Idea of Ahimsa and Asceticism in Ancient Indian Tradition

Author(s): Bansidhar Bhatt
Publisher: B J Institute

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THE IDEA OF AHIMSA ....
?) in the later half of the 11th century. He explained it with confidence what the words: kavoya-, majjara-kada-, kukkudamamsa · in the passage at the outset denote, without twisting them unnecessarily for the sake of the ahimsa ideal. He explained in the same way as it is translated above. He then
ntioned some views of other scholiasts who tried to adjust the passage to their a hiņsa ideal. Accordingly,
"kavoya-sarira-" normally : “body of pigeons", is metaphoric interpreted for "kușmanda" - "pumkin-gourd" (Beninkasa Cerifera), since both are similar in colour !
"majja ra-kada-" normally : “killed by a cat", is interpreted as something prepared (kada) for relieving the the teatulency trouble, i.e. gas in the stomach or intestines (majjara).-.. But, some scholiasts believe "majjara" to be a "species of plant" which is otherwise known by the name : "viralika" or "Vidarika" (cf. Sodhala- Nighantu 1.179) out of which the
"kukkuda-mamsa-" normally : “meat of a cock",
metaphorically, a “bija para-kata ha" (Citrus Medica ?; for kata ha, see Sodhala-Nighantu 11.589) is cultivated (kada) (cf. Alsdorf-1. p.12, fn.2; also : Viya hapannatti - JĀ gS. p.730, fns.1-4 from Abhaya deva's commentary)
In fact, many canonical texts of the Jainas teach qualities of a good monk in general, that he should not drink liquor, nor eat meat, he should not be envious, etc. e.g.
a-majja-mamsási a-macchari va ... / (Dasaveyaliya 12.7, cf. Saya gada-Silanka.2.2.38, p.222) (Dasa-s. p.196 ; Dasa-L. p.642). These qualities are derived originally from the Uttarajjha ya which enumerates generally the vices of ignorant persons, e.g. himsa bale musa-vai maille pisine sadhel. bhuñjamane suram mamsam seyam eyam 'tti mannai // (Uttarajjha ya 5.9 = Uttarajjha ya 7 :vss.5a,6c,7;cf. Uttarajj haya 19: vss.69 fol. for liquor and meat)
“As ignorant man kills, lies, deceives, caluminates, disambles, drinks liquor and eat meat, thinking that this is the right thing