Jains Today in World

Author(s): Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001794/1

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Pierre Paul AMIEL JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi (INDIA) Jardcore Fortive Personal ly

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Parshwanath Vidyapeeth Series No. 152 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Pierre Paul AMIEL Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi (INDIA)

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Editor: Prof. Sagarmal Jain & Dr. S. P. Pandey for the English translation, with the authorisation of "L'Harmattan" Paris. Contributors to the English version: Mr Alkit Malde and Mrs Manon Massizzo. Originally published in French in 2003 by "L'Harmattan", under the title: "Les Jains aujourd'hui dans le monde". First Edition : 2008 ISBN : 81-86715-87-8 Price : : Rs. 500.00 US $ 30.00 (c) Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi (INDIA) All rights reserved Published by: Secretary, Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, I.T.I. Road, Karaundi, P.O. B.H.U., Varanasi - 221005(INDIA) Ph. 91-0542-2575521, 2575890 Type setting by: Ad-vision, Karaundi, Varanasi-221005 Printed by: Graphic Art Printers, Mathura-281001 (INDIA)

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Sponsored by Late Mrs. Rajkumari Jain W/o Late Sri Subuddhi Nath Jain S/o Late Lala Harjas Rai Jain (Gulianwale Family) FARIDABAD

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Pierre Paul AMIEL JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Who are they? Where do they live? What is their history? Where are their temples? What about their rituals?

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JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD CONTENTS Pages vii viii ix-xiii xiv-xx xxi-xxv 1-18 19-32 Note concerning Sanskrit, Hindi and Prakrit words Publisher's Note 'Foreword' by Dr. Sulekh Jain 'Prologue' by Prof. Sagarmal Jain Introduction and acknowledgements Chapter 1. Their long history 1. Before Mahavira 2. From Mahavira to the end of the XIXth century 3. From the end of the XIXth century until today Chapter 2. Their diversity 1. Digambara Jains and Svetambara Jains 2. Digambara branches 3. Svetambara branches 4. Jain castes and sub-castes Chapter 3. Their revered beings 1. Their most revered beings 2. Their other revered beings Chapter 4. Their sacred books and other writings 1. The sacred books of the Svetambara 2. The sacred books of the Digambara 3. The commentaries 4. Other texts Chapter 5. Their temples and sacred places 1. Their temples and sacred places in North India 2. Their temples and sacred places in South India 3. Their temples in other parts of the world Chapter 6. Their laymen and women 1. The periods in their life 2. Their steps of spiritual progress 33-52 53-66 67-125 126-145

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vi 3. Their threefold path of liberation 4. Their daily duties, their vows and virtues Chapter 7. Their rites, cults and religious festivals 1. Their rites 2. Their cults 3. Their religious festivals Chapter 8. Their religious symbols, drawings and expressions 1. Their religious symbols 2. Their religious drawings 3. Their religious expressions Chapter 9. Their ascetics 1. Reasons to enter a Jain monastic order 2. Conditions to fulfil for the admission in an order Life of the Jain novice 3. 4. The rites of initiation 5. Mains rules to be followed by Jain ascetics Timetable of Jain ascetics 6. 7. Illness and death of Jain ascetics Chapter 10. Their prominent features in India and abroad 1. Their influence on India 2. Conclusion Their prominent features outside India Notes Annex 1. Annex 2. Annex 3. Annex 4. Annex 5. Annex 6. Annex 7. Examples of Jain religious expressions Extracts from some Jain sacred books Alphabetic index of Jain temples and sacred places cited Bibliography Useful Jain addresses and Web sites Concise glossary of Jain terms Some great Jain ancient authors er 146-185 186-203 204-227 228-251 252-255 256-258 259-265 266-275 276-285 286-289 290-292 293-299 300-307

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Note concerning Sanskrit, Hindi and Prakrit words in this book In transcription of Sanskrit, Hindi and Prakrit words, Latin alphabetisation uses super and subscript diacritic signs for noting some phonemes. In this book, we have adopted a traditional diacritical signs systematic transcription. Let us recall that in Sanskrit, Hindi and Prakrit, the letter "e" is pronounced like "ay" in "hay", the letter "ca" like "tch", the letter "ja" like "dja" in "John", the letter "ga" like "ga" in "game", the letter "na" is pronounced "gna" like in "jnana", the letter "u" like "00" in English and that "bha", "cha", "dha", "gha", "kha", and "pha" mark the aspiration of the occlusive consonant. The grapheme "au" is pronounced like "ah-o and the grapheme "ai" like in "Jain". In the same languages: "a" marks a "long a", "I" a "long ee", and "u" a "long u". For examples, it must be read: "Acarya" at the place of "Aatchaarya", "jiva" instead of "djeeva", "gita" instead of "geeta", "sadhu" instead of "saadhoo" and so on. Similarly, "g" is written instead of "sh". For example: "svetambara" instead of "Shvetambara", "sravaka" instead of "shravaka", "ksetra" instead of "kshetra", "S" instead of "sh" for example Krsna instead of Krishna and so on. Again "h" for "h" with a dot below, "" for "m" with a dot above and retroflexed like "y" for "ta", "d" for "da" "na" for "na", "Y" for "ri". For example: "Rsabha" instead of "Risabha".

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE On current Indological scenario Jainology has been emerged as an important and regular branch of learning A careful study of the wide and varied range of Jain literature, which is gradually being brought to light, is proving highly expedient in assessment of India's rich cultural heritage. Today no scholar working in the field of ancient Indian culture and history can give completion to his work without a Jain bibliography. The credit for this state of affairs goes to the successful efforts of a number of scholars both Indian and foreign. Mr. Pierre Amiel is one of these foreigners very fond of Jainism who has worked a lot on it. The present title "JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD " by erre Amiel is a book of introductory nature dealing not only with the fundamentals of Jainism but also with the spread of Jains in the world today. In his work, apart from delineating the basic principles of Jainism, he has beautifully presented the contemporary status of Jaina Religion as well as Jains on the globe. We are thankful to Mr. Pierre Amiel who entrusted this work to us for publication. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Texas (USA) who has been instrumental in getting this publication for Parshwanath Vidyapeeth. We are thankful to Shri B. N. Jain, President and Shri Indrabhooti Barar, Jt. Secretary at our Managing Committee, who were very keen to see the book published within the stipulated time. Our thanks are also due to Dr. Shriprakash Pandey, Director incharge at Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, who not only carried out the corrections pointed out by Mr. Amiel meticulously but also diacriticalised the whole manuscript in a correct way, and managed it through the press. We hope that this compendious work will be very useful for the scholars as well as general readers who really want to know about Jainism. Parshwanath Vidyapeeth

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FOREWORD "JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD" is an exploration by the author of an ancient and relatively little-known faith that is surprisingly relevant for the XXI" century. It is a faith system that emphasizes non-violence, respect for the environment and the power of meditation - all while eschewing material possessions and encouraging the control over the self. Jainism, a religion originating from India - with Hinduism and Buddhism - is an integral part of India. The Jain tradition, which enthroned the philosophy of ecological harmony and non-violence as its lodestar, flourished for centuries side-by-side with other schools of thoughts in ancient India. It formed a vital part of the mainstream of ancient Indian life, contributing greatly to its philosophical, artistic and cultural heritage. During certain periods of Indian history, many ruling elites as well as large sections of the population were Jains. Although the ten millions Jains estimated to live in modern India, constitute a tiny fraction of its population, the message and motifs of the Jain perspective, its unconditional reverence for life in all forms, its commitment to the progress of human civilization and the prevention of the natural environment, continues to have profound and pervasive influence on Indian life and outlook. Jainism, with its distinctive views on matters such as non-violence and intellectual relativity, has relevance to the life and thought of not only this century but also for many centuries to come. Jainism has succeeded in preserving to the present time its integrity as a separate system in the midst of preponderant Hinduism. Jainism is a complete system with all necessary branches such as ontology, metaphysics, philosophy, epistemology, ethics, rituals, art and architecture, etc. It has its own scriptures, temples (architecturally, some of the most beautiful temples in India are the Jain temples) and

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deities, places of worship and pilgrimages, and its own festivals and fairs. The organized religious group (samgha) consists of ascetics and householders of both genders. Any one individual did not found the present form of Jainism. It is a religion, which developed over a long period of time and then acquired its own distinctive status within the broad Indian system. Its latest prophet, Lord Mahavira, was a contemporary of Lord Buddha more than 2500 years ago; he lived in the same Indian state of modern Bihar, as did Lord Buddha. Lord Mahavira was the 24" prophet. The 23", Lord Parsvanatha was 250 years ago before him and the 22nd, Lord Neminatha, a contemporary of Lord Krsna of the Hindus, was at least more than two thousand years before the 23" prophet. The Sanskrit word "JAIN" means the followers of the JINAS those who purified their self by conquering their inner enemies and passions such as anger, greed, ego, deceit, attachment, aversion, hatred etc. and attained complete perfection and omniscience. Jainism is well known in India but because of its non-missionary nature, it is relatively much less known outside, although its principles of non-violence and intellectual relativity are quite well recognized. In the XX century, the most vibrant and illustrious example of Jain influence was that of Mahatma Gandhi, acclaimed as the Father of the Indian Nation. Gandhi's spiritual friend and mentor, Srimad Rajachandra, was a Jain. The two great men corresponded, until Rajachandra's death, on issues of faith and ethics. The central Jain teaching of ahimsa (non-violence) was the guiding principle of Gandhi's civil disobedience in the cause of freedom and social equality. His ecological philosophy found apt expression in his observation that the greatest work of humanity could not match the smallest wonder of nature. Nearly four decades ago, my professional activities led me to take my abode in the United States of America. Here, I met numerous

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Jains who wished, liked me, to maintain their religion and to continue to observe their traditional ethical and philosophical principles. For that reason, we created and established various organizations of followers of Jainism (nearly 100 now) that organize the practice of worship, the building of temples (nearly 50 now), the exercise of mutual aid, community service, pilgrimages to sacred places in India and so on. These organizations are now grouped in a larger general Federation in North America that is known as "JAINA" (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) of which I have been the Secretary for four years and the President for the next four years. In 1993, in the course of the biennial convention of JAINA in Pittsburgh, Mr. Pierre Amiel was introduced to me. For many years he was already in communication with Dr. S.A.B. Kumar, the editor of Jain magazine "Jinamanjari" in Canada. Dr. Kumar invited Mr. Amiel to take part in that convention. Pierre Amiel who had before numerous contacts with Mr. Satish Kumar Jain, Secretary general of "Ahimsa International" in New Delhi, was highly impressed by the JAINA convention. In America, he also attended the "pratistha" of the temple at Bartlett (Illinois) and met the Bhattaraka Davendra Keerti Ji from Humcha. Passionate about India and its spirituality, Pierre Amiel has shown a profound interest in the religions of that country and especially in Jainism. On his own he studied several Indian languages, established contacts with many prominent Jains throughout the world, met several in the U.K., U.S.A. Canada, visited their homes, stayed with them, watched with keenness their rituals and life styles, attended Jain functions and conventions, collected a good library of Jain literature and also did research in several prominent libraries in Europe. He also researched Jainism extensively through several travels and by perusing the English literature on the matter. Year after year, his collection of books and publications on Jainism increased that gave him

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xii access to precious information. He has taken part in various study groups and written articles about Jainism in several magazines. Till several years ago, before his moving into an apartment, he named his house in France "La Jaina". Nearly 200,000 Jains now live outside India. There are Jains in Antwerp (Belgium) and Germany but only a handful in France. Majority of these Jains live in English speaking countries such as U.S.A., Canada, U.K., Australia, Singapore and East Africa. As a result, a large number of books on Jainism have been published in the English language but hardly any in the French language (except a few for the academics), which is still spoken in more than 45 countries in the world. Realizing this, Pierre Amiel published in 1998 his French translation of the very interesting study on MAHAVIRA's life written by Dr. Bool Chand Jain. In 1999, he published the translation in French of Dr. Vilas Adinath Sangave's excellent book "Aspects of Jaina Religion. In 2003, Pierre Amiel himself authored the book "Les Jains aujourd'hui dans le monde". Bringing Jainism to the attention of the French-speaking world has been one of the main objectives of the author. This book is quite comprehensive in its contents. Starting with the long history of the Jains, their diversity, sacred texts and philosophy, etc. this also covers temples, places of Worship, life of householders and ascetics, rituals, ceremonies, festivals and the influence and richness of Jainism. Readers will find in this English version not only informative and interesting but also engaging and enlightening about a tradition that is not only ancient but still very living, dynamic and highly relevant. Effectively, as Jains, we remain absolute defenders of life, of the environment, of absolute non-attachment to material things, of self-control, of tolerance, of control of the ego and of nonviolence. Our tenets are those of respect for human beings, for animals and nature, for life in general, for progress of humanity and for peace.

