Jainism in Buddhist Literature

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Alok Prakashan

Page 64

pointiog out the uselessness of severe mortification made an attempt to convert him140 and ultimately he succeeded in doing so. Hence both the Cala.Dükknandha Sutta and Sekha Sutta were preached to Mahādāma.
Devadaha was an important town in the eyes of the Jain mission. Here also the Nigantha Nātaputta's view, the theory of Kamma, is reported to have been refuted by the Buddha 141 But no follower of Jainism, except Vappa Sakya143, the Buddha's uncle who was converted by Moggalana, is mentioned in the Nikayas as having given up Jainism. The fact that the Buddha laid down special rules for the entry of Nigantha Nataputta's followers to the Sangha, however, seems to indicate that a number of Nirgranthas were converted to Buddhism.
The Liccahavis had a republican form of government, and Vaisali was their capital. Since Pärávanatha's time it had been a centre of Jainism. 149 Nigantha Nātaputta and his Näta clan were very closely related to the Licchavis. He was very much influential in his home town, Vesali. In the course of missionary activities Jainism came into contact with Buddhists of Vesāli. Saccaka144, a highly respected follower of Jainism was defeated by the Buddha in a religious disputation, Sallaka's parents also were followers of Jainism.145 On the other hand. Abhaya and Panditaku māra148 were not satisfied with the answers given by their opponents. 147 Siha, a general of the Licchavis, was of course, impressed by the Buddha's discourse and he became his follower. Inspite of active opposition of the Niganthas, the Buddha continued his work of conversion of the Licchavis to the newly established religion,
The Mallas, like Licchavis, were republican tribe. They were divided into two groups, the Mallas of Pavā, and the Mallas of Kusinārā, They were followers of both Jainism and Buddhism. The Nigantha Nätaputta's nirvāṇa took place ia Pāva 148 and the Mallas and Licchavis as a mark of honour, illuminated the place with earthern pots. This indicates that the Mallas were well disposed towards the Jainas,