________________ The Isibhasiyai and Pali Buddhist Texts A Study : 257 is difficult to descern Pinga of the Isibhasiyai from any of the Pali texts. The Jaina text probably refers to an earlier Pinga from whom a line Pingayani emanated. But the allegorical illustrations are interestingly similar which point to the archaic nature and hence antiquity of the Isibhasiyai. The utterances of the two sages, namely Satiputta and Sanjaya are placed in the text one after another (Nos. 38 & 39). Satiputta has been identified with Sariputta of the Pali canon. He is one of the two "Chief Disciples" (Aggasavakas) of Gautama Buddha, the other is Moggallana. the Buddha has praised Sariputta as 'foremost among theose who possessed wisdom' (Etaggam mahapannanam): He is looked upon as a sage next to the Buddha, as wise in understanding the Dhamma as the Buddha himself. Significantly, in the Isibhasiyai, he is the only saint who is designated as 'Buddha'and 'Arhat'while other sages hold the title of 'Isi' and 'Arhat' or 'Isi' or 'Arhat' only. Probably because of his first grade spiritual achievements he was held in high esteen and reverence by all other religionists of the period. He was probably popular among other sects and equally among the Jaina sairts who also paid him full regard on account of his spiritual attainments. The compiler of the Isibhasiyai probably was aware of the esteemed personality of Sariputta and so calls him 'Buddha'(not isi), and thus, the text in the original linguistic form may be a composition of not later than the 3rd or 2nd cent. B.C, if not still earlier. The other saint Sanjaya, a contemporary of Sariputta (and also of the Buddha and Mahavira) is included in the list of six 'heretical teachers' in the Pali texts. (DPPN. Vol. II, p. 999ff.) He is called there Sanjaya Velatthiputta. Sariputta and Moggallana, the two 'Chief Disciples' of the Buddha were his earlier disciples before they joined the Order of the Buddha. Sanjaya had formed his own Sangha and probably had gathered a good number of followers. It is recorded in the Pali texts that he had died soon after Sariputta joined the Sangha of the Buddha at Rajaglha. Sanjaya of Ishibhasiyai appears to be the same saint who is known to the Pali texts. In the Commentary (Sangrahani) of Isibhasiyai, both Sariputta and Sanjaya are described as non-Jaina
