The Jain Concept of Śramaṇa in the Aupapātika Sūtra
By Ch. Lalitha
Summary
This article examines the Jain concept of the śramaṇa as delineated in the Aupapātika Sūtra. The author, Ch. Lalitha, situates the text within the broader Jain canonical literature, which was compiled during a council at Valabhī under Devardhi between the 5th and 6th centuries A.D. The Aupapātika Sūtra is identified as the first of the twelve Upāṅgas, a classification that includes texts such as the Rajaprasniya, Jīvābhigama, and Prajñāpanā. The primary purpose of this Sūtra is to study the attributes and duties of a true and well-behaved śramaṇa, preparing a novice monk to overcome the hurdles of saṃsāra and attain perfection. The main argument of the article is that a true śramaṇa is defined by rigorous asceticism, self-control, and virtuous conduct. The text illustrates that such a monk performs good actions while remaining free from anger, pride, attachment, and inquisitiveness. The author details the specific evidence and duties of a well-behaved monk, citing the Uvāyā Suttam. The monk must practice strict controls over movement, speech, and bodily functions, and he must maintain celibacy and freedom from material possessions. The article outlines various forms of external and internal penances, including fasting for specific periods such as a month, two months, or even a lifetime, as well as practices like kāyotsarga. A learned monk also restricts his use of pleasant and trustworthy items, reduces food intake, and consumes non-spiced or bland food. Furthermore, the śramaṇa must bear physical calamities, remain humble, and possess various forms of knowledge, including perceptual, scriptural, and telepathic knowledge. The sources discussed include Narendra Bhattacharya’s *Jain Philosophy: Historical Outline*, Padmanabh S. Jaini’s *The Jaina Path of Purification*, and Ganesh Lalwani’s edited version of the *Uvavaiya Suttam*. The article concludes that the Aupapātika Sūtra serves as a foundational guide for inculcating the duties of the śramaṇa in a novice monk.
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Conclusion
This study of the Aupapātika Sūtra reveals the Jain concept of a true Śramaṇa as a figure defined by rigorous asceticism, strict self-control, and virtuous conduct. The text delineates that a well-behaved monk must master external and internal penances, regulate his senses, speech, and mind, and adhere to detailed rules of movement, begging, and daily maintenance. Beyond mere physical austerity, the ideal Śramaṇa is characterized by profound humility, unwavering faith, and a deep understanding of various forms of knowledge. The ultimate objective of this canonical text is to mentally prepare a novice monk, guiding him to overcome the hurdles of *saṃsāra* through righteous thought, speech, and action, thereby achieving spiritual perfection.