Jain Journal 1988 10

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

Page 26

OCTOBER, 1988
during the course of his wanderings moved over cities like Rajagrha, Kausambi, Pataliputra, Magadha, Kasi, Kosala, Anga, Sravasti, Vaisali (which was too much loved by Buddha).11 Similarly Lord Mahavira wandered over cities mentioned below for the same purpose. They were: Magadha, Anga, Kasi, Vaisali, Kosala, Rajagrha, Sravasti, Apapa, Videha, Vatsa, Saketa, etc. It may be observed that out of 42 caturmāsas Mahavira spent 12 caturmāsas in Vaisali. Thus this ancient city was highly liked by the two contemporary organisers of religions. It appears that both the teachers mostly wandered over the same tracts of lands at different periods. This reminds us of our modern election campaigns. But there was no bitterness. People were absolutely free to follow what they liked and preferred. There was freedom of thought in the highest degree.
Out of the three Pitakas the Abhidharmapiṭaka deals with metaphysics, the Vinayapiṭaka deals with the code of behaviour for the monks and the nuns and the Suttapiṭaka deals with the doctrines. In the case of the Jaina scriptures the Acarängasūtra deals with the code of behaviour for the monks and the nuns, the Uttaradhyayana and the Tattvarthasutra deal with metaphysics and philosophy and a few of the other Jaina canonical works deal with doctrines. In general the code of behaviour for the monks and the nuns in both the religions is (in general principles) agreeing with one another. The Buddhist monks put on a yellow garment while the Svetambara Jainas put on a white garment and hence the name-those who clad in white garments. The Buddhist monks lived in vihāras, the Jaina monks lived in upaśrayas. Formerly both had to stay in forests or in a place outside the city so that they might be away from the worldly life. The nuns too lived in both the religions separately with special rules of conduct meant for them. The Buddhists had a peculiar bowl so also the Jainas. Both the religions enjoined upon the ascetics to carry a big staff12 so that with this they can caution a small animal or protect themselves in case of any impending danger. (Here traditions differ in different Jaina schools). Both had to obey and observe the vrata of aparigraha. Both passed the rainy season by staying for four months in a particular place either in a vihara or in an upäśraya. Both used water after filtration. The Jaina monks and nuns specially use boiled water. Their necessary equipment is broadly the same. The Jaina monks eat twice (there are different practices), the Buddhists had to eat the mid-day meal only. The evening meal
11 See Mahaparinivvanasutta: nagapalokitam vesaliyam apalokitva.
12 The Jaina Sramanas carry this even to this day.
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