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Jains with their long history, their sacred literature, their temples, their ways of living, their rites, customs and the influence we had and we have, as well as their settlements in numerous countries in the world now are well presented in this book which is easy to read, well documented and destined to a large audience. X111 I express my hearty thanks to Pierre Amiel for his initiative. I wish all who will read this book will know us better and share even just a little of our vision of the world today, so as to be more humane, more just and in harmony with the teachings we received from our great "Tirthankara", those who, by their lives and their examples, have shown the right way, that of the "Jina" (of the Conquerors). Dr Sulekh C. JAIN Past-President of JAINA

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PROLOGUE We are living in the age of science and technology. The miraculous advancement in science and technology has provided us light-legged means of transportation and communication. As a result physical distance has no bars to meet the people of different nations, cultures and religions. Now our world is shrinking and it has become a global village. Due to this Jain community has also been spread throughout the world. In earlier times Jains were limited to India only. Unlike Buddhism, Jains never tried to spread their religion outside the greater India. In the ancient Indian history, we have only few references regarding spread of Jainism outside the India, which show that in the East it was spread up to Suvarnadvipa i.e. Jawa and Sumatra, in South up to Sri Lanka, in North up to present state of Nepal and its joinin boundaries of Tibet, in the West present Pakistan and Afghanistan and their adjoining boundaries. All these were parts of the greater India and thus Jainism never crossed the boundaries of greater India in ancient times. But at present it has spread all over the world. From the point of view of new literature on Jainism, the 19th and 20h centuries have been of great importance. In this period, some new Jain works were written as well translated in English, German, French and other languages, which definitely facilitated the people of different nations to learn about the basic concept and principles of Jainism as well as its rich cultural heritage. It is true that some foreign scholars, who visited India, experienced directly the 'Jain way of living' but it was limited to very few scholars. It is only the 19h century when for the first time Jains moved to Africa and England for their livelihood and came in the direct contact of the nationals of these countries. Though Virchand Raghavji Gandhi visited America and attended the "Parliament of World Religions" at Chicago in 1893 and represented Jainism. But at that time there were no Jains in America. From the second half of the 20th century Jain scholars, engineers, doctors and other professionals made their entries in countries like

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USA, Canada, England etc. and in that way Jains came into contact with foreign people. XV Need not to repeat that in 20th century some significant works on Jainism have definitely appeared in English, German and French languages, but there is not a single work which could speak about Jain community and its "way of living"" elaborately. It is for the first time that Mr. Pierre Paul Amiel has tried to make the world acquainted with the Jain community, its culture, its rituals and the way of living particularly in the foreign countries, through his scholarly work. The present trend of the foreign scholars is not much in the favour of writing about the past glory and the high ideals of any particular religion or community but Mr. Amiel has fulfilled the need of the modern age and has done justice while writing his book. It is worth to mention that this book is not written for the scholars of religion and philosophy but for the general public who really want to know all about Jainism and Jain community as well. The present title "JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD" contains 10 chapters in total excluding annexes-10. First chapter deals with the history of Jains before and after Mahavira. Second chapter describes the cause of the schism or the two main branches- Svetambara and Digambara along with Jain casts and sub-casts. The third chapter tells about the revered beings whereas fourth chapter deals with the sacred books (Agama) and other writings of Jains. Chapter five beautifully depicts the Jain temples and the sacred places. The sixth chapter speaks of the duties, virtues and vows of laymen and women Jain devotees whereas chapter seven gives us the details of their rites, cults and religious festivals. Chapter eight describes the religious symbols, drawings and expressions. The ninth chapter elaborately speaks of the Jain monastic order, code of conduct and all about the Jain ascetic life. Similarly, chapter ten tells about the influence of Jainism on India as well outside India. In conclusion, the author has given his own observation about Jain religion and need to write the book, of course, paying respect for this great Indian religion.

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xvi This work of Mr. Pierre Amiel precisely throws lights on the present position of Jain community and Jainism. But I would not hesitate to say that his observations about Jain community are partially true because mostly they are based on the American Jain society. Though he has tried to put some accounts of his observation on Indian Jain society also. Secondly, he has not dealt much with the problems which the human society is facing today and their's remedy through Jain perspective. It is most important to discuss as to how Jainism cares for the present day world problems which in short are as follows: Problem of mental tension Among the most burning problems the world is facing today is the problem of mental tension. The growth of scientific knowledge and outlook has destroyed our superstitions and false dogmas. But unfortunately it has shaken our faith in spiritual and human values. Today we have more knowledge and faith in atom and atomic power than the values needed for the peaceful life. Today the life on earth is so luxurious and pleasant as it was never before but due to selfish and materialistic outlook nobody is happy and satisfied, as a result every one is tensed. The intoxication of ambition and success has made us more greedy and egoistic. Our ambition and desires have no limit. And, when they are not fulfilled, create frustration, which culminates into emotional disorder and mental tension. As a remedy for this problem Jainism teaches us detachment or anasakti. Uttaradhyayana-sutra says that "the root of all sufferingsphysical as well as mental of everybody including Gods, is attachment, the root cause of mental tension. Only a detached outlook towards the object of worldly enjoyment can free mankind from mental tension".

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Problem of survival of human race and disarmament The second significant problem the world is facing today is the problem of the survival of the human race itself. Due to the tremendous advancement in war technology and nuclear weapons, the whole human race is standing on the verge of annihilation. It is not the question of the survival of any religion, culture or nation but of the whole humanity. Because of the advancement of scientific knowledge our faculty of faith has been destroyed. When mutual faith and faith in higher values of cooperation and co-existence is destroyed, doubts take place. Doubts cause fear; fear produces the sense of insecurity, which results in accumulation of weapons. This mad race for accumulation of weapons is leading to total human catastrophe. Here stands the problem of survival of humanity. xvii 11 To cope up with this problem it is necessary to develop the sense of security among the fellow beings. The Jaina Agama Sutrakrtangasutra clearly mentions that "there is nothing higher than the sense of security" which a human being can give to others. The virtue of fearlessness is supreme. It is twofold: (i) one should not fear from others and (ii) one should not cause fear to others. A real Jain is he who is free from fear and enmity. When the fear vanishes and enmity dissolves, there is no need of armaments. Lord Mahavira had realised this truth centuries before. In Acaranga-sutra he proclaims that "atthi sattham parenaparam natthi asattham parenaparam i.e. there are weapons superior to each other but nothing is superior to asastra i.e. disarmament or non-violence. A similar problem related with this problem is the problem of war and violence. There are persons and nations who believe in the dictum " might is right" which is one of the prime cause of war. In no way, war and violence are acceptable to Jains. Uttaradhyayana says that "if you want to fight, fight against your passions. Someone to be conquered is no other than your own self". Jains agree to the point that all those who are attached to physical world and have a social obligation to protect others life and property, are unable to dispense with defensive war and occupational

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xviii violence. They do agree with the point that perfect non-violence is possible only on spiritual plane by a spiritual being who is completely free from attachment and aversion. But non-violent war is also possible. Jain thinkers have suggested various methods and means for non-violent war and for reducing violence even in defensive wars. The war fought between Bharata and Bahubali is the example of nonviolent war. Thus, the firm faith in credibility and non-violence can save the human race from the problem of its survival. Problem of economic inequality and consumer culture Economic inequality and vast differences in the mode of consumption are the two curses of our age. These disturb our social harmony and cause class conflicts and wars. Among the causes of economic inequality, the will for possession and occupation are the prime. Accumulation of wealth on one side and the lust of worldly enjoyment on the other are jointly responsible for the emergence of materialistic consumer culture. A tremendous advancement of means of worldly enjoyment and the amenities of life have made us crazy for them. Though wealth plays an important role in our life and it is considered as one of the four Purusatha i.e. the pursuits of life, yet it cannot be maintained as the sole end of life. Jains all the time, consider wealth as a means to lead a life and not an end. Acarya Amrtacandra maintains that wealth is an external vitality of men. It is important for both- materialistics and spiritualistics as well. The only difference between both is that for materialists it is a means to lead luxurious life whereas for spiritualists, it is means to welfare of human society and not one's own enjoyment. If we want to save the humanity from class conflicts, we will have to accept self-imposed limitation of our possessions and modes of consumption. In Jainism it is the pious duty of a householder to fix a limit to his possession as well as consumption and to use his surplus money for the service of mankind.

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Problem of conflicts and ideologies of faiths Regarding this problem Jainism maintains that the nature of reality is complex. It can be looked from various angles or viewpoints. Human knowledge and understanding are unable to know the reality as a whole. We can have a partial and relative picture of it. One, who has only partial truth or has a one-sided picture of reality, has no right to discord the other's view as false. We must accept the view of our opponents because they may be right or true from some other angles. The Jain theory of Anekantavada or non-absolutism emphasises that all the approaches to understand the reality give partial but not true picture and due to their truth value from a certain angle we should regard the others ideologies and faith. Ir Lokatattvanirnaya, Haribhadra says "neither I bear favour towards Mahavira nor disregard for Kapila and other saints and thinkers, whatsoever is rational and logical ought to be accepted ". xix Problem of preservation of ecological equilibrium The most crucial problem the world is facing today is of ecological imbalance. Only a half-century back we could not even think of it. But today everyone is convinced with the fact that ecological imbalance is directly related to the very survival of human race. It indicates lack of equilibrium or disbalance of nature and pollution of air, water, etc. The hole in ozone layer has become a matter of great concern for the scientists. It is not only concerned with the human beings and their environment but animal life and plant life as well. Jainism presents various solutions of this ecological problem through its theory of non-violence. Jains hold that not only human and animal beings but earth, water, air, fire and vegetable kingdom are also sentient or living beings. For Jains to pollute, to disturb, to hurt and to destroy them means to commit violence against them, which is a sinful act. Every religious activities of Jains start with seeking

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XX forgiveness and repentance for disturbing or hurting earth, water, air and vegetation. Jainacarya have made various restrictions of the use of water, air and green vegetables not only for ascetics but lay followers also. The similarity between plant-life and human-life is beautifully depicted in Acaranga-sutra. As per rules Jain householders are not allowed to run such type of large-scale industry, which pollutes air and water and leads to violence to the plants and animal kingdom. Thus, the Jains put more emphasis on ecological equilibrium and suggest various means to maintain the same. Though Mr. Amiel, to some extent has indicated about some of these problems, but had he discussed them in detail, the book would have been more expedient for the researchers as well as common men. I congratulate Mr. Amiel on contributing such a nice work on Jainism, which is most informative. I hope this work will catter the need of the common men who are interested to know about Jains. He has very successfully covered all the possible aspects of Jainism There are so many books on Jain philosophy and religion, but Mr. Amiel's "JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD" is alone of its kind, which speaks all about Jainism in short, precisely. I extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Sulekh C. Jain who has been instrumental in publishing this title from Parshwanath Vidyapeeth. I hope this work will prove a milestone in the series of such type of publications on Jainism. I again congratulate Mr. Pierre Amiel and wish him a great success in his life. Sagarmal Jain Emeritus Professor Parshwanath Vidyapeeth

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INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Jains (followers of Jainism) are (generally speaking) hardly or not at all known by French people; apart from some distinguished specialists on India and its religions. Deeply interested after my first discovering and my subsequent personal contacts with them, I undertook a careful study of their philosophy and faith. Excited by such a task, that I have pursued for many years, I decided to share what I have learned of them with all who, like me, are eager to know what exists after our worldly life and what other people's opinions are on that matter, since the existence of humanity. For that reason, thanks to the precious contribution of some eminent scholars and of Jain friends I have in India, in the United Kingdom and in North America, I have published my translations of two books on the matter especially selected for their authenticity and their easy reading for the non-initiated. The first of these books, entitled "Mahavira, le Grand Heros des Jains" (Lord Mahavira, a study in historical perspective), by Bool Chand with an 'Introduction' by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, two great specialists on this Indian spiritual Master, was published in 1998. This work is important because it recounts the life and teachings of he who is worshipped by his followers as the 24" and last "Tirthankara" i.e. one among the ford-makers that permit to human beings to cross the boundless ocean of successive deaths and rebirths and to attain eternal bliss. Like followers of some other religions, Jains believe in the transmigration of the souls of living beings after their death. In order to get free from this cycle, they think it is imperative to follow the example of the "Tirtharikara" and in particular that of Mahavira, the last of them, who was born in India in the vi'" or Vh century BC and who preached the religion of the "Jina"(the conquerors). The second book, published in 1999, entitled "Le Jainisme - Philosophie et Religion de l'Inde "(Jainism - Philosophy and Religion of India) is the translation into French of "Aspects of Jaina Religion" by Dr. Vilas Sangave. Dr. Sangave, Honorary Director of the "Sahu

