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 93

53 This question would arise if the 'Jaina Āgamas had called him the disciple and the Buddhist and aka scriptures the Guru. On the contrary, the position is that before Mahāvira, Gośālaka himself states: "Gośālaka was your disciple, but I am not that. I entered into the corpse of Gośālaka. This body is of that Gosalaka, but the soul is different." Thus, in the absence of any proof to the contrary, these experiments in imagination become meaningless. It is a happy augury that soon after this baseless conclusion came up, research scholars have also started refuting it(53).
Incontinence in Ājivakas
The account of Ājivaka'Bhikṣus being devoted to nonobservance of continence and religious discipline is found in the context of Ardraka Kumāra. This is also considered as vil ification(54). It would require reconsideration if only Jaina Agamas had said, so but the Buddhist scriptures also freely support it(55). Nigganthas were classified as observing continence and Ajivakas as observing incontinence(56). Gośálaka used to talk of three states: Bound, Liberated, and Neither Bound -Nor Liberated. He used to consider himself even beyond the state where man is free from the bondage of action. He was of the opinion that a liberated man need have no fear even of cohabitation(57). All these topics may have come from the sects that are critical of Ajivakas, but they do make the sexual activities of Ajivakas a subject requiring research and investigation. As these references support one another, they do not by themselves become baseless. According to the historian, Dr. Satyaketu, sexual intercourse was one of the three items of differences between Mahāvira and Gosālaka(58). Taking everything into consideration, it can be said that the comment of Jaina Āgamas about Ājivakas indulging in sexual activity is not just a scandal. It is also not unusual if a particular sect does not emphasize continence as a matter of principle. There have been many religious orders in India the principles of which have accepted all possible options in renunciation and enjoyment. Why do we feel surprised only at the acceptance of incontinence or enjoyment ? Among those religious leaders were also people like Ajita Kesakambali who did not recognise even the exis - tence of soul. It is a moot point why such people indulged in austerity and penance. Therefore, utmost care and seriousness are called for in giving currency to new conclusions and refuting the prevalent ones.