Samipya 1991 Vol 08 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 20

Valabhi Vidyapith
H. G. Shastri
Valabhi ranked as a great centre of all the three principal religions that prevailed in India in those times ( 470-788 A. D. ). The place was presumably a centre of higher eduction as well. The story of the seven fools, given in 'Kathasaritsagara' based on old Bţhatkatha, bears testimony to this assumption in the case of Valabhi. It represents a Brahmaņa boy of sixteen named Vişnudatta, as leaving Antarvedi for Valabhi for the attainment of learning. The reference obviously indicates the reputation of Valabhi as a centre of higher education. It also implies that Valabhi was so far-famed as a centre of learning, that a Brahmin student aspiring for higher
pains perils of a pretty long journey of about a thousand miles.
A redaction vacanx) of the Jain Agamas was prepared at Valabhi in circa 300 A.D.
Valabhi was also a renowned centre of Buddhist studies. T-tsing records that the greatest centres of learning in India were Nalanda and Valabhi and puts them in par with the great centres of learning in China. It indicates the high position of Valabhi as a centre of Buddhist learning. I-tsing gives the following account of these centres of learning. After having studied the five works of grammar, students begin to learn composition in prose and verse, and devote themselves to logic and metaphysics. Thus instructed by their teachers and instructing others they pass two or three years generally in the Nalanda monastery in Central Tndia or in the country of Valabhi in Western India. There, eminent and accomplished men assemble in crowds, discuss possible and impossible doctrines, and after having been assured of the excellence of their opinions by wise men become far-famed for their wisdom. To try the sharpness of their wit, they proceed to the king's court to lav down before it the sharp weapon; there they present their schemes and show their talent, seeking to be appointed in the practical Government. When they are present in the House of Debate, they raise their seal and seek to prove their wonderful cleverness. When they are refuting heratic doctrines, all their opponents become tongue-tied and acknowledge themselves undone. Then the sound of their fame makes the five mountains vibrate, and their renown flows, as it were over the four borders. They receive grants of lands and are advanced to a high rank; their famous names are, as a reward, written in white on their lofty gates. After this they can follow whatever occupation they llke.
*
Ex-Director, B.J. Institute, Ahmedabad
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[Sāmipya : April, '91-March, 1992