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xxii Research Institute" at Shivaji University, Kolhapur is a great scholar. He has written numerous authoritative works on Jainism. In this one, he exposes very clearly its fundamentals and what especially distinguishes it from Buddhism and Hinduism. The present book does not present anew the theoretical and philosophical aspects of Jain tradition. They have been largely and precisely displayed in the two works mentioned above. It aims to complete them by a description, as correct as possible, of the Jains, laity and ascetics, as they are presently in India and around the world with their daily activities, rituals, religious observances and aspirations. It is necessary to say that Jains don't constitute a monolithic community and they do not all share exactly the same doctrine, the same creeds and on some matters the same practices, a thing that does not make this study easy. To speak of the Jains, we first need to try to briefly recap their history- whose origins are not exactly known. This history is still unfolding after having been marked, at some era, by a period of glory called "The Golden Age of Jainism". Chapter one gives a brief outline of it from undated origin to the present day. During their long past, Jains have split into two great sections that have themselves produced various branches. Their present diversity is described in chapter two. In the next chapter, we will speak of the "great beings" that Jains worship. According to their tradition, some of them enjoy perfect and eternal bliss in the "Siddhaloka", at the summit of universe, a place where all liberated souls of the "samsara" (the constant cycle of deaths and rebirths) abide, while some others are dwelling in the skies (the upper world). These are the "heavenly beings" that may distribute favours to humans. Some other beings live in the middle world (our world) where they are making immense efforts to liberate their souls from the very painful "samsara". Finally, we will say a word of the "fiendish beings" who dwell in the hells (the underworld) where they inflict frightful sufferings on each other, for a period of

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Xxiii time more or less long, due to the bad deeds they have committed during their lives. Some Jains fear these evil ones for their harmful influence on living beings, as it was the case for Mahavira during his ascetic life. In chapter four, we have a look at the numerous sacred texts and literature in what the Jains have enshrined and commented the teachings of their "Tirthankara", especially the rules to follow to attain "freedom" of transmigrations of the soul after this life or one or many others. To practise their worship and to show their faith, some obediences have erected many temples, in India. They still continue to do so, and since about fifty years in various other countries where Jain communities are now living. In chapter five, we will try to draw an inventory as comprehensive as possible (but not limited) of these sites. They are so numerous, especially in India. Many are true masterpieces of an extraordinary beauty. Others are small and modest. Thus, it is the first summary so detailed and methodical that has been published to this day. Without any doubt, it will be very useful to art "amateurs" travelling in Asia and in the countries where Jain communities are now established. Chapter six will describe the life of lay Jains. They are by far the most numerous, compared to ascetics. Chapter seven will expose the main Jain rituals, worships, cults, festivals and ceremonies. Chapter eight will show various Jain symbols, "mandala", "yantra", "mantra", "sutra", prayers and religious hymns that have a great importance for the laity as well as for the ascetics. The "path" followed by monks and nuns of the various Jain sects will be summarized in chapter nine. It is a difficult path and demands ant care without any weakness. It may even lead to giving up life by absolute fasting, supposed to cleanse the soul of material stains that keep it for a more or less long period of time in a state of impurity, ignorance, defectiveness, attachment and bondage to the world.

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xxiv The tenth and last chapter will try to bring to light the prominent features, at different levels of the Jains in India where a large majority of them continues to live, despite their weak number, in a so vast subcontinent. We will see also the growing influence of those who have migrated today in various countries in the world, at a moment where violence, which they reject strongly, is dangerously extending on a daily basis. In the annexes, some religious expressions and short extracts of the sacred books of the Jains are reported. An alphabetic index of their temples, mentioned in chapter five, will allow the reader to locate them more easily. This index is followed by a short bibliography of recent books on the Jainism and by the addresses of some very informative Web sites (the majority in English) on that religion and its followers. Finally, a small glossary is given of some Sanskrit words mentioned in the text, with their meaning and accentuation. I hope that this book, with the two former ones, will permit their readers to access to interesting information about the followers of a great religion and philosophy little known by them. All Indians are not Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians or Sikhs, about whom many books have been published. Among Indians, Jains also exist, even though very little has been said about them, especially in some countries, till now. There is no reason they should remain known only by a small number of scholars. With this book, intended for a large audience, I try to give information on the Jains to everyone in the world. If I succeed, my difficult and long lasting work will not have been made in vain. My sincere thanks to all those who have greatly helped me to carry out and publish these three books on Mahavira, on Jainism and on the Jains, specially scholars, research workers, authors, editors, photographers and particularly late Colette Caillat, Member of the "Institut de France "and Madame Nalini Balbir, Professor at "La Sorbonne Nouvelle "in Paris, two eminent specialists of Indian civilization, Dr. Vilas Adinath Sangave and Pramoda Chitrabhanu,

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XXV well-known Jain authors, Dr. Sulekh Jain, Past President of "JAINA Federation ", Dr. Natubhai Shah, President of the "Jain Academy" in London and Shri Satish Kumar Jain, Secretary General of "Ahimsa International " in New Delhi. Many thanks also to my numerous Jain friends whose co-operation has been very useful to me, specially Professor Ramesh Chaturvedi, Dr. Bhuvanendra Kumar, Dr. Atul Shah, Mr. Shugan Jain, and many others. My profound gratitude to my so regretted and beloved wife, Marie-Claire, for her patience and most precious collaboration. I extend my sincere thanks to Parshwanath Vidyapeeth (India) and its authorities for publishing this title. I am really thankful to Prof. Sagarmal Jain who not only edited the book but on my request wrote a very beautiful and inspiring 'Prologue' for it. I extend my profound gratitude to Dr. S. P. Pandey who made necessary corrections and managed the book through the press. At last, many thanks to Mrs Manon Massizzo and Mr Alkit Malde for their precious contributions to this English version of my book. Pierre P. AMIEL Member of "Ahimsa International" Nice (France) December 2007

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Jain symbol of Non-violence

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D: STD HIST parasparopagraho jIvAnAma The symbol of Jainism with the motto "parasparopagraho jivanam"

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Chapter 1 THEIR LONG HISTORY To give an extensive history of the Jains, it would be necessary to cite the name of the creator of that religion. According to them, their creed is very old in India. In the beginning of human civilization of this descending present era, it was preached first time by Rsabhadeva, the first Prophet. Some consider Mahavira as the founder of Jainism, but its followers regard him as the 24" and last in a succession of Prophets who appeared during the present cycle of time and who have themselves been preceded by others during many earlier cycles. In any case, it is sure that Vardhamana, also called Mahavira "the Great Hero", lived in India at the Vith-th centuries before the Christian era and that he has reformed and organized the Jainism that his parents practiced. To schematize, we will divide the history of the Jains in three periods: 1) before Mahavira, 2) from Mahavira to the end of the XIXth century (period during which the Jainism has been acknowledged in the Western world as a specific religion) and 3) from the end of the XIX h century until today. 1. Before Mahavira Jains assert that their religion, like the universe in its totality, has always existed and will always exist. On that matter, some researchers, open to such a version; have considered pre and protohistorical remains as Jain symbols.' Jains state that time is eternal and that it evolves clock-wise, from ascending cycles (utsarpini) to descending ones (avasarpini), and conversely. According to them, each of these cycles is composed of

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2 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD six periods. In the ascending cycles, periods show a growing progress, life on the earth is more and more easy and happy, good luck increases. In the descending cycles, the opposed phenomenon appears. We are now, according to the Jains, in the fifth period of a descending cycle. It started 3 years and 312 months after Mahavira's death that, according to some Jains took place in 527 BC. This period will last 21,000 years and be followed by another one of the same length but even worse to endure before a new ascending cycle will begin. Humans would be so now, all over the world, in a long period of decline, and would have increasing troubles that entail them to make re and more sustained efforts to overcome difficulties and get their souls free of the unrelenting and very tiring transmigrations. According to the Jains, during the first period of the descending cycle we are now experiencing, humans remained long in a world that permitted them to live without great efforts. The nature fulfilled their demands easily and the human life was free from tension. In the second period, this situation deteriorated. It became more pronoun during the third. At the end of it, humans living at that time required help. To fulfil their demands, fourteen "Manu" (sorts of Messiahs) successively appeared on earth. During the present period, when the situation got yet worse, Rsabha, the son of the fourteenth "Manu" Nabhiraja and his wife Marudevi, told mankind how to survive in such hostile surroundings. He taught them the basic principles of civilization, especially how to till the soil, read, write, count, build villages and organize life in their community. Rsabha (the bull in Sanskrit), proclaimed Emperor of India and nicknamed Adinatha (First Lord), had a very large lineage of one hundred sons, amongst them Bharata and Gomata. This Bharata became Emperor in turn and according to the Jains gave his name to India (Bharata varsa). Gomata is one of the most venerated Jain saints under the name of Bahubali (the very vigorous). Jain tradition tells us that Rsabha lived an extremely long time and retired from the world to lead a monastic life or a life of total self

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Their Long History : 3 control. Having attained omniscience (kevala-jnana), he preached the religion of absolute non-violence (ahimsa) and became the first "fordmaker" (Tirthankara) of the present cycle of time. He obtained his liberation from transmigration (moksa) on Mount Astapada, in the Himalaya. After Rsabha, 23 other Tirthankara successively appeared, most of them during the era we now call "prehistoric". All the Jains worship the memory and example of these 24 "ford-makers" (Tirthankara) to liberation. Their names are, according to their time of appearance on earth: Rsabha, Ajita, Sambhava, Abhinandana, Sumati, Padmaprabha, Suparsva, Candraprabha, Puspadanta, Sitala, Sreyamsa, Vasupujya, Vimala, Ananta, Dharma, Santi, Kunthu, Ara, Malli, Munisuvrata, Nami, Nemi, Parsva and Vardhamana also called Mahavira. We have no precise dates of the existence of such benefactors of humanity, except a rough estimation for the two last ones. Concerning the others, some think they are more or less mythical heroes like Perseus, Hermes, Theseus, Hercules, etc. in the history of ancient Greece. Nevertheless, there are numerous images of each of them, some very old and occasionally mutilated or partly worn away dating before the Christian era. We find them in India either painted, cut out in rocks, or standing as statues in temples or outside. We also have more or less stereotyped narrations about these "Tirthankara" giving their height, their length of life, the names of their parents, as well as their places of birth and of liberation. These sites are the objects of worship and of pilgrimages especially dear to all Jain devotees. Some historians trace back the existence of Nemi, the 22nd Tirthankara, to around 1400 to 1200 BC and consider him as the cousin of the Hindu Krsna. Parsva, the 23rd Tirthankara, supposedly lived one hundred years, from 877 to 777 BC. He was the son of Asvasena, King of Kasi (modern Varanasi) and his wife Queen Vama. After renouncing his princely life and embracing that of a wandering monk, Parsva attained omniscience and preached Jainism widely.

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4 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Acknowledged as a Tirthankara, he obtained his liberation on Mount Sammet Sikhar, in the surroundings of Gaya, in the modern Indian state of Bihar. According to some scholars, Buddhist scriptures make reference to these Tirthankara. Jains themselves are often mentioned in Vedic texts and called "Nirgrantha" (without possessions) or "Sramana" (who do efforts) i.e. who try to liberate themselves of the cycle of deaths and rebirths (samsara), etc. We lack more precise information on that period, their number and localization. In the "Kalpasutra", one of the sacred books of the Svetambara Jains, there is mention of the number of laymen and women, as well as male ascetics and nuns of that faith, during the period from Rsabha to Parsva. 2. From Mahavira to the end of the Xixth century With Mahavira, a new page of Jain history begins. This Tirthankara, labelled as the last one, well existed in the 6h -vh Cent. BC. He was a great reformer of Jainism and a great organizer of its community (samgha). According to the Jains, Mahavira lived 72 years; from 599 to 527 BC. Modern historians contest these dates and believe rather from 549 to 477 BC. From the writings and evidence we possess, he was a contemporary a little older of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who according the same calculations was born between 558 and 540 BC and died 80 years later. They would, however, never met. Both were of princely origin belonging to the Indian "ksatriya "class of rulers. Both renounced the world to live as ascetics and preach detachment, compassion and peace. Both protested strongly against the authority of the Brahmins, their system of castes and their animal sacrifices. Legend asserts that Buddha practiced Jain asceticism during six years, at the beginning of his renunciation and afterwards preferred a "middle path". He would also have diverged from Mahavira on

