Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan

Page 45

35 1) 5Ghzoted carpet alaselea mafia - Mudrā”, Act 1, p.36 2) Rafal Gufufafa: - Mudrā”, Act 1, p.40 3) fab4410g 34751451 - Mudrā', Act 2, p.96 4) trafaud carey gud - Mudrā', Act 3, p.112 5) 44 ald-44151|2|9a: - Mudrā', Act 3, p.132 6) E-GJUHA 37514&heleda - Mudrā”, Act 4, p.176 7) płggi Tropfited UGG21444854fa - Mudrā”, Act 5, p.212
The discussion about ‘a mistake' (aparādha) and “law-breaking' (ājñābhanga) is found at length in Niśītha-cūrņi while prescribing rules for monks and nuns. It is declared that law-breaking is more serious than a mistake or error. A narrative of Cāņakya is quoted in the Niśītha-cūrņi, as an example of this rule. It is mentioned that when the particular villagers disobeyed Cāņakya's order, he taught them a lesson by setting fire to the whole village. The cruel act of Cāņakya is defended by the cūrņikāra. A comment is made at the end that, the rules laid down by the Jinas are like the strict orders of Mauryan kings. They should be followed faithfully otherwise severe punishment in the form prāyaśchittas, would be
given. 15
Thus, the appreciation of the strictness of Candragupta and Cāņakya is found in the Mudrārāksasa and in the Jaina narratives. [7] Wisdom of Cāņakya :
Sharp intellect is the prominent feature of Cāņakya. All the shades of buddhi i.e. intelligence, wisdom, power of reasoning etc. are present in Cāņakya. In a true sense, he is a genius. In the Mudrārākşasa, it seems that he is very much aware about what type of intelligence he possesses. He enters in the first scene with the
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