Jaina Corpus of Koppala Inscriptions X rayed

Author(s): Nagarajaiah Hampa
Publisher: Ankita Pustak

Page 23

4 / Jaina Corpus of Koppaļa
and prove beyond doubt that Koppa!a served for ten centuries as the primary location of disseminating Jaina teachings of non-injury.
RELIGION
4.0
As already mentioned in paragraph 2.0., all the new records without any exception belong to Jainism, and they are all nisidhi memorials which serve as an authentic vestige of Jaina faith. There are only very few casual references to any particular primordial works of canonical nature, but regular apostles of Jaina church are remembered, and a number of friars and preceptors are mentioned. Koppa! itself was a big friary centre for Jainas and particularly a strong hold of Yāpaniyas. The present Koppa!a hoard also provides reliable and useful information about some of the friars and cohorts of the Yāpaniya ecclesiastical institution. So much new material is avialable for reconstructing the hagiography of some Jaina ācāryas which speak of the virtues of sterner monastic order. Asceticism was honoured, its votaries had strong belief in the cycle of birth and rebirth, the effects of karma in successive births.
A rigorous and restrained life helps the lay person to lead a life of self-help and of least dependence on society. Monastic life is not an escape but an attempt to achieve the highest purpose of human life. The community of disciples called the srāvaka sangha, four catagories of disciples, unflinchingly and resolutely applied themselves to their own good. They did not seek outside of their faith for any relief or support, did not believe in luck or omen. They developed wisdom which lead to the cessation of suffering and realisation of mokşa, released. They practised charity, generosity and alms giving to the deserving; lived for the welfare of both themselves and of others.
POLITICAL HISTORY
5.0
Main purport of these new epigraphs is not to deal with the political affairs. Albeit, the present collection affords casual