Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 292

Sec. VIII]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
267
to bath,' auspicious moments and days, festivals, ceremonies of birth and marriage," and funeral rites', is also found in the other Jaina texts.
In addition, they provide informations regarding these and other manners and customs in great details."
Conclusion
The study of the above social conditions clearly reveals that the society of that period was based on the traditional Varnaśramı Dharma with the ideal of Moksa (liberation). But it was not rigid, as it is evidenced by the fact of the gradual absorption of different tribes and nationals into the wider social system, resulting in the racial synthesis.
Spiritualism dominated the whole individual, social, political, economic and cultural life of the people and the society. An equal attention was paid by them to both the secular and religious duties. Thus a balance was maintained to attain the goal of life which helped them to renounce the material enjoyments and desires and guided them towards the spiritual realization.
1 Cf. Nayādhammakahão 16, 181 ; 2, 51 ; See Raya. 148 ;
Kalpa, 4, 67. ; Nayadhammakahão, 1, 24, p. 23. 3 Ib, 1, 25, p. 24. 4 16,1,20, p. 20. 5 16, 1, 24, p. 23. 6 See Life in Ancient India as depicted in the Jaina Canons',
by Dr. J. C. Jain for various funeral rites as revealed in the
Jaina texts, pp. 241-42. 7 Ib, pp. 227-242.