Agam 30 Prakirnak 07 Candavejjhayam Sutra

Author(s): D S Baya
Publisher: Agam Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Samsthan

Page 36

PREFACE : XXXV
Basic qualities of a Disciple (Śişya Guņa):
Following the Master's characteristics, disciple's characteristics have been mentioned in this Prakīrņaka. It has been said therein that the learned praise the disciples, who are endowed with the virtues of enduring various afflictions, equanimity in gain and loss, contentment with minimal desires, without pride in his supernatural powers, easily engaged in ten types of virtues and cares, praising the master, and serving the organization. (37-42)
Further, it has been said that the disciple who attains knowledge by destroying his pride, gains many a disciple, but a bad disciple does not gain any. (43) As to who should be imparted learning, it has been said that a disciple with hundreds of other virtues but devoid of humility should not be imparted the knowledge of the scriptures even if he happens to be the son of the master. That is, he ought not to be given it, in any case. (44– 51)
Ethical Code of Conduct (Vinaya Nigraha Guņa):
In this work there are two separate doors called 'Vinaya Guna' and 'Vinaya Nigraha Guna'. But, the subject matter of the text does not clarify as to what is the difference in these two. The description contained in the verses of both these doors mainly mean humility and obedience. However, the word 'vinaya' has been used in two different meanings, namely –“humility' and 'code of conduct' in the old canonical works.
In the Bauddha canonical work, Tripitaka, there is a section called Vinaya Pitaka' that deals with the code of conduct. Therefore, in addition to 'humility', the word 'vinaya' also means "code of conduct. In “Vinaya Nigraha' door, too, there are some verses that relate to the rules of conduct. E.g. -