Schools and Sects in Jaina Literature

Author(s): Amulyachandra Sen
Publisher: Vishwa Bharati Calcutta

Page 13

SCHOOLS AND SECTS IN JAINA LITERATURE
the canon with a view to find out what views each of them upheld and whether any of them can be identified with schools whose doctrines we are familiar with. This will serve a double purpose of showing in the first place what was the historical background of the Nirgrantha doctrine, what views they felt called upon to refute and thereby establish the superiority of the Nirgrantha creed, and secondly of showing though in an indirect manner, the condition of many doctrines of the time by means of the light thrown by the Jainas regarding the philosophical and religious atmosphere of India of that period. It is agreed that a hostile critic's remarks cannot be accepted in full in judging the value or contents of a creed it took upon itself to criticise, yet the opinion of an adverse critic seen through a proper perspective has its own value for historical purposes, indicating as it does the currents of popular opinion. It is to be remembered that this work is not intended to be a history of the philosophies of the time. The principal object is to get as clear an idea as is possible of the tenets, as they appeared to the Nirgranthas, of other schools and sects in those ancient days with a view to create a suitable background for the study of Jainism.
Many of the statements met with in different places are vague, such as the vehement denunciation of those who injure earth-bodies, waterbodies, plants, wind-bodies, animals, etc. 18 for such would apply to many non-Nirgranthas. Jacobi thinks on the autliority of Silănka, the commentator, that "others only pretend to be houseless" refers to the Buddhists. It must be pointed out, however, that we know now that there were in those days many kinds of houseless ascetics besides the Buddhists, to whom the remarks of the Jainas would equally apply.20 We shall deal, however, with only those statements which are particular, precise, and identifiable, and consider them in the order of importance given them in the Jaina texts.
PART I.
(I) THE ĀJIVIYAS.
The doctrines of the Ajiviyas are the best known heresy to the Nirgranthas. Judging from the frequency of their appearance and the
"Acār. S. I.i.2.2; I.i.3.4; 1.1.5.4; 1.1.7.2; I.i.6.4. 19 SBE.xxii.p.4.
20 See also Süt. S. I.i.1.6 & l.ii.1.8; and the long disputes between Nirgranthas and others in Bhag. 8.7.397; 13.2.595-596; 18.7.632-634; and 18.8.640 ; Sth. S. 3.2.167: Aup. S. 38.