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 SŪTRA [Ch. VII Jyotiņāmayana (Astronomy and Astrology), Naya (Logic) and Philosophy of the Brāhmanas and Parivrājakas.'
The monks of this sect used the following articles in their ascetic life, viz. Tridaņda (three staves) Kundikā (Kamandalu
water-pot) Kafcuika (Rudrāksamālā-rosary), Karoţikā (earthen vessel), Bhróikā (a grass seat), Kesyrikā (sweeping duster), Sadnālaka (teapoy), Ankusa (axe or hook), Pavitraka (ring), Gantrikā (a rosary) Kalācikā (fore-arm-ornament), Chatra (umbrella), Upānaha (shoes), Pādukā, (wooden sandals), Dhātu. raktavastra (red-coloured garment)!*
Practice of Asceticism
Poggala (Pudgala), another Parivrājakas is said to have practised the unbroken act of Şastha-Şastha-tapa (austerity), residing at a near distance of the Sarkhavana Caitya in the city of Alabhikā, while the third Parivrājaka, Ammada“ by name lived with a retinue of his seven hundred followers in the city of Kampilyapura by peforming acts of penance. A detailed treatment of the account of the monastic life of Ammada and his disciples is found in the Aupapātika Sūtra.".
Thus it is stated there that this Parivrājaka leader practised austerity by observing sastha-sastha fast, raising his arms high in the sunshine to absorb it. He did not take food prepared, or brought, or earmarked for him, or that kept for famine-striken people or rich men, nor did he take roots, bulbous fruits, seeds, and green vegetables. His followers begged alms from hundred houses (gharasac).
According to the evidence of the text, the Parivrājaka doctrine consisted of the following principles, viz. charity, (danadharma), purity (saucadharma), and bath at holy places (tirthabhiseka). It was their faith and practice to purify the impure body by using mud on it and then washing it with water and to take bath at the holy places with the hope and belief of
12 BhS, 2, 1, 90. 3 16, 11, 12, 436. * Aupapātika, Sütra, p. 27-8 80. 59 f.
16, 14, 8, 529-30. . Bhs, 14, 8, 530.