History of Jaina Monachism

Author(s): S B Deo
Publisher: Deccan College Research Institute

Page 79

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S. B. DEO
from the point of view of controlling the senses and non-attachment to bodily pleasures and external needs.
Another practice made compulsory, the details of which we shall see later on, was that of Pratikramana (the confession and condemnation of transgressions). It may be noted that this practice was not an invention by Mahāvīra, but the only element he added was its compulsion on all, irrespective of the fact whether a fault was done or not. It was made an item of daily routine. The disciples of the Tirthankaras from 2 to 23 also did it only when a fault was committed. These disciples were not of a forgetful nature. The followers of the first and the last Tirthankaras, on the other hand, were of a fickle mind (calacitta) 119 and hence pratikramaņa was made compulsory. The typical phrase used in this connection was 'caujjāmão pañcamahavvaiyam sapadikkamanamh dhammam padivajjai',120
External Influence?
Regarding this tightening of morals, scholars believe that Mahāvīra must have been greatly influenced by similar practices of other contemporary sects. JACOBI says that, "the rigid rules formed no part of the ancient creed of Jainism and Mahāvīra might have borrowed them from the Acelakas or Nirgranthas the followers of Gosala with whom he is said to have lived for six years" 121 On the other hand, we find CHARPENTIER saying exactly the opposite. He remarks, "Not only was his (Gosala's) doctrine, although differing on many points, mainly taken from the tenets of Mahavira; but his whole mode of life also, in its insistence on nakedness and on the utter deprivation of all comforts, bore a close resemblance to that of the Jainas",122 Before giving any verdict on the extent of borrowing or copying as took place between the Ajivikas and the Jainas, it would be better to see the relations between Gosäla and Mahāvira.
Gosala and Mahavira:
Gośāla, the son of a Mankhali (picture-exhibitor), was born at Saravana in the cow-pen of a Brahmin (hence named go-śala). When come of age he also practised the same profession as that of his father. While at Rayagiha, he saw people paying respect to Mahavira, and so Gosāla requested Mahāvīra to enlist him as his disciple.
119. Mul., 7, 114-33a.
120. Bhag. p. 99aff: Story of Kalasavesiyaputta; also pp. 248a, 455a; 791b. 121. SBE., xlv, p. xxxii; See also Mrs. STEVENSON, Heart of Jainism, pp. 59, 185; BARUA, Jour. of Deptt. of Lett. (Cal.), ii, pp. 17-18.
122. CHI., Vol. 1, p. 162.