Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 448

423
Sec. V]
determined self-mortification by the last mortal emaceration to save the soul by scratching out the body).
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
The offering of gifts by a householder to the Sramanas and Brahmanas was considered as a part of the vow of Sravaka-Dharma the merit of which led him towards the attainment of spiritual realization. Thus it is explained in the text that if a Śramanopasaka helps a Sramana or a Brahmana in the practice of his austerity, meditation and deep concentration of abstract thought (Samadhi) by offering gifts to him, he also attains that very state of Samadhi and finally he gives up food and drink, performs difficult act (of austerity), attains anivṛtti-karana (a spiritual process by which one attains a stage from which he never falls down) or experiences enlightenment or right attitude and later on attains liberation by putting an end to all miseries.1
the
It is further stated that a Sramano pasaka, offering presents to such a self-controlled Śramana or Brāhmaṇa with acceptable eatable food, drink and dainties completely dissociates his karma and his sinful act previously committed does not touch (i.e. affect) him, while by giving unacceptable food and drink, etc., to him he annihilates his karma (nirjara) much and the effect of his sinfnl deeds less. But as a result of his offering gift to a not-self-controlled and not-self-disciplined Sramana or a Brahmana, having unchecked and non-renounced sinful act with acceptable or unacceptable, eatable or uneatable food, etc., he binds sinful deed and not a little amount of dissociation of his karma takes place."
Aśrutvä-Kevali & Śrutvä-Kevali
The BhS throws a welcome light upon the attainment of Kevaliprajnapta-Dharma (religion explained by a Kevali) by some persons without listening to it from a Kevali and others (i.e. Asrutva Kevali), and by some having attended to it (i.e. ŚrutvāKevali) and also upon the attainment of right attitude of mind
1 BhS, 7, 1, 264.
2 Ib., 8, 6, 332.