YJA Convention 1994 07 Chicago IL First

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 23

date comes to 877-777 B.C.
Mahavira was not the inventor of a new doctrine but the reformer of a Law already long in existence. The Uttaradhyayana-sutra gives a good account of this fact. The following is the essence of this account:
"The Law taught by Vardhamana forbids clothes but that of Parshva allows an under and an upper garment. Both Laws pursuing the same end, what has caused this difference?" Gautama gave this following reply: "The various outward marks have been introduced in view of their usefulness for religious life and their distinguishing character. The opinion of the Tirthankars is that right knowledge, right faith and right conduct are the true causes of liberation." This answer, too, removed doubt of Kesi. He, thereupon, bowed his head to Gautama and adopted the Law of five vows.
There was a famous preceptor in the tradition of Lord Parshva. His name was Kesi. Surrounded by his disciples, he arrived at the town of Sravasti. In the vicinity of that town there was another park called Kosthaka. There he took up his abode in a pure place.
The pupils of both, who controlled themselves, who practiced austerities, who possessed virtues, made the following reflection:
Is our Law the right one or the other? Are our conduct and doctrines right or the other? The Law taught by Lord Parshva, which recognizes only four vows, or the Law taught by Lord Mahavira (Vardhamana), which enjoins five vows? The Law which forbids clothes for a monk or that which allows an under and an upper garment? Both pursuing the same end, what has caused their difference?
It is clear from this account of the Uttardhyayana-sutra that there were two main points of difference between the followers of Parshva and those of Mahavira. The first point was relating to vows and the second was regarding clothes. The number of vows observed by the followers (ascetics) of Parshva was four, to which Mahavira added the vow of chastity as the fifth. It seems that Parshva had allowed his followers to wear an under and an upper garment, but Mahavira forbade the use of clothes. Preceptor Kesi and his disciples, however, adopted the Law of five vows without abandoning clothes. Thus, Mahavira's composite church had both types of monks: with clothes (sacelaka) and without clothes (acelaka).
Knowing the thoughts of their pupils, both Kesi and Gautama made up their minds to meet each other. Gautama went to the Tinduka park where Kesi received him. With his permission Kesi asked Gautama: "The Law taught by Parshva recognizes only four vows, while that of Vardhamana enjoins five. Both Laws pursuing the same end, what has caused this difference? Have you no misgivings about this twofold Law? Gautama made this following reply: "The monks under the first Tirthankar are simple but slow of understanding, those under the last are prevaricating and slow of understanding and those between the two are simple and wise. Hence, there are two forms of the Law. The first can, but with difficulty understand the precepts of the Law and that can but with difficulty observe them. But those between the two can easily understand and observe them." This answer removed the doubt of Kesi. He asked another question:
Lord Mahavira was son of Ksatriya Siddhartha and Trishla of Kundapura (or Kundgrama), the northern borough of Vaisali. He belonged to the Jnatr clan. He was born on the thirteenth day of the bright half of the month of Caitra when the moon was in conjunction with the Hastottara constellation. As the family's treasure of gold, silver, jewels, etc., went on increasing since the prince was placed in the womb of Trishla, he was named Vardhamana (the increasing one). He was known by three names: Vardhamana, Sramana (the Ascetic) and Mahavira (the Great Hero). The name of Vardhamana was given by his parents. He was called Sramana by people, as he remained constantly engaged in austerities with spontaneous happiness. Since he sustained all fears and
dangers and endured all hardships and calami21
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