Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c14.t1.45

c14.t1.45

Travelling was considered an important means of spreading religion It is stated that a sādhu or a religious mendicant should be accomplished in various regional languages and in correct utterance and expounding of the Sūtras in different provincial languages He should learn the regional languages and then convert the people of the land He should also meet the great āryas in his travel for the better understanding of the Sūtras²⁷ The Samanas had to traverse long and dreary distances when travelling was most insecure and painful They had to cross big wild forests, vast deserts and big mountains and rivers taking their lives in their own hands Some lost their way in endless jungles, some were overpowered by snow and thorny bushes, some were devoured by wild beasts, some were done to death by robbers and dacoits, and some lost their lives for want of food and drink