Path of Arhat

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: Sohanlal Smarak Parshwanath Shodhpitha Varanasi

Page 42

Origins in Eternity
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practical life and by a proper co-ordination of the Ahinsa doctrine with other three doctrines, he gave it a social norm to be practised in life."
Pārsva organized a 'Sargh' for the propagation of his principles. It is found from Bauddha literature that out of all religious organizations the organization of Jaina monks and nuns was the biggest.
These observations of a renowned Buddhist fully reveal the character and importance of this great man. Elsewhere in this thesis we have noted how Maha vīra reconsidered the efficacy of Pārsva's Caturyāma doctrine and found it necessary to add one more rule of conduct namely, Brahmacarya ( Chapter of 'Pañcaseel' ) and hence it is not necessary to repeat the same at this stage. Uttaradhyayana sūtral, one of the principal scriptures of Jainas, refers to a dialogue between Sri Kesi Muni, one of the principal saints, following Porýva tradition, and Gautama, the principal disciple of Mahāvíra, about the necessity of incorporating the fifth principle of Brahmacarya to the Caturyāma doctrine. Kesi Muni was convinced by Gautama of Mahā vīra's stand.
It is thus clear that after Rşabha, the first Tirthankara, the historical figure of Pärśva, the 23rd Tirthaikara, provides us the first systematic attempt to organize the Jaina Sangha and to prescribe a code of conduct for ascetics as well as for householders based on the fundamentals of Sramana traditions.
More than 250 years thereafter, it was for another great personality, Vardhamana Mahavira, to give a reorientation to these concepts with a revolutionary zeal.
1. Uttaradhyayana-sūtra, 23rd chapter ( Adhyayana ).
2