) and many other valuable things".(26) The Upasampadás of the Buddha (27)
1. The Pañcavarga Bhikṣus (28) - These bhikṣus lived at Rsipattan (present Saranatha) in Varānasi. The Buddha who was seriously considering after his Enlightenment whom he should first give the knowledge of the four 'noble truths' (ārya -satya) arrived at the same place. the bikhşus saw him from a distance and thought.
"Here comes Gautama Buddha who has fallen from . the spiritual path and is now after wealth. So, let us not receive him, let us not salute him, let us not stand in honour of him, nor assist him by holding his begging bowl, garments, etc. We should only keep a seat for him. If he desires, he may take it".