Jainism and Karnataka Culture

SR No.: 011062
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S R Sharma
Publisher: Karnataka Historical Research Society Dharwar
Publication Year: 1940
Total Pages: 263
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

Page 183

IDEALISM AND REALISM
139
Devasena, in his Darśanasarasamgraha says, that Jinacandra, pupil of Santyācārya, pupil of Sri Bhadra-bāhugaṇin, being "wicked and slow to good works," devised the doctrine that "women in their life as women can be saved;" "these and other false doctrines he made perverting the scriptures and thereby plunged his soul in the first hell." 41 And there seems little doubt that (apart from details) this was the general attitude towards women since the days of Mahavira and Buddha. To illustrate this remark we have only to recount a few passages from the Svetambara and Buddhist writings.
The Kalpa Sutra lays down many a rule restricting social intercourse between monks and nuns. The terms in which these rules are stated betray an utter lack of faith in woman's nature, if not in human nature itself. It prohibits, for instance, a monk and a nun to stand under a tree, even if it rained, unless it be in company with other members of either sex or the place was distinctly visible to passers by. 42 The Sutra Kṛtānga is more explicit and lays down that "even a monk who practices severe austerities should avoid the company of women," The reason is plainly stated: "As men (by baiting) with a piece of flesh a fearless single lion get him into a trap, so women may capture an ascetic though he be careful," and "as antelope caught in a snare, so he does not get out of it, however he struggles; afterwards he will feel remorse like one who has drunk milk mixed with poison." So, "considering the consequences, a worthy monk should have no intercourse with
"43
women.
Buddha, like all other ascetics, was not less diffident about the influence of women on spiritual life. When Mahāpajāpati, his own aunt, got herself admitted into the Order by evoking the pity of Ananda (Buddha's most trusted disciple), and Buddha yielded to the importunities much against his will, he
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41 Devasena Dars'anasamgraha, vv. 12-15; of. Peterson, op. cit. III p. 24, 42 Kalpa Sutra, S. B. E. XXII, p. 303, vv. 38-39.
43 Sūtrakṛtänga, ibid., pp. 272-273, vv. 8-10, 12,