Collected Research Papers in Prakrit and Jainology Vol 02

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: University of Pune

Page 61

that the symbols (lāñchanas) of 24 Tīrthankaras are there in Jaina mythologies due to the influence
of Hindus.
(iv) Tiryancas are found in the middle region (i.e. madhyaloka or manusyaloka). The rules of acquiring the fourfold realms of existence are exactly the same for human beings and tiryancas. This fact also throws light on the closer relationship of both.
(v) Hindus and Jainas both wrote few treatises on particular tiryancas. The books like Aśvacikitsa, Aśvavaidyaka etc are available in Hindu tradition. Caraka Samhitā is very much keen about examining the flesh of different birds and animals before eating.
The Jaina Ācāryas, Hamsadeva and Durlabharāja wrote the books like Mrga-pakşi-śāstra,
Turanga-prabandha and Hasti-parikṣā in 13th century A.D.
(vi) Flesh-eating was very much common in ancient and medieval India. In Manusmrti (5.11-25) we find detailed descriptions and prescriptions about flesh-eating under 'Bhakşyābhaksyavicāra'. The sacrificial beasts were all five-sensed tiryancas.
*Opposition to sacrificial violence and strict vegetarianism'these two points are chronologically developed in Jaina thought through centuries. If we examine the Prakrit and
Sanskrit literature of Jainas from 5th century A.D. up to 12th century A.D., we can see the gradual application of non-violence in food-habits which culminated in vegetarianism. Further on, the critical examination of vegetarian food is seen in books and also in practice. Finally meat-eating and hunting were included in Sapta Vyasanas. Thus the sacrificial violence of five-sensed tiryancas promoted the Jaina thinkers to ponder over the issue of non-violence more deeply.
(vii) Medical treatment of diseases with the help of herbs and animals is seen in Caraka
samhitā. 35 In the ancient texts like Acārānga (Part I) there is total negation of rogacikitsa for a
monk or nun."
The text Daśavaikälika prohibits the Pancakarmas (vamana, virecana, basti etc.)
for ascetics.
After some centuries 'acitta' and prāsuka herbs (osadhis) were allowed.
* Completely Utilitarian View about Tiryancas Reflected in Caraka-Samhita
The word tiryanca is hardly used in Caraka. 'A good health and longevity of human life'is the aim of this treatise on Ayurveda. Every tree, plant, vegetable, fish, bird and animal is looked at from the medicinal point of view. While dealing with Pancakarmas and prescribing diet, flesh (māṁsa) and soup of flesh (māṁsa-rasa) is mentioned again and again. Caraka declares, liceu
HRE GET HIHIC farged. The insects, birds and animals are generally divided in Jāngala, Anupa and Sādhāraña. Long lists of these are found in Caraka-samhitā. The classification of animals and