Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. IV
of meditation) while Atimukta Kumāra-Sramana1, a disciple of Lord Mahāvīra, was also a student of this class.
It thus appears that the acquirement of knowledge and building up of character by man-making education outstading features of the first stage of life.
were the
Second Stage
Marriage distinguished the boundary of the second stage from that of the first one after the completion of education of the student at that period.
From this second stage of life followed manifold secular duties of the householder comprising economic pursuits, supporting of family and other institutions, gratification of human desires (kamabhogadana etc.), liberality, offering of gifts, entertainment of guests, relatives and other peoples. But the religious and spiritual aspects of life were not ignored at all. The householder had to perform himself the family sacrifices, such as, 'Balikamma' (worship of house-gods) 'Kautukamangala' (auspicious ceremony) and prayaścitta' (expiation) and to offer due worship to ancestors and gods. It was also his duty to study and lead a religious life by observing continence on festival days. In a word, a householder, who may be a Brahmana or a Ksatriya or a Gahavai or a Vanik had his three debts to pay, viz. debts to the people and ascetics, gods and ancestors as they are embodied in the stray references of the BhS.
Here is found an idea of the cult of hero-worship in the act of offering oblation to the manes as the prevailing custom of the society.
The Raghuvamsa of the poet Kalidasa also has echoed a similar sentiment expressed by the BhS on the ideals of house
1 BhS, 5, 4, 188. at the age of six
2 Ib, 11, 11, 430.
3 Ib, 9, 33, 384.
4 I6, 11, 9, 417. (Devayapitikayakajje).
A Kumara-Sramana was initiated generally
5 Raghuvamsa V, 10.
(Yasmat te sarveṣām āśramānāṁ Brahmacarya-vanaprasthayatinam-upakāre Kṣamam-Saktam-kṣemain sakte hite trişu iti-Amarah).