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Their Long History : different points especially concerning: the nature of the soul, the principle of "ahimsa", the practices of penance, etc. Rivalries followed between adepts of Jainism. Gosala, the leader of the "ajivaka" philosophy, would have also lived with Mahavira for some years but afterwards preferred to separate from him and declare himself a Tirthankara. Jains have never acknowledged Gosala as one of their venerated beings. The history of Mahavira is told in the Jain Svetambara canon Acaranga, Sutrakrtanga and Kalpasutra. In these books, regarded as sacred by this obedience, it is said that he was the son of the noble Siddhartha and queen Trisala and he was born in Kundapura (Kundagrama), a suburb of the ancient city of Vaisali, not far from modern Patna, now in the Indian state of Bihar. It is also mentioned in these books that after a youth of luxury and pleasure he became a wandering monk. In doing so, he followed the example of Parsva, the 23rd Tirthankara, his parents worshipped and observed the teachings. After very severe mortifications, to erase the bad "karma" of his previous lives, Mahavira attained absolute knowledge.. Then, he preached the Jainism but he made reforms on two major issues: he judged that detachment from the world requires renunciation to all possessions, even to clothes for the monks, like some Hindu sadhus still do today, and he organized the Jain community in four orders: of laymen, laywomen, monks, and nuns. Mahavira attained liberation (moksa) at Pava. Though traditionally it is believed that Pavapuri is located in the Patna district of Bihar, scholars have some different opinion. They believe that ancient Pava was near Kusinagar, Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. 5 Every year, Jains celebrate the anniversary of the birth of their last great Prophet during a festival called "Mahavira Jayanti" and his liberation from the "samsara" is commemorated at "Divali" or "Dipavali" also a Hindu festival. They count the dates for their important events in relation to the year 527 BC that is, for a large majority of them, the year of his "nirvana". So, for example, the 10th

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6 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD of November 2007 day of the new moon (amavasya) of the lunar month of "kartika" (October-November) was the beginning of the Jain New Year (vira nirvana samvat) 2534. Jainism made great strides with Mahavira. The number of its followers increased significantly as did the number of communities in India. The Kalpasutra reports that, at his liberation, there were 159.000 lavmen, 318.000 laywomen, 36.000 nuns and 14.000 monks adepts of that religion. To cope with this growth, Mahavira created groups (gana) of monks headed by eleven chief-disciples called "Ganadhara", all converted Brahmins of whom nine died before him. Candana was given by Mahavira the charge of the group of nuns with the title of "Pravartini" (spiritual mother). At Mahavira's death, the two remaining "Ganadhara"- Indrabhuti Gautama and Sudharma successively- assumed the leadership of the community and preached the teachings of the Master. According to Jain tradition, the successor of Sudharma, Arya Jambu, died sixty-four years after Mahavira. He was the ultimate omniscient (kevalin) being and the last person to attain liberation in this descending era in Bharataksetra. The same source tells us that shortly after, the world entered the present era where conditions are so bad that it is impossible to attain perfect knowledge and liberation without having to be born again. Some fifteen "Sthaviras" (Elders) managed the community after Sudharma's death. Their names are mentioned in the Kalpasutra from Jambu to Arya Vajra. The great Jain Master Hemacandra (XICh- XIIch centuries) has reported their history in his Sthaviravalicaritra. ? The primitive Jain tradition would have been recorded in 14 treatises called Purva, (earlier sacred books) and next resumed into 12 Anga (members), the twelve sacred books. The matter of the Purva would be included in the twelfth Anga, called Drstivada and transmitted to pupils by heart, till Bhadrabahu, by masters called

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Their Long History : 7 "Srutakevalin" (those who had perfect knowledge of the oral tradition) Under the reign of Emperor Candragupta Maurya (322-288 BC), the community of Jain monks in North India was led by Acarya Bhadrabahu. One version of history says he took the decision to go and meditate in Nepal, leaving the monks under the charge of Acarya Sthulibhadra. According to another version, owing to a great starvation in North India, Bhadrabahu decided that his group of monks go with him to the South of India where an important Jain community was already established. He went in the region presently known as Karnataka state, to Shravana Belgola (the white lake of the ascetic), with 12,000 monks and the Emperor Candragupta he had converted to Jainism. The group remained there for twelve years. During their absence, Sthulibhadra decided, around the year 312 BC, to convene a Council at Pataliputra (at that period capital of Magadha kingdom and now in the Indian state of Bihar) to make an inventory of the Jain tenets, whose exact contents seemed gradually lost. When the ascetics who had travelled to the South came back to Northern India, without Bhadrabahu and the Emperor Candragupta Maurya, who both had practiced the Jain rite of death by absolute fasting (sallekhana), they saw that the monks who remained had abandoned nudity that Mahavira had preached for them. Moreover, they contested the written accounts of his teachings done during their absence. These facts, and some divergences of views between groups of ascetics, already at the origin of seven "little schisms", brought about a "Great Schism" near 79-81 AD when Acarya Vajrasena headed the community. This schism caused an irreversible division of Jainism in two great distinct sections of monks: those said to be "skyclad" (Digambara) i.e. nude and those to be said "white-clad" (Svetambara) i.e. wearing white robes. Some of the Jain laity followed the Digambara monks, others the Svetambara, with regard to their faith but without adopting their ideas about covering their bodies.

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8 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Since the "Great Schism", the two Jain obediences developed in different directions with different lineages of Acarya. According to Jain tradition, Kharavela (1st century) king of Kalinga (modern Orissa), converted to Jainism, tried to reconcile the religious leaders but not succeeded. For economic reasons, numerous Jain communities were established along the two main roads of Indian trade and in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka). One of these communities was in Mathura, North East of Agra (today in Uttar Pradesh), an important Jain centre around the great "stupa" remains that still exist. Not far from this "stupa", numerous Jain caves, inscriptions and statues of Tirthankara have been found. The Digambara state that it was in the year 156 AD, under the leadership of Puspadanta, that they decided to write their "Canon", comprising treatises of Puspadanta himself and of the Master Bhutabali preached to them by Dharasena. Later, writings were added or replaced by those of other great Jain Acarya, like Umasvati (Umasvami), Kundakunda, Vattakera, Jinasena, etc. The Svetambara leaders, for their own part, convened two Councils, one at Mathura near 340 AD under the direction of Skandila, the other at Valabhi (in modern Gujarat) under the leadership of Nagarjuna. Towards 453 AD a new Council was assembled, yet again at Valabhi, under the leadership of Acarya Devardhigani, that finalized their "Canon" and acknowledged with slight amendments the value of the Tattvartha-sutra (That which is) by Umasvati, like Digambara had done. In spite of their internal divisions, Jains received the support of many kings and rulers of India for several centuries. Special mention should be made of the dynasties of the Saisunaga, Nanda, Maurya in Bihar. Emperor Asoka's grandson, Samprati, made Jainism the official

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Their Long History : 9 religion of his Empire. Jainism flourished under the dynasties of Kharavela in Orissa, Kadamba, Ganga, Calukya, Rastrakuta, Hoysala, Kalacuri, Santara, Kongalva, Ratta in Karnataka and many others, in the North, West and South of India." From the IIId to the XIIIch centuries AD Monarchs, Ministers and rich adepts cut out temples in caves for Jain ascetics in Tamil Nadu * and in many other places, like at Ellora in Maharashtra. In 981, Camundaraya, Minister of king Rajamalla, made cut in a huge piece of stone a statue of Bahubali at Shravana Belgola in Karnataka. From the xh to the Xvih centuries AD the old Jain sanctuaries made of bricks and wood were replaced by many wonderful temples and temples-cities, in stone or white marble, like at Palitana and Girnar Hill (Gujarat), Pavapuri, Sammet Shikhar (Bihar), Mount Abu and Ranakpur (Rajasthan), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Humcha, Karkal, Venur (Karnataka), etc. Numerous beautiful Jain "manastambha", towers, statues, etc. also deserve to be mentioned. This era was obviously the most brilliant of Jainism in India. The adepts rightly call it "The Golden Age". Nevertheless, a decline of the Digambara in South India was visible mainly due to the growing number of Hindu Saivites and Vaisnavites. In the North, the Svetambara also decreased due to the great raids of Muslim invaders in that part of the country who proceeded to destroy temples, prosecute Jain ascetics, deface and mutilate many statues." On the contrary, some Mogul Emperors were more tolerant toward the Jain cause, for instance Emperor Akbar (1556-1605 AD), who in 1583 forbade the killing of animals during the festival of "Paryusana parva". It was the same in 1610 with the Emperor Jahangir. In Rajasthan, Jains occupied high positions like ministers or generals. Nevertheless, Hinduism and Islam made large progress.

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10 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Buddhism for its part disappeared from India, in the XIIth century, to 6 blossom in several other Asian countries. Facing the growing influence of Hinduism and Islam, Jains coped especially with Hindus by compromising. For instance, Svetambara accepted the help of Brahmin priests for their rites, like marriage, and shared some temples, customs and "deities" with Hindus. Unfortunately, Jains never succeeded to become united again and, under the influence of Islam and for other reasons that we will discuss later, new fractions with different views arose from within the Svetambara and the Digambara. In next chapter, we will look more closely these divisions with their founders, dates of appearance and main characteristics. Within the Digambara, differences of practices and customs also appeared during these centuries, between communities like "mula samgha" (original order), "kasta samgha", "mathura samgha", "yapaniya samgha", "dravida samgha" and between groups (gana) like "nandi gana", "sena gana", "simha gana", etc. Within the Svetambara, divisions in sections (gaccha) and in branches (sakha) increased continually culminating in 84 different sections under the leadership of different Acarya. The most important were the "tapa gaccha", "kharatara gaccha", "purnima gaccha", "sagara gaccha", "upakesa gaccha","anacala gaccha", etc. each with its particularities. New Jain communities appeared. They were opposed to some practices like: the worship of statues, the rituals in temples, the lodging of monks in temples or in monasteries, the interpretations of various sacred texts, the authority of some religious leaders, especially of the "Bhattaraka", etc. As a result, major and minor rifts occurred over the years, between the Svetambara as well as the Digambara, adding to

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Their Long History : 11 existing differences of birth (jati), relationships (gotra), local origin, - trades and activities. This led to the creation of religious castes and subcastes that still exist, with strict rules with regard sharing of meals, marriage, etc. These divisions, added to the facts that Jains never proselytised and their ascetics, until recently, neither travelled long distances nor used modern means of transport (car, bus, train, plane), so as not to kill or harm living beings, have been highly prejudicial to the propagation of their faith that in total contradiction with other religions going about enunciating their tenets and recruiting new followers. Moreover, due to persecutions during various periods of history in India, Jains had often to say they were Hindus. That is especially the case during the census of population in India when people are obliged to mention their creed. In order to avoid problems, many declare they are Hindus, but practice their cult at home. For a very long time, they also concealed their precious manuscripts for fear they be stolen or burned. All of these elements, along with the fact that it is hard for people who are unaware of religious subtleties to see the differences between Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples and statues, were causes of ignorance, amalgams and confusions, in the Western world, regarding these three great religions of India. 3. From the end of the Xixth century until today From the end of the XIXth century onwards, a group of facts were giving its right place to Jainism into the West. First, German, Swiss and French scholars acknowledged that creed as specific. Ernst Leumann, Albrecht Weber, Georg Buhler, Walther Schubring, Helmut Von Glasenap were some of those involved.

