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Aspects of Brahmanical Influence on the Jaina Mythology
the source of both Artha and Kama, and the last has for its sources both Dharma and Artha Hence, according to the epic, "he, who, having forsaken both Dharma and Artha, follows only Kama, suffers here loss of wisdom from the abandonment of Dharma and Artha "146 We are further reminded that "from loss of wisdom one goes to complete ruin " Thus, we find that Silanka's representation of the Adhama type of people is not different from the epic view.
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Vimajjhimas (Vimadhyama) are those who serve Dharma, Artha and Kama in harmonious aggregate 148 The householder belonging to the three higher classes such as Brahmanas, Rājanyas (Ksatriyas) and Vaniks (Vaisyas) constitute this group These men act righteously, avoid the act that is detrimental to the other world (life hereafter), practise penance and give gifts etc. with an object of gaining fortune, beauty, much wealth and many sons in future birth,149
Madhyama type of men are those who are "devoted to Dharma, Artha, Kāma and Mokşa "250 They are possessed of discernment and consider Mokşa as the be-all and end-all of human existence. But on account of their spiritual weakness, they, though realizing the importance and values of the highest goal of human life, do not embrace the path of emancipation, for, they are so strongly bound with the tie of their worldly relations, such as sons, daughters, etc that they find it impossible to sever their connection with the family life. Under the circumstances, they take to the order of householders where
146 यो धर्मार्थों परित्यज्य काममेवानुवर्तते ।
स धर्मार्थंपरित्यागात् प्रज्ञानाशमिहार्च्छति ॥
-MBh XII 123.15. Also Rama II 53 13a, IV 38 21b-22a
147. afamianerygufa 11
-Bg. II 63b
148 विमज्भिमा उरण धम्मत्थकामे परोप्परासबाहेण सेवन्ति ।
149 Ibid, p 3
150 घम्मत्थकाममोक्वेसु पत्ता
-Ibid.,
P 3.
-CMC p 3.
