Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 420

Sec. 17
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA
395
asceticism as revealed in the performance of various acts of austerities and meditation by Skandaka' and other monks."
It is stated that the Universe (Loka) is burnt by (the fire of) old age and death. "Alitte nam bhamte loe jarâmaraņeņa ya."
Here in the Skandaka Uddešaka it is clearly revealed that soul is the only object of worship and meditation according to Sramana-Nirgrantha Dharma. Thus Skandaka, the Parivrājaka said to Lord Mahāvīra "As some householder, having his house on fire, steps down into the burning house and tries to save the precious and light articles from it, because that article will be beneficial to him in future, just like that my soul is a kind of article dear.........highly valued ornament box". So it must first be saved by him before any mishap happens to it, lest it is affected by cold, heat, etc., upto misfortune. If his soul was saved it would be beneficial......good in his future life.
So, on his express desire Lord Mahāvīra himself initiated him to Sramaņa-Nirgrantha Dharma and instructed him in its practice, (or performance, i e. äcāra), begging tour (gocara=bhiksātanam), discipline (vinaya), result of discipline (vainayika = vinayaphala), vows (caraņa), purity of meal (karma = pindavisuddhyādi), practice of self-control (yātrā=sañyama), measure of food to be taken (mātrā), practice or mode of moral conduct (urttika = vinas yādināṁ vșttiḥ varttanam yatrāsa u) and religion (dharma)."
Then Skandaka observed carefulness in going (walking), standing, sitting, lying down, taking food, speaking, exertion, protecting beings by self-control according to the instructions of the Master. Thus he became a houseless monk careful in walking (iryasamita), speech (bhāsāsamita), taking meal (eşaņāsamita), receiving, possessing and putting limited articles (ādānabhāņda-mātra-niksepaņa-samita), passing stool, urine, spit, phlegm of nose, etc. (uccărapāsavanakhela.simghāņa -jalla-parițțlāvaniyasamie), self-restrained in mind (manasamita), speech (vāksamita)
; I6, 9, 33, 382.
3 16, 2, 1, 90.
.1 Bhs. 2, 1, 91-96. 4 Ib, 2, 1, 92.