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12 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Secondly, Hermann Jacobi (1850- 1927) gave the authoritative proofs of the independent nature of Jainism that was until regarded as a branch of Hinduism or Buddhism. His demonstration was made in 1879 in publishing Bhadrabahu's Kalpa-sutra and in 1884 in the introduction of his translations into English thereof as well as of the Acaranga-sutra (volume 22 of the Sacred Books of the East). In 1894, he added to this series (volume 45), his translations of the Uttaradhyayana-sutra and of the Sutrakrtanga-sutra that are amongst the most important treatises of the Svetambara Canon. Thirdly, significant progress was made in the Western world in the knowledge of Jainism due to the contributions of two learned Jain masters: Acarya Vijayadharma Suri and Vijayananda Suri. They opened their libraries to researchers, thus providing them with correct information on the contents of Jain tenets. Armand Guerinot published his Essai de bibliographie djaina in 1906, his Repertoire d' epigraphie djaina in 1908 and his book of synthesis La Religion djaina, histoire, doctrine, culte, coutumes, institutions in 1926.Today, this last book seems to be somewhat out of date, especially concerning the transcription of Jain words, but it is to be remembered as one of the first published in French on Jainism in general. Numerous treatises and commentaries published in India, written by historians, researchers, teachers, pundits, monks, laymen and laywomen (often unpretentious but very learned) were translated into German, English, French, Japanese, etc. Several names must be cited like: the brilliant accounts and works of Ludwig Alsdorf, Ernest Bender, Maurice Bloomfield, William Brown, late Colette Caillat, Jozef Deleu, Eberhard Fischer, Mrs Adeheid Mette, R. Williams, Mr Paul Dundas, Mr John Cort, Mrs Nalini Balbir, etc.' Fourthly, another very important reason of knowledge of Jainism in the Western world has been the contributions of several Jain religious leaders to its propagation. In September 1893, Acarya Vijayananda Suri, above mentioned, was invited to attend the meeting

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Their Long History : 13 of the Parliament of world religions in Chicago (USA). He sent a young delegate, Virchand Raghav Gandhi, who intervened in the discussions in a very remarkable manner. He raised the interest of the participants in this conference who decided to include the Jainism among the great world religions. Since then, distinguished Jain leaders take part regularly in the "Inter-faiths conferences" where they expose the great traditional tenets of non-violence, respect towards all kind of life, nature protection, tolerance and peace. Fifthly, another main reason for the expansion and awareness of Jainism has been the emigration of numerous Jain families from the middle of the XXth century onwards. Since 1950, Jain laities have created communities in Great Britain and from the "sixties" in Canada and the United States of America. It was the same in some parts of Africa especially in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the South. The integration of Jains in North America and in England accelerated after the departure of numerous Indians from Kenya and Tanzania, due to terrible tragedies in these countries in 1967-68, as well in Uganda in 1971. Sixthly, Gurudev Chitrabhanu, set foot in the West for the first time in 1971. He created the "Jain Meditation International Centre" in 1974 in New York and played an important part in the establishment of Jain communities in North America. In 1975, the Acharya Sushil Kumar arrived in the USA. In 1981, the first "World Conference on Jainism" was assembled in New York. In the same year, Jain communities in North America regrouped themselves in the "Jain Associations In North America" (JAINA) that organized its first Convention in Los Angeles. In Great Britain, Jaina Samaja Europe was created and later built, under the leadership of Dr. Natubhai Shah, a splendid religious centre, with temple, library and annexes, in Leicester. In 1983, a new "World Conference on Jainism" was organized in London. In the same year, Acharya Sushil Kumar led the foundation

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14 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD of a Jain ashram 'Siddhachalam' at Blairstown (New Jersey). At the same time, Jains living in America undertook the construction of temples in Canada and the USA, modelled on those in India, and JAINA held its second Convention in New York. In 1990, Dr. L.M. Singhvi, a devout Jain, was named High Commissioner of India in the U.K. The 23" of October of the same year, at Buckingham Palace in London, a delegation led by Dr. Singhvi introduced the "Jain declaration on nature" to Prince Philip, International President of the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). Between 1983 and 1993, under the presidencies of Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, Dr. Tansukh Salgia and Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, 45 new Jain centres were established in North America. In 1993, I was invited to attend the 7th "JAINA Convention" in Pittsburgh (USA) and to speak about the future of Jainism in the XXI century. Also taking part in that Convention were great Indian ascetics, like Acharya Sushil Kumar, Gurudev Chitrabhanu, Muni Roop Chand, Muni Jinchandra, Swami Shri Devendrakirti, Bhattaraka of Humcha (who blessed my wife and me), Swami Shri Luxmisenji, Bhattaraka of Kolhapur. Most of them came from India to show their support to Western adepts. Such American Jain Conventions continue to be organized every two years, each time with an increasing success. In 1995, Pope Jean-Paul II, welcomed at the Vatican, a Jain delegation within the framework of interfaith dialogue. At the same time, various institutions were created all over the world to make Jainism better known through the publication of periodicals like: "The Jain" "Jinamanjari", "Jain Journal", "Jain Digest", "Young Jains", "Jain Spirit", etc. In 2001, in India and in the countries where Jains are living the 2600th anniversary of Mahavira's birth was celebrated with .brightness.

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Their Long History : 15 In 2002 and 2003 numerous Jain sites appeared on the Web, giving precious information in different languages to all people interested by this religion. A new Web site, called "Ahimsa Foundation", publishes every month in "Ahimsa Times" news for the adepts on the events concerning Jainism. It is the same with a Jain Web site within the BBC. We give in annexe 5 some of these Web sites. In 2004, especially mention the contribution of Jain delegates to the Parliament of World Religions in Barcelona and the laying by the Oshwal community of the foundation stone of a large Jain centre at Potters Bar (Hertfordshire) in England. The new temple, built in the traditional Indian style, has been consecrated, after ten days celebrations, on the 19th of August 2005. In February 2006, at Shravana Belgola in Karnataka state (India) took place the great ablution of the head (Mahamastakabiseka) of the huge statue of Bahubali. This rite is normally practiced, essentially by Digambara section, every twelve years at the conjunction of specific planets. For several days, thousands of devotees celebrate this occurrence with a large display of extremely spectacular fervour. One can see that Jainism is far from being a dying religion. For many centuries it has remained alive in India and has now spread widely outside, through the will of its adepts to uphold and propagate the tenets that constitute its greatness. According to the last formal census made in India in 2001, the total number of Jains was 4.225.053 but, as we have said, many of them declared they were Hindus to have no problem. In fact, they consider they are near about 10 millions in India and 200.000 abroad. It is not very much, compared to the population of India and of the world, but these men, women and ascetics, who preach eternal values, should not be neglected.

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16 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD In India, Jains are a minority asking for a national specific status. They shine through their marvellous temples that generations of supporters have built all over the sub-continent, through the significant activities that their laymen and women exert especially in the economic, intellectual and political fields and through the example their ascetics give to the world of profound spirituality, tolerance and non-violence. Outside India, Jain communities are composed of families whose householders and grown-up children work in trade, banking, jewellery, industry, liberal professions, etc. They do not take part in any form of violent activities like butcher, slaughterer, tanner, seller of skins, natural silk, alcohol, wine, etc. They live in Great Britain especially in London, Leicester, Manchester, Leeds, etc. In the USA we find Jains in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Cincinnati, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, Washington, etc. In Canada there are Jains in Alberta, Toronto, Mississauga, etc. All are perfectly integrated, even if their women continue to wear their beautiful "sari" like in India. Jain communities exist in Europe, especially in Belgium (a temple has been recently inaugurated in Antwerp), in Germany and in the Netherlands. Some families are living in France, especially in Paris, and in provincial cities where they practice their cult at home without any proselytism. There are Jains in Eastern and Southern Africa, in Australia, Japan, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zeeland, etc. As a general rule those who migrated, like to maintain their tenets and their faith. They return periodically to India to places of their origin to trace their roots, to do pilgrimage to their sacred sites, to get reconnected with their ascetics of whom they are separated because these hardly travel outside their region. They like to listen to their religious teachings and so to maintain the feeling of belonging to a long Indian tradition.

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Their Long History : 17 In India, we find Jains in nearly all States of the country. By. decreasing order, they are essentially in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi territory, etc. Digambara are more numerous in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Western Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, part of Rajasthan and some parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Svetambara in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. In rural areas, some Jain householders are farmers, but in the cities they usually occupy trade positions. A large part of the economic sector is under their control and some of them are very rich. They give financial support to religious and humanitarian activities, like construction and repair of temples and hospitals (even for animals), they provide food and shelter for the ascetics during the monsoon period, if necessary. They have given money for the reconstruction of houses and temples destroyed in Gujarat by the last earthquake and they continue to do so. They also support the printing of books and magazines on Jainism. The "Acarya" devote their time to manage communities of monks and nuns, to give conferences, to write books on Jain tenets, to take part in pilgrimages to sacred sites, to consecrate temples and install statues, to teach and initiate new ascetics, etc. In India, Jain ascetics are generally somewhat conservative and rigid. They place great importance on their ancient traditions and rites and make little effort to smooth differences between sections and branches. Some Jain laymen and women are more open-minded but they want their children not lose their faith in a continent where great changes appear. Such a characteristic is yet more perceptible in other countries where Jains are living, especially in U.K and the USA. To this end, associations like "Young Jains" have been created for young adepts. They organize meetings, religious manifestations, "brainstorming groups" on values to preserve, travels to India and to countries where other young adepts live. Many Jains are highly educated in data processing, management, education, trade, banking, press, administration, politics, etc. Some others are elected as M.P. or members of regional assemblies. With special consent of their "Acarya" a few monks and nuns are studying at Western Universities,

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18 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD like Oxford in England. Lessons on Jainism are also given now, especially in English and American in some colleges and universities. The above report shows the vitality of Jains in the world today, even if their number remains limited. They might have disappeared during the centuries of tragic events that India has experienced, but they have succeeded to survive, to protect their faith, to observe their traditional values and to identify themselves with citizens of other countries. Recently, a "World Jain Confederation" has been created aiming to unite all the adepts, to promote their philosophy and culture in cooperation with other faiths and creeds. An "International Jain Foundation" has also been created to promote the publication of books and an English encyclopaedia is planned on that religion and philosophy. All of these efforts and initiatives aim to overcome a long period of Jain division, persecution, ignorance and isolation and to affirm a specific identity in India itself and abroad.

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Chapter 2 THEIR DIVERSITY In chapter 1 we have seen that Jains constitute no more, since the "Great Schism", a uniform religious community. All share the same fundamental tenets but there are differences of opinions between them regarding some principles and practices. The two most important sections are the "Svetambara" and the "Digambara". We must look at their divergences in matter of doctrinal principles and religious practices, and as each section has split in several branches those that are the most important today. These splits in the Jainism are not characteristics of it. They exist in nearly all religions like Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. For the Jainism Dr. Vilas Sangave attributes them to various reasons like "differences of situations, customs and moods of living in India, revolt against the activities and policies of some religious leaders, interpretation of some teachings of the Tirthankara and especially of Mahavira". We can add to these: the influence of religions opposed to the worship of images and the denial of some followers to practice rituals in too sumptuous temples. Jains are also divided amongst each other in their castes and subcastes. These have not exactly the same origins and consistency as the Hindu ones, nevertheless, they prevent unity among the followers of Mahavira's teachings. 1. Digambara Jains and Svetambara Jains The split between "Digambara Jains" and "Svetambara Jains took time to be formalised. It became permanent, as we have seen, during the 1st century AD, even if some discords had previously occurred. In his book "La religion djaina", Armand Guerinot recalls that various "little schisms" happened before the "Great" one. Let us try to see the main reasons of that division in two great sections.

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20 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Jain tradition relates that Mahavira's parents followed the teachings of Parsva, the 23rd Tirthankara, and that the religious education of their son was in accordance with these. When he became a monk and attained absolute knowledge, he decided, as previously said, changes in various religious practices of his time. to Some scholars say that Parsva preached four obligatory vows: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing and non-attachment possessions. Mahavira added the vow of chastity and made a distinction between "little vows" (anuvrata) for the laity and "great vows" (mahavrata) for the ascetics. He would also have insisted that monks practice nudity, like he did himself as sign of total renouncement to the world. We have already seen the problems concerning the contents of his teachings. The main points of divergence, between Svetambara and Digambara, are related to these matters. The Svetambara consider that absolute nudity for the monks (muni, sadhu) is not required to obtain liberation (moksa). Hence, monks of that section wear white robes. They have three of them and a broom made of threads of wool (rajoharana or ogho) to brush out their way insects and little animals, so as to not crush or hurt them in the absolute respect of the principle of non-violence (ahimsa). They have also, when they travel, a bag containing wooden bowls (patra) to beg, to eat the food and drink given by the laity, a stick (danda) and a water-pot for their ablutions. On their left shoulder, they wear a cloth or a white shawl (kambala) they use as a blanket at night. Some cover their mouth with a piece of white cloth (muhapatti) connected by threads to their ears all the times, so as to not inadvertently hurt small flying organisms, when inhaling or speaking. Some of them hold a white cloth in front of their mouth while speaking to control what they say as well as not to hurt the living organisms in the air, particularly

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Their Diversity : 21 when they open their mouth. During the Indian monsoon they dwell in buildings placed at their disposal, called "upasraya". Outside monsoon season, they wander barefoot and collect their subsistence at the houses of Jain laity. Svetambara nuns (sadhvi) possess only three white "sari" and cover their heads with a white veil. They also have a stick (danda), a broom and a water-pot similar too those of the monks, a bundle to pile up their bowls for collecting food and drink, a rosary (mala), a book (pothi), a pencil, some writing paper and sometimes spectacles. Like monks, they walk barefoot and join together to share the subsistence they have collected. Most of them wear also a "muhapatti'on their mouth. When they are not travelling, especially during the monsoon, they dwell in "upasraya" that are always distinct from those of the monks. Digambara monks (sadhu) who have attained the summit of their detachment of the world live in the nude, with only two possessions: a broom (picchika) made of peacock feathers, to brush their path, and a special water-pot (kamandalu) to do their ablutions. The peacock feathers used for their brooms are collected each year when these animals shed them on the ground; otherwise to pull these from them would be a kind of violence. By putting their right hand on the shoulder, they let know they are hungry or thirsty. They accept the offerings of food in the hollow of their joined hands and eat standing up silently. They agree their food from only one house where their secret wish is fulfilled; if it is not so, they fast. They have too their hair pulled, when they receive consecration (diksa) and periodically after it. They have no "upasraya" for the monsoon months (caturmasya) like the Svetambara. Instead, they live in shelters provided by the laity, eat the food that is offered and use their time to meditate, do penances, sing "mantra", and teach those who are willing

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22 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD to listen to them. When the monsoon is over, they travel on the road naked. At night, they sleep directly on the ground in isolated places or in special rooms in Digambara temples. Digambara nuns (aryika) have only two large "sari" they alternatively use as garment and as cover at night. They also have a broom, a bundle, a walking stick and a water-gourd. Like the monks, they walk barefoot and have a wandering existence (vihara), out of the months of monsoon in India, as a sign of non-attachment. At their "diksa" they also have their hair plucked and regularly after. During monsoon, they always live separately from the monks in shelters set at their disposal by the Digambara laity. They show without speaking that they want to eat in the same way as described for the monks. Digambara called "ksullaka" (ksullika for nuns) follow rules that are less strict. They have one upper and one lower garment, eat their food in bowls and their hair is not plucked. Now some of them use public transports to travel but generally they do not. Their vows are less strong than those of the "aryika". The "elaka", another category of Digambara monks, have only a piece of cloth to cover their nudity and follow all the other rules like nude monks. Another point of divergence between Digambara and Svetambara concerns the sacred books and their tenets. The Svetambara accept, in their great majority, the authenticity of 45 books containing their canon (agama). They also consider as valuable some commentaries of these scriptures and other texts written by spiritual religious leaders (such as the "Tattvarthadhigama-sutra" by Umasvati, and more recently the "Samana Suttam" or "sramana Sutram" by the Ksullaka Jinendra Varni). Regarding other canonical works, the Svetambara give a great importance to the "Kalpasutra" ascribed to Bhadrabahu. Among Svetambara, the "Sthanakavasi" and the "Terapanthi" regard only 32 books as their canon.

