Jain Journal 1974 01

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

Page 15

JANUARY, 1974
99
Subandhu was also engulfed in the flames and thus met with his end. Canakya and the five hundred monks, while engaged in pure contemplation and bearing the afflication, also died."
Acarya Hemacandra, in the 8th Canto of Parisista Parvan, has thrown considerable light on the lives of Canakya and Candragupta 20. It appears that what is stated in the Parisista Parvan is based on Acarya Haribhadra Suri's Upadeśapada. The only difference is that Upadeśapada is written in Prakrit dialect in a concise form, while Parisista Parvan is written in elegant Sanskrit in an elaborate style. Acarya Hemacandra, besides describing Canakya as Sravaka has also spoken of him as Sanghapurusaa1, Pravacanopahasabhirua, Nirjarodyata23, etc. By describing the taking away of food from the dishes laid out for Candragupta as the food given in alms, the twelfth vow points to the need of entertaining guests. In this context, Canakya also insisted before the Acarya that he would feel honoured if from that day onwards, whatever food, water and other articles were required, were accepted from his house.
According to Acarya Hemacandra, Canakya played a prominent part in the conversion of Candragupta to Jainism. Canakya guided Candragupta not only in the political field but also acted as his spiritual adviser and saved him from heresy. Candragupta did not readily agr to a change of religion. Canakya put before him practical instances of true and false religion. When Candragupta was fully convinced, he gave up his former religion and embraced Jainism24.
A Review :
Ancient treatises like Avasyaka Curni, Avašyaka Malayagiri Vịtti, Upadeśapada, Bhatta Painnā, Santhāraga Painnā, Marana Vihi Paiņņā, Brhat Kathākoșa and Parisista Parvan unanimously accept Canakya as Jaina.
While dealing with the life story of Canakya, only his wanderings as a monk, sacred thread, kamandulu and his being a Brahmana have been taken into consideration, but not the other incidents of his life. That may be the reason for the research and its findings so far having remained one-sided. Being a Brahmana, sacred thread, wanderings as a monk and the like are not opposed to Jaina culture.
When the Nanda dynasty came to power in Magadha, the first Nanda needed a capable Prime Minister. His attention was focused