Jain Journal 1985 07

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

Page 34

JULY, 1985
29
angry person. When included within eight types of Vyantara divinities the Yaksa is associated with Caitya tree. Further the text dedicates two kuțas of Vaitadhya hill to Manibhadra and Purnabhadra.8 Both are regarded as Deva and are assigned the work of leading an army. They are called Devasenā.9
The Samavāyāngasūtra casts light on the disposition of Yaksas altered from malefic to benefic. They are to listen to Jaina preaching in the assembly.10 The reference indicates that a new idea regarding Yaksa now was emerging which ultimately culminated into a new concept of śāsanadevatās in the later texts and times.
The Daśavaikālikasūtra presents another example of the Yaksa's converted to benevolent disposition. It mentions that a god, a Yaksa or a denizen of bhavanas, if he has no humility in him, is seen suffering from pain.11 Again, a god, a Yaksa, a denizen of bhavanas if he has humility in him is seen to attain happiness and fame.12
The Uttarādhyayanasūtra describes Yaksa as a divine being who shines like luminaries if endowed with sundry virtues.13 The text uplifts Yaksa status coeval with god by mentioning a temple constructed for him outside the city. The location of the temple is in the Tinduka forest which was famous for practising austerities and meditation, 14
The Uttarādhyayanasūtra attributes super-natural power to Yaksas though they hold a higher status. They still continue to behave in a peculiar way. The following lines will clarify it. “There lived a spirit on Tinduka tree. For the great monk he felt pity and entered into the the monk's body, and spoke ......"15
Various references in the Uttaradhyayanasūtra indicate that the Yaksa concept was at that time passing through transition. The Yaksas have their specific power; but were convinced of the Jaina doctrine and
• Sthanangasutra, 409. * Sthanangasutra, 654. • Sthanangasutra, 689.
Sthanangasutra, 693. 19 Samavayangasutra, 34. 11 Dasavaikalikasutra, 9 & 10; also see transl., K.C. Lalwani, Delhi, 1973. 18 Dasavaikalikasutra, 9 & 11. 13 Uttaradhyayanasutra, ch. II, 14 ; also transl. and notes by K.C. Lalwani, Calcutta
1976. 14 Uttaradhyayanasutra, ch. XII, p. 117. 15 Uttaradhyayanasutra, ch, XII, 8, p. 179.