Book Title: Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra
Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur
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Sec. 17
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
393
In contrast with Jainism, Buddhism and Samkhya-Yoga, the Vedic religion shows optimism and preaches the doctrine of the realization of life through the enjoyment, as it is explained that sacrifice leads to happiness 1
This is the fundamental difference existing among the three main systems of religion, Jainism, Buddhism and Vedic religion in regard to their approach and attitude towards the mundane life and the world. Preparatory Ceremony for initiation to Monkhood and
Asceticism The Bhs presents a graphic account of the preparatory ceremony for initiation to monkhood and asceticism of the Sramana-Nirgrantha monks coming from different sections of the society, from the royal families down to the common social stratum and other religious sects, by making reference to the cases of prince Jamāli, king Udāyina and princess Jayanti, Ķşabbadatta and Devānandā, Skandaka (a Parivrājaka) and others.
A description of such ceremony has already been given in the topic 'Bath' in the seventh section of the fourth chapter by citting the case of prince Jamāli's initiation ceremony. After the performance of consecration a great procession organized by his father followed his departure from his palace at Ksatriya.. kundagrāma to the Bahubalaka Caitya for his initiation to be conducted by Lord Mahāvīra there. His parents, having placed him in front, approached the Master and addressed him by circumambulating thrice thus : "Our only son like waterlily... (being) frightened by the fear of the world...desires to undertake the initiation of houselessness... thus we offer this one as alms of Devānupriya...please accept...the highest alms as disciple (Sisab hilkhari). Then Lord Mahāvīra said to Tamāli thus: “As you please, no objection". Initiation
Then the prince, being pleased with this consent of the Master saluted him thrice and himself took off all his decorations,
1 History of Indian Philosophy, p. 20-21,
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