Chanakya Explored in Jaina Literature

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Firodaya Prakashan

Page 76

[A] Vyavahāra-bhāṣya 1.91 (716):
66
नंदे भोइय खण्णा आरक्खिय घडण गेरु नलदामे ।
मुईग गेह डहणा ठवणा भत्तेसु कत्तसिरा ।।
It is specifically mentioned here that for the welfare of the society how Caṇakya completely eradicated the trouble-shooters who were pro-nandas. Taking into consideration the noble purpose behind Caṇakya's ruthless measures, a sense of regard towards Cāṇakya is seen here. Malayagiri gives the full account at length by using the sources documented in the Avaśyaka-cūrṇi. [B] Vyavahara-bhāṣya 1.132 (952):
भंभीयमासुरुक्खे, माढरकोडिण्ण (? ल्ल) दंडनीती । अथऽलंचऽपक्खगाही, एरिसया रूवजक्खा तु ।।
Though the full meaning is not clear, it is sure that this gāthā refers to the science of dandanīti employed by Kautilya i.e. the Kauṭiliya Arthaśāstra. It is noted that in the regime of Kautilya there was no scope for bribary and his attitude was impartial.
The tone of admiration towards Cāṇakya is quite clear in this gāthā in spite of some ambiguity in it.
[C] Vyavahara-bhāṣya 10.592 (4420) :
पडिणीययाए कोई, अग्गिं से सव्वतो पदेज्जाहि । पादोवगते संते जह चाणक्कस्स व कसे ।।
9
Pandita-marana of Canakya is highlighted here by designating it as pādapopagamana. It is mentioned that how Caṇakya's enemy put fire on him. It is told that one should remember the courage of Caṇakya when one accepts saṁthārā. We have already seen that the same thing about Caṇakya's death is repeatedly told in the prakīrṇakas.