Studies in Buddhist and Jaina Monachism

Author(s): Nand Kishor Prasad
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 106

PABBAJJA AND UPASAMPADA
(iii) Conversion of lay disciples Our assessment of the process of conversion will remain incomplete, if we leave aside the procedure of conversion of lay-disciples as both the Orders, though with varying motives, realised the significance of lay-devotees. In the Buddhist terminology, such members of the faith were called upā saka and upăsika, while in that of the Jaina, they were designated samanopisaga, samanopå sigă, să vaga and savigā in addition to the designations just referred to in case of the Buddhists. It is a fact that nowhere in the Buddhist texts, lay-devotees are treated as bonafide members of the Order. Consequently, the duties and obligations binding on them are lacking in details. Opposed to this they are considered as a constituent organ of the Jaina Order and accordingly the Jaina monachism always speaks in terms of four orders, viz. Samapasaigha, Samanīsaagha, Savagasaigha and Sãvigásaiigha.'
In spite of the fact just referred to, it is certain that the Buddha received both men and women as lay-disciples. The brst men to become life long lay-disciples by the twofold fomula (dvevacika - Buddha and Dhamma) were Tapussa and Bhallika, the renowned merchants of the time. Their conversion took place even before the preaching of the First Serinon in the Deer-park at Rşipatana, the modern Saranātha. The episode regarding their conversion is stated thus in the Mahāvagga :
When the Blessed One was enjoying the Bliss of Emancipation under the Rajáyatana tree, Tapussa and Bhallika came travelling on the road from Ukkala, modern Orissa, to that place. Having been inspired by a god to show their reverence to the Blessed One by offering rice-cake and honey-comb, they approached the Blessed One and saluted him Then they addressed him thus :
"May, O Lord, the Blessed One accept from us rice cakes and honey-combs, that this may long be to us for a good and for a blessing".
The Blessed One received the rice-cakes and the honey-combs in the four stone-bowls offered by the four Mahāraja gods. When Tapussa and Bhallika saw that the Blessed One had cleansed his bowls and hands, they bowed to his feet and addressed :
“We, O Lord, take our refuge in the Lord and in the Dhamma, we may be received, Lord, from henceforth as life-long lay-disciples".
1. Thān, 363, p. 281b; cāuvvaņņāinne samanasanghesamaņā samaņio sāviyā
Bāviyão. Bhag, 580.