Book Title: Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature
Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan

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Page 112
________________ 102 the help of Hemacandra we can summarize the story in the following manner Cāņakya advised Candragupta, 'Do something good for the life hereafter.' Candragupta was an obidient disciple. The heretics deliver religious sermon in Candragupta's harem. There was a peep-hole in the wall between the preaching-hall and harem. When Candragupta left they gathered around the hole and peeped into the harem. Knowing the lack of control of the heretics Cāņakya managed to spread fine brick-powder on the floor near the hole. he showed the foot-marks of the heretics to Candragupta. Candragupta ordered to drive them away. They left brazenly. Cāņakya invited the Jaina monks to preach. They preached and observed the rules of celebacy strictly. They didnot indulge into the shameful act of peeping into the harem. Candragupta accepted them as gurus after their tough examination. From that day he became aloof from the heretics. (iii) Āvaśyaka-țīkā p.818 Here, Haribhadra presents a small story of parapāsandapasaṁsā (i.e praising the heretics) exactly in the manner of the Āvaśyaka-cūrņi (pp.817-818). It has been already translated and commented upon previously. While reflecting on Haribhadra's story, we can see that - * Cāņakya is depicted as a Jaina householder while Candragupta originally believes in the brahmanic tenets. * The opinion of Cāņakya was important to Candragupta during decision-making. * Cāņakya's wife was in favour of the heretics. She was strong enough to lodge a complaint against the injustice done to the heretics.

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