Prolegomena to Prakritica et Jainica

Author(s): Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Asiatic Society

Page 90

SEN: SCHOOLS AND SECTS IN JAIN LITERATURE
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In the Uttaradhyayana Sutra bad monks who do not protect themselves from sin, who though having the appearance of monks are the lowest among their worthy brethren, have been likened to heretics: they are despised in this world like poison, they are no bodies in this world or in that beyond. 10 The views and teachings of heretics have been called delusive talk which is untrue and without any meaning." Opinions and manifold doctrines not conforming to the Nirgrantha creed were declared to be contemptible which a monk was advised to abandon, for they were productive of evil everywhere.12 Faith has been held to be easier to obtain for those who though not versed in the sacred doctrines are not acquainted with other systems and hold no wrong doctrines. Right faith depends on the avoiding of schismatical and heretical tenets.13 Among the eight principles on which excellence of faith rests, are counted absence of preference for heresies, and non-shaking of right belief at the prosperity of heretical sects.1
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In the Nandi Sutra Mahāvīra has been eulogised as the moon who ever vanquishes the Rāhu of Akriyā-vāda,1 as the destroyer of the lustre of other schools, 16 and as the destroyer of the pride of false faiths.
It will be seen from the remarks quoted above that the time was full of various opinions, views, beliefs, schools, sects and teachings." They were not at all friendly towards each other as can be easily gathered. It will now
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10. Utta. S. xvii.20. 11. Ibid. xviii.26 12. Ibid. xviii26, 30 13. Ibid. xvii.26, 28 14. Ibid. xvii 31.
15. Nan. S. 9.
16. Ibid. 10 & 20.
17. How differences and disputes arose over subjects that would be regarded as beyond the scope of religion in the present day is illustrated in Bhag. S. 11.9.418, in the story