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The Mauryan Polity c11.s2.t9: Śramaṇas are not Buddhists

The Mauryan Polity c11.s2.t9

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Śramaṇas are not Buddhists

c11.s2.t9.1

There is again the internal evidence of Megasthenes to show that the word ‘Śramaṇas’ does not denote the Buddhists. In Frag. XLIII he says: “Among the Indians are those philosophers also who follow the precepts of the Buddha whom they honour as a God on account of his extraordinary sanctity.” Appropriately to this notion the *Bhāgavata Purāṇa* has accepted the Buddha as an *avatār* of Viṣṇu² and has accorded to him a place of honour among the orthodox Gods and deities. By referring to the sect of the followers of the Buddha Megasthenes was certainly able to make the nice distinction between the orthodox ascetics and the Buddhist monks. He has not said much about them like the author of the *Arthaśāstra*. Possibly these authorities did not feel the heavy weight of their influence. The Buddhist sect flourished like many other sects and claimed no ascendancy at any period over the established religion of the land.

c11.s2.t9.2

² Book. I. 3-24; II. 7-37.

c11.s2.t9.3

Again the following description of the Śramaṇas is given to us:

c11.s2.t9.4

“The shamanas, on the other hand, are, as I said, an elected body. Whoever wishes to be enrolled in their order presents himself to the city or village authorities, and there makes cession of all his property. He then shaves his body, puts on the Shamana robe, and goes to the Shamans, and never returns back to speak or look at his wife and children if he has any, and never thinks of them any more, but leaves his children to the king, and his wife to his relations, who provide them with the necessaries of life. The Shamanas live outside the city, and spend the whole day in discourse upon divine things. They have houses and temples of a royal foundation, and in them stewards receive from the king a certain allowance of food, bread, and vegetables for each convent.”¹

c11.s2.t9.5

¹ Ancient India in Class. Liter., p. 168.

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