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Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
whole corpus of the Cūrnis the Avasyakacūrni (600-650 A.D.). composed after its corresponding Niryukti by Jinadāsagani Mahaltara (650-750 V.S.), holds a distinct place for several reasons, a few outstanding oncs of which can be noted here. Firstly, it is a commentary written on the Āvasyaka-niryukti, the 2nd Mulasūtra of the Ardhamagadhi canon, the core of the basic sutras which is said to have belongeci to the period of Mahāvīra himself, or at least to the 1st century after his nirvana. Secondly, its subject-matter is treated more exhaustively than any other Cūrni does so in respect of its own. Thirdly, it is a valuable treasure of historical and semi-historical narratives, myths, legends, parables, fables and several other interesting folk-lates. I, for one, was fascinated by its narrative aspect, and aong the numerous narratives of varied types, by the tale of Cilatīputta (Cilatiputra), an exemplary tale (udaharana) illustrating equanimity (samāsa), one of the cight synonyms (paryāyas) of mental equipoise (sāmāyika), 50 indispensable in the daily life of the Jaina monk. Following is the summary of the text of this cxemplary tale apearing in this Cūrni:
Cilatīputra was a teen-aged son of a Kirata maid-servant of merchant Dhana at Rajagrha. Dhana had five grown-up sons and a daughter named Sumsuma, who was just a child. Cilatiputra was employed to look after Sumsumā. But soon noting the mischief-mongering of Cilatiputra, Dhana drove him away. Cilatiputra, then, idling here and there, joined a gang of robbers and later became its chics.
Promising his followers with the booty and keeping an cye on the young Sumsunā, Cilatiputra one day plundered the house of Dhana and leaving the booty to them, kidnapped Sumsumā. Dhava, together with his five sons and the city-guards, chased Cilatiputra, who after a long hectic march with Sumsumā on his shoulder, severed her head and ran away with it. The city-guards returned.
When all of them were oppressed by hunger, the father expressed to offer himself as food to his five sons. So also came
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