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Their Diversity : 23 As already mentioned, the Digambara don't consider the sacred books of the Svetambara as valid. They have compiled their own procanonical literature that we will study in Chapter 4 but they recognize also the value, with few exceptions, and of the "Tattvarthadhigamasutra" by Umasvati and the "Samana Suttam" by Jinendra Varni. The Svetambara and the Digambara have different views not only on the doctrine, which we will explore next, but also on rituals, religious practices, festivals, ceremonies, etc. On doctrinal matter, the Digambara think that nuns, being females, cannot practice nudity and therefore may not attain "moksa". The only way for them to be liberated is to be reborn in a male body. The Svetambara do not consider nudity compulsory to attain liberation and so state that females may, like males, be liberated without having to reborn. They even assert that Marudevi, mother of Rsabha, was the first woman of the present era to be liberated and that Malli (the 19th Tirthankara) was a Princess of Videha who renounced worldly affairs to become a nun and to preach Jainism. The Digambara who worship images of the Tirthankara show all of them as males and without clothes or ornaments, like Mahavira when he lived as an ascetic. The Svetambara adorn their images with precious garments, crowns and jewels as an affirmation of their majesty. The Digambara also assert that as soon as an ascetic attains perfect knowledge (kevala-jnana) he no longer needs to eat. The Svetambara consider that totally impossible. The Svetambara say that God Indra made transfer Mahavira's embryo from the womb of the Brahmani Devananda to that of the

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24 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Ksatriyani Trisala. The Digambara are of the opinion that no such incident occurred in the life of Mahavira. The Svetambara say that Mahavira was married to a Princess before renouncing the world and that they had a daughter of whom they mention the name. The Digambara reject both that marriage and this child. Let us now see the major branches that have developed over time from the two great Jain sections and that are still flourishing. They have been generally created under the influence of some religious leaders or of creeds that do not admit the worship of images, regarded as idolatry, or rituals in sumptuous temples. 2. Digambara branches In Digambara tradition there are three large branches and three smaller ones: those of the "Bisapanthi", the "Terapanthi" and the "Tarnapanthi" or "Samayapanthi" as the large, and those of the "Gumanapanthi", the "Totapanthi" and the "Kanjipanthi" as the small. A) The Digambara "Bisapanthi" recognize the authority of the "Bhattaraka" (word meaning: learned man). These "Bhattaraka" are celibate clerks who, at difference with the monks, don't practice nudity and wear orange robes and wooden clogs. They live in monasteries (matha) where they manage the ascetics placed under their authority. They are in charge of their religious education and they oversee their vows. They write books about doctrinal matters and travel throughout India and abroad to promote Jainism. Their libraries (bhandara), like that of Mudabidri, have preserved ancient Jain manuscripts that are extremely precious to scholars and researchers.

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Their Diversity : 25 . Many of these texts have now been translated and are permitted to be read by non-Jains. During medieval times, the "Bhattaraka" behaved in India like pontiffs; an attitude not well in accordance with the Jain principles of renouncement and asceticism. They were then about thirty, but today, they are about ten only, living in Shravana Belgola, Kolhapur, Mudabidri, Humcha, Chhitamur, Melsithamur, Tirumalai, etc. The "Bisapanthi " not only worship the "Tirthankara" in their temples but also deities, like Padmavati, Ksetrapala and some others, to whom they offer flowers, fruits, saffron, sweets, incense, etc. Like Hindus they perform a fire ritual (arati) in front of the statues, dispense the offerings (prasada) given to them and remain seated in their temples during their worship. According to some devotees, this branch is the most representative of the original Digambara communities. Today, all the Digambara living in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and most of those in Rajasthan and Gujarat are "Bisapanthi". B) The Digambara "Terapanthi" emerged in the North of India, in the XVIIIh century, against the behaviour and domination of the "Bhattaraka". They do not consider these to be their religious leaders. They worship only the "Tirthankara" in their temples but they offer to them neither flowers nor fruits but rice, sandalwood and non-living items. They do not perform "arati" for fear of killing insects with the flame and they do not dispense the offerings. Furthermore, during their worship they remain standing. Most of the "Terapanthi" live in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. They should not be confused with the Svetambara

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26 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD "Terapanthi" who are opposed to the nudity of monks and to the worship of statues. C) The Digambara "Taranapanthi" follow the teachings of their founder Tarana Swami who lived in India at the end of the XVh century and the beginning of the XVI". Instead of statues in temples, they prefer to worship the sacred books of doctrine (samaya) and so this branch is sometimes called that of the "Samayapanthi". They have a great esteem for the 14 books of their founder who created their branch under the influence of Islam and of Lonkasaha who was the Svetambara "Sthanakavasi" equally opposed to the worship of images. * The members of this branch are not very numerous. They may be found especially in Bundelkhand, in Southern Madhya Pradesh, and in Kandesh, in Northern Maharashtra. D) The Digambara "Gumanapanthi are members of a smaller branch founded in the XVIII" century by the pundit Gumani Rama. They consider purity of conduct, self-control and adhesion to religious principles especially important. They worship the images of the Tirthankara in their temples, due to their positive influence at their point of view, but they do not make offerings to them they consider useless. They never perform the "arati" they judge, as the "Terapanthi", to be opposed to the principle of non-violence. They live in majority in Rajasthan, especially in the region of Jaipur. E) The Digambara "Totapanthi" are very few in number. They partly observe the principles of the "Bisapanthi"and partly those of the "Terapanthi". They live in various areas of Madhya Pradesh. F) The Digambara "Kanjipanthi" are few in number too. They worship the writings of their founder, Kanji Swami, and those of the

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Their Diversity : 27 great Kundakunda. Some of them are centered at Songadh in Gujarat, others at Jaipur in Rajasthan. Generally they follow the rules and regulations of the Terapntha in worshiping images. 3. Svetambara branches are: the The three main branches of the Svetambara "Murtipujaka", the "Sthanakavasi" and the "Terapanthi". A) The Svetambara "Murtipajaka" or those who worship statues (murti) are the most numerous. They are also called "Pujera" because they practice "paja", "Mandiramargi" because they go to temples (mandira), "Deravasi" or "Caityavasi" because they worship the images, which are also known as dera or caitya. Contrary to the Digambara, the laity of this obedience adorns the images of the Tirthankara in their temples or at home with garments, crowns, coloured jewels and worship them with offerings of flowers, fruits, saffron, etc. Their ascetics (monks and nuns) wear white robes and keep with them a white "muhapatti" (mouth cover). They reside in shelters (upasraya) belonging to local lay communities (samgha) that provide their maintenance. More often than not these shelters are attached to temples and are very basic with wooden-beds, bundle-racks, bowls, wash-basins and a couple of religious books. Sometimes, there is a rest-home (dharmasala) near for pilgrims and passing devotees. Minor groups (gaccha) also exist among the "Murtipujaka" with each its own temple, ascetics and Acarya. To mention especially, the "Kharataragaccha," the "Tapagaccha" and the "Ancalagaccha". We find "Murtipujaka" in the centres of cities in Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

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28 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD B) The Svetambara "Sthanakavasi" originated from a group of ascetics that, at the end of the XVh century, joined a rich tradesman of Ahmedabad, named Lonkasaha, who disapproved the worship of statues. Later on, some of them followed monks Lavaji, Dharmadasaji and Dharma Singhaji of Gujarat to create the new branch of those who do worship in prayer-halls (sthanaka) from where they get their name. They are also called "Dhundia" (seekers) or "Sadhumargi" (followers of the sadhus). The "Sthanakavasi" reject the veneration of statues. They practice fasts, hold festivals and meditations in their "sthanaka" and acknowledge only 32 sacred books out of 45 of the "Martipujaka". They do not take part in pilgrimages and religious festivals of the latter and their ascetics wear a "muhapatti" on their mouth. They can be found in various towns in India, above all in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. C) The Svetambara "Terapanthi" are members of a branch that sprouted from the "Sthanakavasi" whose its founder, Swami Bhikhanaji, was a member. He left the group in 1760 to create this one. His followers should not be confused with the Digambara "Terapanthi" who also do not worship images but, at difference of them, have only one Acarya at their head (presently: Acharya Mahaprajna). They also have some difference of opinion with other branches of Jainism regarding the concepts of non-violence and donation. Since their creation, the Svetambara "Terapanthi" had ten Acarya. Acharya Tulsi, the predecessor of the present one, dead in 1997, had a great influence. He created the "Anuvrata Andolana", a movement aiming to use Jain tenets to raise awareness amongst Indian masses and the "Jain Vishva Bharati", a centre for advanced study and

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Their Diversity : 29 research on Jainism in Ladnun (Rajasthan). The "Terapanthi" Svetambara nuns also are headed by only one "Sadhvi Pramukha" (presently Mahasramana Sadhvi Pramukha Kanaka Prabhaji), herself under the authority of the Acarya of that branch. The Svetambara "Terapanthi" put emphasis on profound meditation (preksa dhyana). They regularly organise a great festival called "Maryada Mahotsava" attended by the laity and ascetics of that branch to debate on the questions and problems that the obedience faces. Their penances are of a great severity. Monks and nuns follow instructions and orders of their Acarya whose "muhapatti" is longer than that of the "Sthanakavasi". They have neither temples nor organised "upasraya". During monsoon in India, they reside in shelters erected by lay associations called "Anuvrata Samiti". Within their monks are a number of "Sramana" (or "Samani" for the nuns) who only take partial vows. For the Svetambara, the creation of this branch has constituted a proper rift. Their communities are in some major cities, especially in Bikaner and Jodhpur, and in the Marwar region of Rajasthan. 4. Jain castes and sub-castes Mahavira was opposed to the Vedic system of castes. He advocated the equality of all human beings. Nevertheless, apart the above-mentioned branches, it also exists among the Jains division of castes and sub-castes but not of the same order than the system of superior, inferior and untouchable classes in Hindu society. We have mentioned different groups of Jain ascetics (gana, gaccha, samgha, sakha) with their particularities and own customs, They are not true castes.

