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 SŪTRA
229
While Subhadrā', another married woman was a symbol of chastity, though she was intricated by others with a false accusation of faithlessness to her husband on the ground that the red lead (ciņapittha) of her forehead got stuck on that of a Jaina monk, while she was picking out a rice-speck from the inside of his eye with her tongue. Life and Position of Nuns as revealed in other Jaina texts
As regards the life and position of the Jaina nuns as depicted in other Jaina texts, they were not safe and secure in the order and the society at large. Because they were sometimes fascinated by the Kāpālika ascetics, followed and annoyed by young men of loose moral, lured and rapped per force by the lustful householders,' kidnapped by the king," merchants and robbers,
So they had to lead a very hard life of rigorous discipline always under the protection of the monks or of their own vigilance to resist the fowl attempts of miscreants.
Position of Courtesans in other texts
The same picture of the life and position of courtesans is also found in other Jaina texts in great details. In addition they provide much informations regarding their qualifications, devo. tedness to particular lovers and different aspects of their life.
The young beautiful and highly accomplished courtesans graced the royal court by holding the official and social status as a member of the palace-staff. Moreover, their company was greatly sought by the kings and rich people for the sensual
Dasa Camasya 3:41C8. Kanal Theriganvited to en
i Dasa Oūrni 1, p. 49f. 2 Brhat Bhāsya 3, 4106 ff ; 1, 2443, 2085. 8 I0, 4, 5254-5259 : Cf. Kanāla Jätaka (No 536) V. M. 424-8. 4 Brhat Bhāsya 1. 2670-2; Cf. Therigātha (139-144) where it is
stated that the nun Khemā was invited to enjoy sensual
pleasures. 6 Kālakācārya Kathānaka. 6 Brhat Bhāsya 1, 2054. ? Vyavahāra Bhāsya 7, 418.
See 'Life in Ancient India by Dr. J. C. Jain for all the details about this topic.