The Mauryan Polity c11.s2.t10: Śramaṇas are sannyāsins

c11.s2.t10.1

The above description is exactly that of a parivrājaka or the orthodox Hindu sannyāsin. The phrases, ‘elected body,’ ‘order,’ ‘royal foundations,’ need not detain us here demonstrating particularly to the Buddhist order and its establishment. This is true of all monastic orders, all being patronised by the monarch of the state whose aim was *der gesellschaftliche culturzweck*, as already pointed out. According to the prescription of the *Kauṭalīya* previous sanction of the authorities of the state was necessary before one could don the robes of the *sannyāsin*. Inasmuch as the state provided for their food and lodging, the state might issue permits to one to embrace asceticism or might not. There seems to be however some confusion as regards the statement that "the Samanæans, again, . . . are collected from all classes of the Indians." It may be that the Greek writer has taken the *Pāṣaṇḍas* and other heretics and included them in the orthodox fold. Or it may denote the fact that asceticism was no more confined to the members of the first caste but open to the Kṣatriyas and the Vaiśyas also. Whatever this might be one thing is certain that the expression Śramaṇa with the Greek writers does not mean 'a Buddhist', but does connote 'ascetics' and more likely of the orthodox type.