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'Dharmakatha of Jnátriwanst Mahavira' does not seem to be appropriate. It has been told there that in the 'Jnätadharmakatha', the cities and gardens. etc. of the 'Inatas' (the persons cited) have been described. The title of the first Adhyayana of this Agama is 'Ukkhittanaye' (Utkshiptajņāta). On this basis also, the word 'Natha' seems to go with the meaning as an 'illustration' only.
The content
The spiritual elements such as non-voilence, palate contral, faith, restraint of senses etc. have been expounded in an excellent style through the illustrations and fables in the present Agama. Besides that of a plot, it has the elegance of description also. While going through the first Adhyayana, we have the reminiscense of the poetical prose-work such as the Kadambari. In the ninth Adhyayana, the description of the boat sinking in the sea, is very lively and horripilating. In the twelfth Adhyayana, the process of purifying water reminds us of the modern method. The changability of the Pudgala substance has been expounded by this illustration.
Along with the main illustrations and fables, some subsidiary fables are also found. In the eighth Adhyayana the fable of a well-frog has been recorded in an excellent style. Parivrājikā Chokha goes to Jitaśatru. Jitaśatru enquires of her-You wander a lot. Have you ever seen a harem like that of mine? With a smile Chokha said-You are like a Küpa-Mandika.
Who is that Küpa Mandeka?
Chokha said-There was a frog in a well. He was born and brought up there. He considered his well everything. One day an ocean-frog came down in that well. The well-frog said to him-Who are you? He answered-I am a frog from the ocean. I have came from there. The well-frog asked him-How big is the ocean? The ocean-frog said-It is very big. The well-frog, drawing a boundry with his foot, asked him-Is the ocean as big as this? The ocean-frog answered-Far more greater than this. The well-frog had a jump, from the eastern to the western end of the well, and said-Is the ocean so big? The ocean-frog answered-It is far more bigger than this too. The well-frog could not believe it as it had never seen any thing except the well.
1. (a) Samwao, pa innagasamawao, Sutra 94. (b) Nandi, Sutra 85.
2. Nayadhammakahao, 8/154, pages 186-87.
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