Jain Journal 1976 10

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

Page 19

OCTOBER, 1976
reference may be made to the subjects of study then in vogue. The word Veda is sometimes used to signify the sacred law. But generally it stands for the four Vedas. Thus the Brahmana wanderer Khandaka (Sandhaka of the Buddhist texts) was proficient in the four Vedas, six Vedāngas, Itihāsa-Purāņa which was regarded as the fifth Veda, Ganita (mathematics) and the Sașțitantra of the Sankhya philosophy. A more detailed enumeration of the subjects of study is furnished by the Aupapātika Sutra. These include, besides those already mentioned, Nighantu which is called the sixth Veda, Kapila, i.e., the Sankhya system of philosophy in general and the Bhargava school of Yoga philosophy. A somewhat later text, the Anuyogadvāra Sūtra mentions such new disciplines as Buddhasasanam, Vaisesiyam (Vaisesika philosophy), Logayatam, Natakas, Kodiliyam or Kodillayam (Kautiliyam, i.e., Arthaśāstra), Kamasutram of Ghodayamuham (Ghotakamukham), Vatthuviijā (architecture and town-planning) and Vaddhaki-sippa (carpentry). The knowledge of medicine presents a queer mixture of a science and superstitious magic. There is mention of eight branches of Ayurveda in the Sthānānga. These incude jangoli, bhūtavijjā (charms, exorcisms and spells), kharatantra and rasātana (rasayana). The Vipāka Sūtra mentions sixteen kinds of diseases including leprosy and their remedies.
The Jaina canonical literature is replete with admonitions to and injunctions for the householders. From the perusal of these code of conduct which undoubtedly developed through the ages an idea of the ideal Jaina householder may be had but how much of these was actually observed by the Brahmanas or is drawn from their life remains an open question.
As regards the life of the hermit dwelling in the forest, some interesting details of their mode of life may be had from the Aupapātika Sūtra. It refers to the hermits as either fireworshippers, family men or sleeping on bare ground. There were among them sacrificers, performers of funeral rites, etc. Some are said to blow conch-shell ; some are beaters of winnow (kula-dhamakas); some kill deer for venison ; some kill one elephant a year to minimize violence (hatthi-tāpasas). Again, for garment some use bark of trees, live by the side of the sea or near water at the root of a tree.
The Aupapātika Sūtra mentions four categories of wandering monks viz. Bahudaka, Kuțivrata (or Kuţicaka), Hamsa and Paramahamsa. The same text contains reference to class of recluses (pavvaiya-samaņa) who could not overcome sensual pleasures, vulgar ways, and were bragging