Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA [Ch. VII
The evidences of the BhS regarding the position of Geśāla Maňkhaliputra as the Ajivika leader are fully corroborated by those of the Uvasagadasão where he is depicted as a religious teacher, having a host of followers one of whom was Saddalaputta of Polasapura.
In the Pali texts Gośäla appears to be a great dangerous rival leader of Lord Buddha, and he is depicted in a blackest manner thus that "he was a stupid (moghapurisa), knew no other persons, born to the detriment, grief and disadvantage of so many people or to such disadvantage and sorrow of gods and men, Makkhali was like a fisherman casting his net at the mouth of a river for the destruction of many a fish."
The teachings of Gośala are criticized by the Blessed one in a very strong language thus that "Just as a hair-blanket (Kesakambala) is the worst of all fabrics in texture, appearance and utility, so of all unorthodox doctrines (samana-ppavalanaṁ) that of Makhali is the worst."
Last meeting of Gośala with Lord Mahavira at the Kosthaka Caitya in Śrāvasti and his spiritual due! with the Master"
The revelation of the birth-incident of Gośāla in a low family of Mankha Mańkhali and Bhadra and that of the account of his past life as made by Lord Mahāvīra in the assembly of his followers at the Kosthaka Caitya enraged the Ajivika leader very much. One day he threatened the Master with total destruction through his disciple Ananda who happened to pass by the neighbourhood of Halāhala's house on his begging tour by relating the story of the fate of the four merchants of Šrāvastz, if his teacher indulged in such acts of vilification and spoke anything against his person. As soon as Ananda was telling this matter to the other monks after his return and
1 Aiguttara Nikaya 1, p. 33 ; cf. ng. 1.
2 Anguttara Nikaya I p. 286, Vide, History & Doctrine of Ajivikas' by Dr. Basham, p. 54-55.
3 BhS, 15, 1, 547-53.