Jaina System of Education

Author(s): Debendra Chandra Das Gupta
Publisher: Bharti Mahavidyalaya

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there was that of Bahusruta, in between the degree of the Master and that of the Doctor We have textual references to thicc distinct grades of this degree in a passage in he Kalpasūtra where we are told that the designation of Bahu uta should be confered on a versatile scholar, versed in different branches of knowledge, possessed of a keen interest in scientific pursuit, and a steady bent of mind, given to the habit of wandering from place to place in quest of knowledge This great academic distinction used to be bestowed on scholars who had already obtamed the degree of Master of Arts and were prosecuting post-graduate studies below the requiements of a Doctorate We have no knowledge of any Jamna monasteries confering this degi ce on its students, but we do know from I-Tsing that the Unnersity of Nālandā habitually conferred this academic honour on competent candidates The following passage will bear out our contention "A person who has studied so far as this (book), is said to have mastered the grammatical sceince, and may be compared to one who has learnt the Nine Classics and all the other authors of China All the above mentioned books are studied by both priests and laymen, if not, they cannot gain the fame of the well-informed (lu much heard, Bahusi uta, or 'knowing much of the Siuti ")" Only brilliant scholars of exceptional capacity were allowed to take this course It was a coveted degree demanded of a minister of a king preparatory to his appointment "In the city of Visala there was a very heroic king named Nanda He had a minis
ter named Bahusi uta "41
LECTURE IV
The Doctorate Unlike the Master's degice the Doctorate is repeatedly mentioned In Jama literature Eminent Jaina church fathers like Hemacandia, Siideva," Bappahatti," Abhaya
39 Sthavira Arya Bhadi abahu Swami, Bihat Kalpa Sutra, vol. I, p 117,
verse no 400
40 I-Tsing, A Record of Buddhist practices, ti by T Takakusu, p 180. 41. Vikiama's Adventure, ti by Franklin Edgerton, pait I, p 33
42 Merutunga Acãiya, Prabandhacıntamani, tr by C H Tawney, MA,
P 123.
43 Ibid, p 98, 102. 44. Ibid, p. 201,,