Book Title: Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra
Author(s): Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
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60
INTRODUCTION
of wine. "Meat" was offered in Māngsåshtaka Shraddha; fish in the Ashtakashraddha and Pretashrāddha and Maithuna as a recognised rite will be found in the Vámadevya Vrata and Mahāvrata of universally recognised Vaidik texts. Possibly however this element of Maithuna may be foreign and imported by Chinächåra" Shakti and Shakta (Ch. V).
JAINA AND BAUDDHA INFLUENCE Sir John Woodroffe says ("Shakti and Shakta' p. 60)" that the present day general prohibition against the use of wine, and the generally prevalent avoidance, or limitation of an animal diet, are due to the influence of Jainism and Buddhism which arose after, and in opposition to Vaidik usage. Their influence is most marked of course in Vaishnavism but has not been without effect elsewhere."
NO PANCHATATTVA WORSHIP IN JAIN TANTRA
It is clear, therefore, that it is due to Jain influence that indulgence in flesh, wine etc, is generally controlled. Accordingly there cannot be and there is not anything in Jain Tantra to favour directly or indirectly any element of Panchatattva worship. Jain Māntrikas have always emphasized on the absolute necessity of Brahmacharya-celibacy in all the Sādhanās. All thoughts of sex are considered the greatest impediments to attainment of success in Mantras by the Jains. Fasting is also recommended for attaining success in the various Anusthānas. Where complete fast is not possible restriction is placed on even the ordinary vegetarian food which Jains always take and meals are recommended to be cut down to single meal per day during such practices with recommendation to exclude sweets, spices, milk and ghee etc. also if possible. This is with a view to control passions and shut out worldly thoughts and bring about pure contemplation by the action of the soul freed to an extent from the bodily bonds. For this very reason worship is recommended to be performed in lonely places, gardens, banks of rivers, temples, or holy places of pilgrimage. It is due to this that ordinary Jains do not like to be classed amongst Tāntrikas whom they consider practitioners of rites with wine and women. The general features of Tāntrik worship will, however, be
