Development And Impact Of Jainism In India And Abroad

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Arham Spiritual Center

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Development & Impact of Jainism in India & Abroad
THE MOTIFS OF SEA-VOYAGE
Sea voyage appears to be very common in mediaeval literature. There were some stereotype motifs, which were also followed by Jaina writers in their literature. Before starting their sea-voyage, these traders exchanged their information as to what commodities were in different place and where they could be sold with greater profit. Horses were sold in Kosala in return for elephants; betel nuts were exported to Uttarapatha in exchange horses; and pearls were exported to eastern country (Purva desa) in exchange for Camaras (fly-whisks). Conchs were available in Dvaraka. From the Barbnara-kulatusks and pearls were brought in exchange for clothes. Patasa flowers could fetch gold in Svarnadvipa... Buffaloes and cows fetched netra-patta in China and Mahacina. Neem could buy jewels in Ratnadvipa. Men were in great demanding the kingdom of women etc. (Kerala). In the busy market places, men from different parts of the country came and had conversations in different languages.
Here there are two motifs well known from Gutpa period, firstly, relating to the ardent desire of a young son of a rich merchant' to earn wealth by his own diligence. His father at first dissuades him from undertaking the journey saying that there was wealth enough in his house to last for several generations, but in the end, allows the young man to travel to foreign country to earn wealth.
The second motif is the description of the caravan consisting of an army of horses and wheeled vehicles for transport of merchandise. In Surparaka he sold away the excellent horses of the northern breed which he brought with him and earned large profits thereby. At Surparaka, according to the Kuvalayamala, there was a merchant, named Bhadda-setthi whose wealth was lasted for several generations, and there was also a guild of local merchants. It was their custom to hold a reception in honor of merchant, and outside and to learn from them the country of their origin, the destination, field or trade, the nature, value, and volume of commodity in which he is interested and all such matters relating to his business. It was the ancient and traditional custom of the great emporium city of Surparaka which was also a flourishing sea-port for oceanic commerce with the western world.
The Siddha-yatra was applied to Sea-journey including going and safe return this had become a technical phrase in medieval literature.
The Jain literature gives details of preparation for sea voyage which include the following items relating to preparatory ritual and the equipment of the ship : (i) arrangements of boats or ships (janavattaim), (ii) loading of merchandise (bhamdaim); (iii) Bringing together other sailors (nijjhamaya), (iv) calculation of the duration of the journey both outward and inward (ganijjaediyaham), (v) fixation of the date and time of departure (laggam), (vi) observation of portends whether favorable or vice versa (niruvijjamtinimittaim); (vii) making announcement about the journey (kiramtiavasuio); (viii) prayers to proper deities (sumarijamti itthadevae); (ix) feeding the Brahmins (bhujavijjamti bambhane); (x) paying respects to selected persons (puijjamti visitthayane); (xi) worshipping of deities (accciijamti devae); (xii) arrangement of sails (sajjijjamti seyavade); (xiii) raising of the mast (ubbhjujjamti Kuvakhambhae); fitting the furniture for sitting and sleeping (sayane); (xv) collecting loads of timber for plank and fuel (kattha-samcae); and (xvi)
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