Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 198

Sec. II]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA
173
grains etc., famous and possessed many houses furnished with beds and seats, vehicles, abundant wealth and various kinds of precious stones. They increased their wealth by banking business (āyogapayogasam pauttā) and were accomplished in many arts. In their houses much food and drink got wasted without consumption due to their plentiness'.
They were masters of many male and female slaves and possessors of many cows, buffaloes and quadruped animals; and they were undefeated by many peoples in knowledge and learning, knowers of living and non-living substances ; realizers of virtue and vice (uvaladdhapunna pāvā), conversant with the doctrines of influx, stoppage and dissociation of Karma, the act of subordinating, bondage and liberation.
They were well-established in the Nirgrantha teachings and unchallenged in its knowledge and had no predilection for any other doctrine. They obtained, accepted, asked, ascertained and knew the true meanings and explanations of the Nirgrantha teachings which were their bones and marrows "reddened with love and devotion”S.
They were liberal like the high crystal ; their doors were open to others and their entrance into the houses of others was welcomed and pleasing. They purified their souls by observing many vows, such as Salavrata, Gunavrata, Viramanavrata, Pratyākhyānavrata, Pauşadhavr ata etc. and performing the acts of complete fasting in Caturda šī (fourteenth day of the moon), Aştamī (eighth day of the moon), Amavasyā (the night of no moon), and Pūrnimā (the day of full moo 1).
They offered uncontamina ed, pure and desirable food, drink and other dainties, cloth, vessel, blanket, broom (rajaharaņa), seat, patta (cloth), bed, medicine, etc., to the Sramana-Nirgranthas and passed time by observing acts of austerities and meditation on the self". (Tavokammehis appāņam bhāvemāņā viharasti).
One day, having learnt about the presence of the ascetics of Lord Pārsvanātha's order at the Puspavati Caitya from the
14 BhS, 2, 5, 107.