Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c9.s8.25

c9.s8.25

The Nāyādhammakahā gives a beautiful description of a sea-voyage. Arhannaga and other merchants of Campā loaded their boats with four-fold merchandise, offered flowers and bali (offerings) to gods, worshipped the sea-winds, raised the white flags on the mast, stretched the oars (valayabāhā), noticed good omens, secured the passport and amidst the beating of drums boarded the boat. The friends and relatives who had gathered on the port bade them goodbye and wished them a speedy return and success in their enterprise with eyes full of tears. The ropes were released and the merchants proceeded on their journey.⁸¹