The Buddha and the Jains

Although the doctrine of Jains was known to the Buddha^[1], very few of them are actually mentioned in the text. A Niganthaputta saccaka has talks with the Buddha among others, in which he addresses the Buddha as bho Gotama. However, the Buddha addresses saccaka by his gotta, Aggivessana. Saccaka’s mode of address is coupled with the usual exchange of greeting (S.S.).^[2] It is interesting to note Prince Abhaya’s behaviour towards the Buddh and Nigantha Nataputta.^[3] He salutes (abhivadeti) the Nigantha Nataputta, sits down, and addresses him as bhante. Winding up the conversation he salutes him, circumambulates him and goes to the Buddha. He repeats the whole process when he approaches and talks leave of the Buddha. Both the Buddha and the Nataputta address him as rajakumara.^[4] The activities of the prince Abhaya mentioned above suggests that he gave equal respect to these two religious heads.