Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 181

ŠTUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA [Ch. IV He was fully and perfectly satisfied with the holy teachings of explanation of the Master on those topics raised by him. And finally he was converted and initiated by Lord Mahāvīra to Sramaņa Dharma as Srāvaka.
The economic conditions of Gobahula? and Bahula', the other two Brāhmnas, have already been pointed out in the beginning of this topic.
It is further learnt how some Brālmnas as interpreters of marks of dream beheld by queen Prabhāvatí Deví were honoured by king Bala of Hastināpura with rich presents for predicting the birth of the great child, Mahābala who afterwards undertook the state of houselessness by renouncing the world during the life, time of his parents, having got initiated by the monk, Dharmaghoşa, the disciple’s disciple of Vimala, the thirteenth Tīrthankara.
As propitiators (Balikārio)" of the royal family the Brāhmanas held, an honourable position in the society.
Lastly, they appear as ascetics (Tavasas)" like the Sramaņas who were greatly honoured by the whole society as known to the Bhs.
It is also stated that the Sramanopāsaka, offering gifts to such Sramana or Mahana with acceptable and eatable food and drink, etc., dissociates his Karma and his sinful act (pavakamma) does not touch him. That means the offering of gifts to them results in spiritual merit of the householder.
In the Bhs the occurrence of the Māhana' (Brāhmana) together with the Sramana' as the objects of the highest honour to the householders determines their equal social position with the Sramaņas. The Brāhmaṇas were thus held in great respect by the society.
1 BhS, 15, 1, 540.
Ib, 11, 11, 428. 6 16, 2, 1,90; 11, 9, 417.
? 16, 15, 1, 541. 4 II, 11, 11, 430. 6 16, 8, 6, 332 ; 15, 1, 541.