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ANTIQUITY OF JAIN MANTRAS: NISITHA SUTRA
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etc., Nimitta, dream, Vidya, Mantra, Yoga and Cūrna and says that if they are employed for or communicated to the followers of other religions or even to Jain householders, the Sadhu so doing shall perform penance as therein prescribed. It is apparent from this that he does not commit any sin if the same are employed for or communicated to Jain Sādhus. We are however not left to gather the meaning in such an indirect manner for Bhāşya verse 4284 and the Cūrni thereon (p. 841 s. y. 1996 Edn.) state the exceptions clearly: one should in exceptional circumstances employ Kautuka etc. or communicate Mantra. The exceptional circumstances are specified to be epidemic, famine, kingly oppression, fear, illness, blockade of roads, necessity to ascertain the cause of any strange happening, debate, or for adding to the glory of the faith. *
Nisītha Pīthikā (pp. 8-9) refers to Mātanga Harikesa who was accomplished in Avanāmini and Unnāmini Vidyās and illustrates how humility and respect for the Guru are necessary in a Sādhaka for acquiring accomplishment in Vidyās. Nisītha Uddeśa I, Bhāsya v. 410 (see Cūrni thereon p. 125) states that for the purpose of acquiring Vidyās a Sadhu may cultivate friendly relations with a householder or a lax Sadhu (Pāsattha). Nisītha Uddesa XVI, Bhāsya v. 63 refers to Ratnadevatā, Suci-Vidyās and Mātanga Vidyās named Gauri and. Gāndhārī; compare Bșhatkalpa Bhāşya Udd. I, v. 2508. Niśītha Uddesa XVI Bhāşya v. 472 says that one may adopt another Achārya as a preceptor for acquiring Vidyā Mantra and Nimitta and it would be deemed to be done for enhancing the glory of the Faith. +
The most important reference however is at p. 1105 Nisīthacūrni Uddesa XVI, Bhāşya v. 571 which states that in case Sadhus get accidentally lost in a dense jungle and are unable to find their
- असिवे ओमयरिए, रायदुट्टे भए व गेलण्णे ।
अद्धाणरोहकज्जेऽट्रजा य वादी पभावणता । भा० ४२८४ ।। . + Cf. Bșhatkalpa Udd. V. Bhåşya v. 5473.
