Jain Journal 1973 10

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

Page 35

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Ksatriya." Nami answered that he who built houses on the roads would certainly get into trouble; he may take up his lodgings whereever he wanted to go. Then Indra said: "Punishing thieves and robbers, cut-purses, and burglars, you should establish public safety : thus will you be a Ksatriya." Nami replied: "Men frequently apply punishments wrongly the innocent are put in prison, and the perpetrator of the crime is at liberty." Indra answered: "O king, bring into subjection all princes who do not acknowledge you: thus you will be a true Ksatriya." At this Nami replied that, although a man might conquer thousands and thousands of valiant foes, yet his greater victory would be when he would conquer himself. Indra then said: "Offer great sacrifices, feed śramanas, and brahmanas give alms, enjoy yourself and offer sacrifices; thus will you be a true Ksatriya." To this Nami replied that he who controlled himself was better than he who gave away thousands of cows as gifts. Then Indra said: "Multiply your gold and silver, your jewels and pearls, your copper. fine robes and carriages, and your treasury; thus you will be a true Ksatriya." Nami replied by saying that, since there was no end to man's greed, it was best to practise austerities. Indra failed to entice the enlightened Nami with the pleasure and privileges of ideal Ksatriya-hood 35.
In the above, we have among others the following important concepts: (a) that relating to the duty of a Ksatriya (i.e., a king) who was to get ready the necessary fortifications of his capital; (b) that concerning his duty of punishing the wicked and of establishing public safety; (c) that relating to the subjection of all recalcitrant chieftains, that is, to his ambition as a conqueror ; (d) that relating to his patronage of dharma in the shape of performing sacrifices, feeding the śramanas and brāhmaṇas and giving alms etc., and (e) that relating to his increasing the material wealth in the shape of gold, silver, jewels, etc. The Jaina Sūtras are in perfect agreement in regard to these ideals of Ksatriya as narrated in the Manusmrti36. This proves that so far as the concept of Ksatriya-hood is concerned, there was perfect agreement between the ancient Hindus and the ancient Jainas.
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35 Jacobi, Jaina Sutras, Part II, IX, 17-49, No. 37-40.
Manu, I, 89, p. 24; VII, 87-95, 144, pp. 230-231: X, 77-79, 115, pp. 419, 423.
[To be Continued