Jain Journal 1971 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 50

The Conversation of Gosala and Ardraka
[The Suyagaḍānga (Sūtrakṛtānga) is the second Anga and is probably much older than the Uttaradhyayana Sutra which resembles it with regards to its objects and some of the topics treated. The object of the Sūtrakṛtānga is to guard young monks against the heretical opinions and to guide them to obtain the highest good. It has three commentaries: (i) Silanka's Tikā, (ii) the Dipika composed in 1517 A.D. and (iii) a Gujarati gloss known as Bālavabodha. This text has been translated into English by Jacobi in SBE vol. xlv and some selected sections have been translated into German by Schubring in Wrote Mahaviras. Below is given a piece where Ardraka refutes Gosala the leader of the Ajivakas. ]
Ardraka, Suyagaḍānga
Gosala
"Listen Ardraka, to what (Mahavira) has done. At first he wandered about as a single monk; but now he has surrounded himself by many monks, and teaches every one of the the Law at length.
"The inconstant man has decided upon this mode of life: to stand up in a crowd of men, surrounded by monks, and to teach his doctrines for the benefit of many people. Therefore his former and his present life are not of a piece.
"Either to live as a single mendicant (was right conduct) or his present life; therefore both do not agree with each other."