Dialogues that led to the Unification of Jaina Church – Section 2: Between Udaka and Gautama
Summary
Drawn from the Sūtrakṛtānga, this section narrates Gautama’s discussion with Udaka, a Nirgrantha follower of Pārśva, about renunciation and non‑violence. Udaka describes lay followers who, following the Kumaraputra monks, renounce injury to movable beings but not to immovable ones and argues that this selective renunciation is flawed because beings cycle endlessly between movable and immovable forms. Gautama replies that renunciation of injury to movable beings is a good vow because laypeople cannot avoid harming immobile life entirely; beings do not all become immobile or mobile at once, so abstaining from harming animals still reduces violence. The discussion touches on the importance of not slandering monks; Gautama warns that criticising righteous ascetics destroys one’s future merit. Udaka, impressed, asks to adopt the five vows of Mahavira instead of the four of Pārśva. Gautama brings him before Mahavira, who formally accepts his conversion. The narrative illustrates Jain rationalism: disagreements about vows are addressed through logical arguments about the nature of living beings and practical ethics. It also highlights tolerance; Gautama does not coerce but persuades Udaka by appealing to his understanding of karma and renunciation.
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Conclusion
This dialogue shows how Jain teachers used reason to guide lay followers from partial renunciation towards a more complete ethical commitment. Gautama demonstrates that not all beings can be spared, but abstaining from violence to animals is meaningful; he also emphasises respect for monks and the danger of slander. Udaka’s voluntary adoption of the five vows underscores the persuasive power of rational ethics and the cohesion it brings to the Jain community.