Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 474

Sec. VIII]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA
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These statements appear to be self-contradictory and suffer from the sectarian bias, for it has already been pointed out that the twelve Ajivika laymen observed the principle of non-violence preached by Sramana Nirgrantha Dharma by worshipping their Arhat as god, attending upon their parents, renouncing five kinds of fruits and vegetables containing germs of life and carrying on occupation without castrating domestic cattle (cows) perforating their noses, etc., with the thought free from the act of killing mobile beings,
These facts clearly show that the Ajavika doctrine of reani mation or Niyativada, determinism in another form, the denial of Lord Mahavira's discipleship by Gośāla and the laxity of morals1 are the real causes of difference betwen Ajīvikism and Sramana Nirgrantha Dharma. But one should be cautious to draw a conclusion from the statements which suffer from the sectarian bias, for the BhS and other Jaina texts and Buddhist works have revealed that Ajivikism was based on the solid ground of the eight principles of causation.
EIGHTH SECTION
Other Schools and Sects
Besides the Ajivikas, there existed other schools of thought and heterodox sects in the society as depicted in the BhS, such as, four heretical schools of Kriyāvādins, Akriyāvādins, Ajñānavādins & Vinayavadins,' the Parivrājakas, the Vanaprasthas, the Carakas, other Tirthikas, the followers of Lord Parsvanatha's order, those of Jamālī, etc.
Kriyāvādins
According to the doctrine of Kriyavada soul exists, acts and is affected by acts. The Kriyavadins may be identified
1 Vide, Sutrakṛtānga, J. S. II-267, for fourrestrictions. Bhs, 30, 1, 824.
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