Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 252

Sec. V]
STUDIES INTHE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
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These traits of women's character were depicted only to warn and guard the lascivious and feeble-minded monks with the apprehension lest they fell victim to the temporary charms of young ladies by breaking the ascetic discipline and self control.
The same idea regarding the position of women as Jaina nuns is reflected in their rigorous life of monastic order as depicted in some Jaina texts,
Thus it is stated that the nuns were forbidden to study the Dretirada which contained the magical farmulae, because they were not strong-minded to stand the influence of those principles on their ascetic life and character.
It was the same case with the Buddhist nuns who were also not permitted to study the chapters on Mahāparijna and Arunopapāta.
The most humiliating position of the Buddhist nuns is described by the Cullavagga in which it is stated that the first of the eight main vows before admission to the order enjoins upon a Bhikkhuni, even of a hundred years' ascetic life to stand up and show respect to a 'Bhikkhu' who has just been initiated.
It is further said that a Buddhist monk of three years' asceticism could become a religious teacher of a nun who practised austerities for thirty years, while a monk having the practice of asceticism for five years could have been an Acārya (religious preceptor) of a nun with the experience of sixty years'
austerities.4
Some Jaina texts make references to a few cases of infidelity of women, such as, that of Mayaṇamañjarī, the wife of prince Agadadatta and another of the wife of a banker.
But side by side the brightest picture of womanhood has equally been depicted with a brilliant touch of honour and glory.
1 Brhat. Bhasya Pithika, 146. Cf. Vyavahara Bhāṣya, 5, 139. 2 Vide Life in Ancient India by Dr. J. C. Jain, p. 153. 34 Cullavagga, X, 1, 4. 5 Uttaradhyayana Tika, 4. pp. 84-93. 8 Dasa Curni, pp. 89-91; See also Suka Saptati, 15, p. 56, Ed. by Richard Schmidt, Leipzig. 1893; for details see 'Life in Ancient India' p. 153 by Dr. J. C. Jain.