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30 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD We have cited sections and branches, but they are found also in many other religions. They have specific tenets, principles, practices that do not permit the same temple for worship, the same place for meditation, the same festivals or sacred books that forbid weddings between adepts of different obedience or refuse to share meals and discuss doctrinal details. In Jainism, divisions in castes and sub-castes did not concern higher and lower classes, like in Hinduism. As concern Jain sections and branches, some believe they are more conform than others regarding their beliefs and practices of the teachings of the Tirthankara and especially of Mahavira. It is their views that diverge, in total accordance with the Jain principles of "anekantavada" and "syadvada", but they do not constitute castes and sub-castes. In Jainism, when one speaks of castes and sub-castes, it is more questions of profession and geographical origin. Of course, the usual preconceived opinions concerning economic and social status also exist, like they do in any society but we find, for example, the "Oshwals" in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the "Khandelwala" in Madhya Pradesh (especially in Malva) and in Rajasthan, the "Agrawala " in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, the "Humbads" in Rajasthan and Gujarat, the "Parvars" in Madhya Pradesh (especially in Bundelkhand), the "Saitvala " in Maharashtra, the "Chaturtha " and "Panchama " in South Maharashtra and Karnataka, the "Shrimalis" in Rajasthan, Naynar in Tamil Nadu, etc. The "Oshwals", for example, have ancestors who came from the city of Osiya (Rajasthan), the "Agrawala" from the city of Agroha (Haryana), the "Khandelwal" from the city of Khandela (Rajasthan) and so on. Some of these groups also exist among both Jains and Hindus. Among the "Oshwals" and the "Shrimalis" there are two sub-groups like: the "Dasa" and the "Visa". We also have many Jains who are

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Their Diversity : 31 businessmen or traders and so, due to their activity, they are members of the "Vaniya" or "Vanika" caste, with sub-groups like the "Shah" (money-lenders), the "Bhandari" (treasurers), the "Metha" (accountants), the "Jhaveri " (diamond merchants), etc. 90% of the Jains in U.K and USA are either "Oshwals" or "Vaniks". Each of these castes and sub-castes, groups and sub-groups, tends to constitute autonomous entities, with their own national and local associations, temples, reviews, rituals, etc. Copying Hindu habits, some of them practice endogamy, exclusion, non-commensality etc. We can see such tendencies surviving in communities that have emigrated from India. London, for example, has a large "Oshwal" community with its own temple, its periodical and religious festivals, like in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata where different Jain castes and sub-castes are more or less ignoring each other. Some castes, like the "Porvads" and the "Humbad, exist between Digambara and Svetambara. As mentioned by Dr. Vilas Sangave, in his book "Aspects of Jaina Religion", there are also some of these sections among Hindus like "Vaniks and various others. This diversity, that dispersion in space and religious communities, plus the fact that Jains are relatively few in number and have never tried, until recently, to proselytise, is not favourable to their expansion, in a world looking for new ideas and new spiritual values and flooded with religions that multiply their speeches, publications and propaganda on the same principles of non-violence, tolerance, detachment and respect for life and environment. To react against such a situation, some great Jain lay leaders, especially in the USA, hope to see a limitation of doctrinal quarrels between Digambara and Svetambara and an actual continuation of their faith in the

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32 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD communities, especially among the young generations. They decided to act in order to see Jains gather together and unite, instead of staying divided in a world that runs to its ruin by straying from the path of non-violence and solidarity that the "Tirthankara" preached. Already, meetings between various communities have taken place with this aim in mind. They scored some successes and they wish to continue the work.

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Chapter 3 THEIR REVERED BEINGS Whatever be the obedience, Jains do not believe in a God as creator of the world. They assert that the universe, with all its components, has always existed and works according to its own rules and rhythms. For them, its modes (paryaya) change but its fundamental characters (guna) remain always the same. Jains also do not accept the idea of a Supreme Soul who distributes rewards and punishments. If some of them seem to pray or to worship the "Tirthankara" or revere celestial beings, called "gods" or "goddesses", they are not a majority and their practices are, in principle, more intended to sustain their endeavours of attaining liberation than to obtain graces from them. This attitude might let think that Jains are pure materialists. That is absolutely not the case. They strongly believe in the existence of an infinite number of eternal souls (jiva) obliged to suffer, from always, the hard law of transmigrations under four possible appearances (human, animal or plant, celestial being, infernal being). They practice non-violence towards these different forms of life because they think that all of them have a soul. Jains also believe in the eternal and unchanging law of causation, whereby each activity (yoga) of mind, speech and body has an effect on the soul of its doer. If these activities are right, they produce positive effects such as the destruction of old "karma "that has not disappeared by itself or they form a shield against the inflow of new one. Bad or sinful activities induce the inflow of sticking "karma" to the soul, according to Jain tradition. This "karma" is made of fine particles of matter, imperceptible to the eyes, which have eight kinds of effects on the soul. It induces mistakes, obscures knowledge, alters conduct, strikes, puts obstacles to right vision, affects the innate qualities of absolute purity, perfection and bliss of the soul, causes pleasure and

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34 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD suffering, binds the soul to a body with its limits and faults, determines family, social status, personality, length of life and contributes to maintain souls in the "samsara" for a long or a short time. The essential idea in Jain religion is that each mundane soul is enslaved, imperfect and subject to transmigrations but may be delivered from this state and attain omniscience (kevala-jnana), perfection (siddhi), release from the cycles of transmigrations (samsara) and divinity, if it makes sufficient efforts to totally suppress its association with "karmic matter. Jains are not fatalists; they think that each living being can succeed. It depends only on him (or her) to reach this goal. They affirm that eminent and venerable beings (Arhat) have succeeded in doing this. They worship them as "conquerors" (Jina) or "ford makers" (Tirthankara), for having gained lib (moksa) and taught humans the way to do the same. For the Jains, these venerable beings that lived in India at different times are the models and the great benefactors of humanity. Their teachings, that have been recorded in the Jain sacred books, with some differences on limited questions according to the obedience, are their road map. They read and meditate upon the tenets contained in these Holy Scriptures and do all they can to put them in practice in their daily lives. The means to gain liberation, as taught by the "Tirthankara", by those who have built the ford (tirtha) that permits human souls to cross the ocean of bondage to the world, are defined in the three jewels (ratna-traya) of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. The Digambara add to these: religious law and asceticism. In this chapter, we will see who are these beings, these benefactors of humanity, these "ford-makers", these "conquerors" that Jains revere as models Jains who worship images (Murtipujaka) have reproduced many times and in different ways these revered beings. They have carved

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Their Revered Beings : 35 them in the flanks of mountains; put their statues on pedestals in their temples or chapels, at places of honour in natural sites, or at home. They have painted their "Tirthankara" on the walls of cave-temples, on sanctuaries, palm-tree leaves, paper and other religious item. They are also in splendid naive "illuminations" in the Jain sacred books or in richly coloured miniatures either alone or in groups. This topic will be further detailed when we will talk about "mandala" and "yantra". Beyond the 24 "Arhat" (Jina, Tirthankara) of the present time, Jain tradition preserves the memory of some others who would have appeared in India at numerous other periods. We will mention only those of the present era. In addition to these "Arhat", Jains greet with profound respect, more particularly in their "Great Mantra", all those who have attained liberation (purification and perfection of their soul) they call "Siddha" (perfects), and more especially some of them. They also have a great esteem for their "Acarya" (spiritual masters), "Upadhyaya" (teachers), "Sadhu" and "Sadhvi" (ascetics). Some Jains also revere, at a less but not negligible level, one or more Hindu deities and other celestial beings regarded as auspicious. On the other hand, they fear the bad influences of some devils. 1. Their most revered beings Everyday and everywhere, in the fivefold respectful greeting (panca namaskara) of their "Great Mantra" (Mahamantra), Jains praise all those they place at the top of their esteem and gratitude: the "Paramesthin" i.e. all the human beings who have attained the purity of their soul or who are on the path that leads to it. This concerns the "Arhat", "Siddha", "Acarya", "Upadhyaya", "Sadhu" and "Sadhvi".

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36 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD * The "Arhat" (Venerable ones) According to Jain tradition, the twenty-four Tirthankara (Arhat, Jina) of the present cycle of time are, in chronological order: 1) Rsabha, also called Adinatha (First Lord). He was born in Ayodhya, capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala (in modern Uttar Pradesh) of King Nabhiraja and his wife Queen Marudevi. According to his legendary story he had hundred sons. Jains especially honour two of them: Bharata and Gomatesvara also called Bahubali. Statues of Rsabha bear a golden coloured body with a bull as distinctive mark or symbol (lanchana) at their bottom. 2) Ajita: He was also born in Ayodhya of King Jitasatru and his wife Queen Vijaya. His symbol is an elephant. He had also a golden coloured body. 3) Sambhava: He was born at Sravasti (in modern Uttar Pradesh) of King Jitari and his wife Queen Sena. His body colour is also represented as golden and his symbol is a horse. 4) Abhinandana: He was born in Ayodhya of King Samvara and his wife Queen Siddhartha. His body colour is also represented as golden and his symbol is a monkey. 5) Sumati: He was also born in Ayodhya of King Meghaprabha and of Queen Sumangala. His body colour is also represented as golden and his symbol is a pink flamingo for the Svetambara, a curlew for the Digambara. 6) Padmaprabha: He was born in Kausambi (in modern Uttar Pradesh), of King Dharana and Queen Susima. His body colour is red and he has a lotus (padma) as his symbol. 7) Suparsva: He was born in Kasi (Varanasi) of King Pratistha and Queen Psthvi. His body colour is green and his symbol is the

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Their Revered Beings : 37 Indian "svastika" for the Svetambara, the "nandyavarta" (another form of Indian svastika with nine edges) for the Digambara. In general, he has a hood of 3 or 5 snakes above the head. . 8) Candraprabha: He was born in Candrapuri of King Mahasena and Queen Laksmana. His body colour is represented as white and his symbol is the moon (candra). 9) Puspadanta also called Suvidhi: He has two names: one related to flowers (puspa), the other to the performance of religious duties (suvidhi). He was born at Kakandi of King Sugriva and Queen Rama. His body colour is white and his symbol is a crocodile for the Svetambara, a crab for the Digambara. 10) Sitala: He was born at Bhadrikapura (Bhaddilpur) of King Dtdharatha and Queen Sunanda. His colour is golden and his symbol is the "srivatsa" for the Svetambara, the Indian "svastika" for the Digambara. 11) Sreyamsa: He was born at Simhapuri, near Benaras (Varanasi), of King Visnu and Queen Visnudevi. His body colour is represented again as golden and his symbol is a rhinoceros. 12) Vasupujya: He was born at Campapuri (present Nathnagar) of King Vasupujya and Queen Vijaya. His body colour is red and his symbol is a buffalo. 13) Vimala: He was born at Kampilya of King Ketavarman and Queen Suramya. His body colour is golden and his symbol is a boar. 14) Ananta: He was born in Ayodhya of King Simhasena and Queen Suyasa. His body colour is golden and his symbol is a hawk for the Svetambara, a bear for the Digambara. 15) Dharma: He was born at Ratnapuri of King Bhanu and Queen Suvrata. His colour is golden and his symbol is a flash of lightning

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38 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 16) Santi: He was born in Hastinapura (near modern Meerut) of King Visvasena and Queen Acira. His name means "peace". After having been Emperor of India, he renounced the world and became an ascetic. His body colour is golden and his symbol is a deer. 17) Kunthu: He was born too in Hastinapura of King Surya and Queen Sridevi. He also was an Emperor who became a monk. His body colour is golden and his symbol is a billy goat. 18) Ara: He was also born in Hastinapura of King Sudarsana and Queen Mitra (Mahadevi). His body colour is golden and his symbol is the " nandyavarta" for the Svetambara, a fish for the Digambara. 19) Malli: For the Svetambara, this Tirthankara was a woman, a man for the Digambara. She (He) was born in Mithila (capital of the ancient Videha kingdom, in North Bihar) of King Kumbha and Queen Raksita. Her (his) body colour is green and her (his) symbol is a jar. 20) Munisuvrata: He was born at Kusagra-nagara of King Sumitra and Queen Padmavati. His body colour is black and his symbol is a tortoise. The historical kings Dasaratha and Rama, heroes of the "Ramayana", would have been his contemporaries. 21) Nami: He was born in Mithila of King Vijaya and Queen Vapra. His body colour is golden and his symbol is a blue lotus. 22) Nemi also called Aristanemi: He was born in Sauripura of King Samudravijaya and Queen Sivadevi. Engaged to Princess Rajimati, he renounced to get married to her and retired of the world upon hearing the cries of the animals that were to be killed for the wedding meal. He became a monk and his bride a nun. According to Jain tradition, Krsna and his brother Baladeva were his cousins. His body colour is black and his symbol is a conch. 23) Parsva: This Tirthankara has been accepted by the historians as a person who really existed. He was born in 877 B. C. at Kasi

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Parsva, the 23"Tirthankara

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Lord Mahavira the 24"Tirthankara

