Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c14.4

c14.4

According to Megasthanes, the Indian sages were divided into two sects, Brahmans and Sarmans; among the latter the Hylobioi (living in woods) were honoured most¹ The term Samana or the recluse philosopher and Māhaṇa or the hermits are referred with equal respect in the old texts of the Jains as has been stated already. The Samanas played a very important role in moulding the material as well as the spiritual life of the people. They were highly respected by the common-folk as well as by kings and nobility These ascetics wandered about eight or nine months of every year from country to country (janavayavhāra) engaging themselves in religious discussions and preaching the dharma We meet them usually in the groves adjoining the settlement set up by the people for the common use of the travellers The common people paid them respects, called on them in their temporary residence at the parks, put them their queries, offered them food, provided them with shelter (vasahi), seat (pīdha), a piece of a wooden board (phalaga), a bedding (sejja), a mat (santhāraya), and other necessities of life. We are told that, when Mahāvīra arrived in Campā there arose a great uproar in the town and many people set out to pay a visit to the Lord ; some went to pay him reverence, some simply to see him, some to satisfy their curiosity, some to ascertain the truth and some simply to put questions² The same enthusiasm is noticed among the citizens when the mendicant Suya visited the town of Sogandhiyā³ In fact, people considered it a great privilege even to hear the name and title (nāmagoya) of such saintly lords, how much more to approach them, pay reverence to them and wait upon them.⁴