Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 264

Sec. VI]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
239
The evidences of drinking are also corroborated by other Jain texts. In addition, they mention different kinds of liquor, such as, sura, majja, sidhu, pasannā, kāyambarī, etc.
There occurs a reference in the Uvasagadasão to the drinking of wine by the woman, while one passage of the Kalpa Sutra states that "Monks or nuns who are hale and hearty and of a strong body are not allowed during the pajjusana frequently to take the following nine drinks: milk, thick sour milk, fresh butter, clarified butter, oil, sugar, honey, liquor and meat."
It appears that the monks or nuns were permitted to take these drinks under special circumstances, such as, sickness (gilāna).
Thus it is clearly stated in the Nāyādhammakuhão" that the drinking of liquor (majjapānagam) is prescribed for a sick monk on medical advice.
The same view of the Nayadhammakahão on the taking of liquor by the monk is also expressed by the Brhat-Kalpa Bhasya in which it is said that this drink may be taken by him as medicine for recovering health and energy."
These evidences show that as a rule the monks or nuns were not allowed to drink liquor or other intoxicating drinks except under special circumstances.
Besides these accounts of drink, various kinds of wine are mentioned in different ancient literatures of India, such as, candraprabha, manisilākā, varasīdhu, varavāruṇī, etc.8
The evidences of drinking wine are also supported by the Brahmaṇical works.
1 Nayadhammakahão, 16, p. 179. Uttaradhyayana Tika, 2, p. 36a f.
There is a reference to it
in the Harivamsa; See Indo-Aryans of R. L. Mitra (11. 41.95). It is explained that Kayambari is prepared from the ripe fruit of Kadamba; Vide 'Life in Ancient India' p. 125.
3 Uvasagadasão, 8.
4 Kalpa Sutra, 9, 17.
6
5 Nayadhammakahão, 5, p. 80 f. Brhat K. Bhasya, 5, 635. Brhat. K. Bhasya 5, 6035.
8 See 'Life in Ancient India' by Dr. J. C. Jain, p. 125. Cf. IndoAryan I. by R. L, Mitra-pp. 411, 412, 132,