Jain Journal 1985 10

SR No.: 520080
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1985
Total Pages: 45
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 15

Some Earlier Buddhist and Jaina
Narratives
PREM SUMAN JAIN
The earlier texts of Buddhist and Jaina literature contain many similar stories. It appears that these were taken and developed from common folk-lore. A comparative study of such stories, as found in Pali Tripitakas and Ardhamagadhi Agamas, is therefore, essential. Here we are presenting a few such stories.
The renunciation of Citra and Sambhuta has been described in Uttarādhyayana Sūtra in 35 gāthāsl and in detail in the Subodhikā Tikā.? It is the story of affection between two brothers. Due to this affection they took care of each others' welfare for six to seven lives. Citra and Sambhuta were sons of a Candala, and were masters of music. But as they were born of a low caste they were humiliated. In the end both of them became monks and attained heaven.
The affection of two brothers and humiliation for being borh in low caste have been the subject of different stories for ages. The theme was very popular. The same story is repeated in Buddhist Jataka called 'Citra and Sambhuta’.: On comparison the following points emerge :
Jātaka In the mixed style of prose and verse The same
Uttarādhyayana Satra 1. In verse form but in prose in the
Tikā 2. Deep affection between two
brothers 3. Similarity in different lives : (a) A pair of deer
) A pair of swan (c) Born as Citra and Sambhuta (d) Born in Devaloka (e) Born as a son of a merchant
and of a king
The same A pair of falcon The same In Brahmaloka As a son of a priest and of a king
1 Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Chap. 13, gatha 1-35. • US. Subodhika Tika, pp. 185-197. • Jataka, Part IV (Hindi Trans.), No. 498.