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the ahimsa doctrine. This is the subject matter of the opening chapter Dharmav-urai-carukkam.
A. CHAKRAVARTI :
The 2nd chapter, Kuṇḍalakēsi-vāda-carukkam, is devoted to the discussion that Nilakēsi had with Kuṇḍalakēśī who was the representative of Buddhism. Naturally in this discussion Kundalakēśi is represented to be defeated by Nilakēsi. Kundalakēśi is made to acknowledge her defeat and to accept the doctrine of ahimsa. Nilakēśī learns from Kundalakēśī that her teacher is one Arhacandra, a Buddhistic scholar.
The 3rd chapter is devoted to the discussion with Arhacandra, who is also made to acknowledge his defeat in the discussion. Arhacandra, after accepting Nilakēsi's religion of ahimsa directed her to Mokkala, one of the chief disciples of Gautama Sākyamuni and one of the early founders of the Buddhistic Sangha.
The 4th chapter, Mokkala-vada-carukkam, is devoted to Nilakēsi's challenge to this Buddhistic teacher Mokkala who, in his turn, is defeated and made to acknowledge the rival faith. This is one of the biggest chapters in the book because of the important Buddhistic doctrines which are discussed in detail in this chapter. Hence Mokkala himself sends Nilakēsi to the very founder of Buddhism. Hence the fifth chapter Buddha-vada-carukkam represents the meeting of Nilakēsi and the Buddha for the purpose of discussion. The Buddha himself is made to realise that his doctrine of ahimsa is not observed in spirit by his followers. He is made to realise that mere lip-service to ahimsa
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