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Their Revered Beings : 39 (Varanasi) of King Asvasena and Queen Vama. According to the Svetambara he was married to the daughter of the King of Kusasthala, according to Digambara he became a monk when still young. He reorganized the Jain community and recorded early canonical texts (Purva) that are now lost or, according some, partly included in the "Anga" as we will see in the next chapter. He died in 777 BC at the age of one hundred years. His body colour is blue or dark. According to Jain tradition, Parsva had saved two snakes from fire during his life. One of them was reborn as Dharanendra, King of the Nagas. When the demon Meghamali assaulted him under the form of a fearful storm, Dharanendra would have protected him with a hood of seven cobras. This is the reason why Parsva's symbol is a snake and his images are depicted with this characteristic feature. 24) Vardhamana or Mahavira (the Great Hero): The last Tirthankara of the present cycle of time is also really a historical and not a mythical being. He was born at Kundagrama, a suburb of Vaisali named as Kundapura in the North of Patna (in modern Bihar) of noble Siddhartha and Queen Trisala. According to the Svetambara he was married to Princess Yasoda and they had one daughter called Anojya or Priyadarsini. For the Digambara he never get married, nor had a daughter before becoming an ascetic. He bears a golden body and his symbol is a lion. 10 All the Tirthankara, according to Jain tradition, renounced the world to become ascetics. Most of them attained their liberation on Mount Sammet-Shikhar in Bihar, called also Mount Parashnath in memory of Parsva. Rsabha would have been liberated at Mount Astapada (Mount Kailasa), Vasupujya at Campapuri in Bihar, Nemi on Girnar Hill in Gujarat and Mahavira at Pava in Bihar/Uttar Pradesh. We must mention that most of the Tirthankara have their name followed by the word "natha" meaning "Lord". This is the case for Adinatha, Ajita, Sambhava, Abhinandana, Sumati, Suparsva, Sitala,

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40 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Sreyamsa, Viamala, Ananta, Dharma, santi, Kunthu, Ara, Malli, Nami, Nemi and Parsva. Jain tradition attributes to all the Tirthankara a height that decreases from the first to the last and the same for the length of their lives, but these are almost mythical details that we will not discuss further. All of them also have two guardian deities, for some Digambara, both males (yaksa) for some other Digambara, and for Svetambara males and females (yaksa or yaksi) both. There are some differences between the Svetambara and Digambara with regard to the names of these "yaksa" and "yaksi". As concern the "yaksa" and "yaksi", we will speak of them in the second part of this chapter. Let us mention that each Tirthankara is said to have obtained perfect knowledge after a long meditation under a tree: a fig-tree (banyan) for Rsabha, a teak (sala) for Mahavira, an "asoka" for Malli, a "bakula" for Nami, etc. We see too that, according to the sacred Jain scriptures, all the Tirthankara were of royal or noble origin. Their births and lineages have permitted Jainism to benefit of high patronages that greatly promoted it, during centuries, in India. It is also said that all the Tirthankara were born into the Indian of the "ksatriya" and not the "brahmin'one. That greatly helped Mahavira in his strong opposition to the "brahmins" for to their numerous and elaborated rituals, their dogmatism and their increasing animal sacrifices. This undoubtedly gave roots to the legend of the transfer of Mahavira's embryo and of the aversion of Jainism to clergymen or priests. The ill-starred experiences, in medieval times, of the "Bhattaraka" among the Digambara and of the "Yati" among the Svetambara, strengthen this principle. Apart from some branches mentioned in the former chapter, most Jains worship their Tirthankara in the forms of images or statues. This type of cult seems to have taken time. We have not heard of Mahavira worshipping images of his predecessors. Adepts have since made such

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Their Revered Beings : 41 statues they view and honour to strengthen their creed in these Tirthankara. They are their models and guides to attain "moksa". Concerning these statues, we may see that some like Rsabha (Adinatha), Nemi, Nami, santi, Parsva and Mahavira, evoke feelings of special fondness from the devotees. In the Chugan Mandir at Udaipur (Rajasthan), one can see the statue of he who is believed to be the next Tirthankara: Srenika, ancient king of Magadha (in modern Bihar). Some devotees already worship him under the name of Padmanabha Prabhu. * The "Siddha" (Perfect Ones) Just after the "Arhat" (Jina, Tirthankara), Jains pay homage, in their "Great Mantra", to those who have succeeded to cleanse their soul of all karmic trace and by doing so who have broken the cycle of the "samsara". Like them, devotees hope not to be born again in our world, where there are passions, violence, illness, attachment, misery, impurity, war, hunger, thirst, decrepitude, fear, natural disasters, death and many other causes of sufferings, ignorance, illusion, struggle, misfortune, etc. In Jain cosmology, all human souls having succeeded to recover their natural purity and perfection enjoy an eternal and everlasting bliss at the top of the universe, which is called the "Siddhaloka" i.e. the place of the "Siddha". Among the "Siddha" especially revered by the Digambara, quite like a Tirthankara, we must cite Gomatesvara said Bahubali, one Rsabha's sons. According to Jain legend, at his father's retirement from worldly life, Bahubali had a dispute with his half-brother Bharata about his part of heritage. A struggle took place between them and he won. Suddenly, understanding the futility of worldly possessions, he regretted his behaviour and decided to become a monk, like his father before him. To shed his offence, he is said to

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42 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD have stayed a very long time in meditation, nude and motionless, in the Jain posture called "kayotsarga" i.e. detachment of the body. Creepers climbed along his feet, legs and arms. He stayed like this for one year, without moving until he attained omniscience (kevalajnana). According to Digambara accounts, Bahubali is the first "Siddha" of the present time. In India, Jains have erected huge statues in the memory of this great "Siddha" like the splendid one, 57 feet high, on Mount Indragiri at Shravana Belgola in Karnataka. Others statues of him, but less high, exist at Dharmasthala, Karkal, Yenur in the same Indian State, at Kumbhojgiri, Ter, etc. in Maharashtra. As Vilas Sangave says in his book Aspects of Jaina Religion: "these statues, visible from miles around, inspire respectful attention by their huge mass and express a great serenity". Digambara Jains make periodical ritual ablutions of them in memory of the birth, awakening and liberation of such a revered "Siddha". A "mahamastakabhiseka" (great ceremonial ablution of the head) of Bahubali takes place, with great intensity of fervour, every twelve years onwards, at Shravana Belgola in Indian Karnataka state. We will see this in the chapter devoted to Jain festivals and ceremonies. In some cave-temples various paintings of Bahubali exist, as ings of Bahubali exist, as well as statues of him in stone or metal in Digambara temples. Some Digambara revere also srimad Rajacandra who was a Sthanakavasi but a follower of the great Digambara master Kundakunda. He lived in India, from 1867 to 1901AD, wrote books of great spirituality on Jainism, devoted the three last years of his life to meditation, penance and fasting. At his death, he was extremely emaciated. He was a friend of Mahatma Gandhi and one of those who inspired him to practice non-violence for the independence of India. He left the memory of a great soul. Photos of him are placed in some Digambara temples, together with those of other great ascetics that have practiced the Jain ritual of abandonment of life through fasting (sallekhana)

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Their Revered Beings : 43 Concerning the "Siddha", we may say too that, for some Jain branches, no liberation is possible during the present cycle of decline of the world. This does not mean that adepts must despair and make no efforts for it. By strictly observing the rules of living taught by the Tirthankara, they are sure to remove from their soul the "karma" accumulated during previous lives and avoid absorbing new, which is extremely benefice for their future life (or lives). * The "Acarya" (Spiritual Masters) Even if some Jains limit their worship to the Tirthankara and the Siddha, most add to them the "Acarya", "Upadhyaya" and "Sadhu", especially in the "Great Mantra". Jain "Acarya" are the spiritual masters who, after an exemplary period as monks, receive a special consecration and are in charge of a group of monks. Until recently, all were males but currently this title has been given to a Sthanakavasi nun named Candana, after Mahavira's example to put Candana at the head of the nuns; till now the most valorous nuns received the title of "Mahattara" or "Pravartini." The "Acarya" of the different Jain obediences are very respected by the laity and the ascetics for their exemplary life and their great knowledge of religions, rituals and sacred books they have studied. Numerous eminent "Acarya", cited in Jain history, were great Doctors of the faith. Many have written commentaries on sacred literature, books on religion and various other subjects. Some were close to Emperors, Kings and Ministers in India and had great influence during "The Golden Age" of Jainism. Such religious masters exist in the different sections and branches. We will cite among the most ancient renowned Svetambara Acarya Haribhadra (VIII century), Siddhasena Gani (Vich century), Silanka (IX\" century), Santi

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44 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Suri (XIIth century), Abhayadeva (Xth century), Nemicandra (XIth century), Hemacandra (XIIth century), Siddhasena Suri, Jinadatta (XIIth century), Devendra Suri (XIIIth century), Yasovijaya (XVIIth century), and among the Digambara: Umasvati (III-IVth century), Kundakunda (Irst-IInd centuries/according to other view 4th Century), Kartikeya, Samantabhadra (VIth century), Pujyapada (VI-VIIth centuries), Akalanka (VIIIth century), Jinasena (IXth century), Virasena (IXth century), Somadeva, Amitagati (Xth century), Camunda Raya (XIth century), Asadhara (XIIIth century), Vamadeva (XVth century), Rajamalla (XVIth century), Somasena (XVIIth century) etc. Note one can have details on these ancient Acarya and on others with the titles of their numerous writings in "Jaina Yoga" by R. Williams cited in the bibliography. As more recent eminent Svetambara "Acarya", we can cite: Vijaya Vallabha Suri (1870-1954), Sagarananda Suri (1875-1950), Amolak Rsi (1877-1936), Atmaramaji, Anandarsiji and Sushil Kumar (1926-1994), as Digambara: Santisagara (1872-1955) and as Terapanthi: Bhiksu (1726-1803), Acharya Tulsi (1914-1997). (As Number of Jaina Monks and Nuns of all sects present in India per Jain Caturmasa Suci, Special Issue September 2005 published by Babul Lal Jain, Ujjval, Kandivali (E) Mumbai-1 Sects Acarya Monks Nuns Percentage Total No 1740 6322 61% Svetambara Murtipujaka 164 Svetambara Sthanakavasi 12 Svetambara Terapanthi Digambara Total No. 1 55 232 593 156 542 2953 536 466 3031 10277 26% 5% 8% 100 8226 3558 693 1063 Prominent among the Acarya and Gaccha Nayaka alive today can be mentioned as under: 13540

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Their Revered Beings : 45 Svetambara Sect: (a) Murtipujaka: Acharya Shri Sarvodaya Sagara, Shri Jayghosa Suri, Shri Kalaprabha Suri, Gachchadhipati Shri Ratnakara Suri, Shri Yashodeva Suri, Shri Hemaprabha Suri, Gachchagani Shri Ratnakara Vijaya, Acharya Somasundara Suri, Gachchadhipati Shri Gunodaya Sagara Suri, Gachchadhisa Shri Kailasha Sagara, Gachchadhipati Shri Jayantasena Suri, Acharya Shri Vijaya Rajayasha Suri etc. (b) Terapantha: Acharya Mahaprajna , Mahashramana Mudita Kumar. (c) Sthanakavasi: Acharya Shri Shiva Muni, Acharya Shri Umesha Muni, Gachchadhipati Shri Prakasha Chanda, Acharya Shri Ramalal Muni, Acharya Shri Prakash Chandaji Seth, Gadipati Shri Bhaskar Muni, Gachchashiromani Shri Jayantilalaji, Pt. Ratna Shri Kevala Muni, Gadipati Shri Pranalalaji, etc. Digambara Sect: Acharya Shri Vidya Sagarji, Acharya Shri Vidyanandji, Acharya Shri Sanmati Sagarji, Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji, Acharya Shri Jnana Sagarji, Acharya Shri Sudha Sagaraji, Acharya Shri Pulaka Sagaraji, Balacharya Shri Yogendra Sagarji, Acharya Shri Buddhi Sagaraji, Acharya Shri Kunthu Saagarji, and Mata Jnanamatiji etc. An "Acarya" will be the object of even a greater veneration if the ritual of "sallekhana" has brought about his death by total fast. Statues, engraved marble plaques, and sometimes footprints, mark the spots where this ritual was achieved. Many devotees consider these spots as places of pilgrimage.

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46 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD * The "Upadhyaya" (Religious Teachers) The "Great Mantra" also mentions the Jain religious teachers or "Upadhyaya " who are Doctors in Jain philosophy and who instruct novices and "Muni". They are also considered and respected in daily life. * The "Sadhu" and "Sadhvi" (Monks and Nuns) Jain "sadhu" (monks) and "sadhvi" (nuns) are ascetics who have renounced everything for their faith and who make extremely great and valorous efforts to remove all the "karma" from their soul and so to attain liberation at their death. We will see in chapter 9, the lives of these men and women who, after they have been admitted to a religious order, endure the most severe disciplines, especially the Digambara monks who have reached the highest level of detachment. Jain laities consider "Acarya", "Upadhyaya", "Sadhu" and "Sadhvi" as "saints" on the way to liberation. Many lay adepts want to follow the footsteps of those they admire, who have treaded this path, hoping that after an active life they will be able to live like them. Young Jains may enter into a group of monks or nuns as novices and live under the guidance of a "guru" or of a "guruni" as we have already said. This wandering existence of self-sacrifice and mortifications is not possible to everybody; some are reluctantly obliged to give up. Others follow the way progressively and may someday become themselves "guru" or "guruni" and later on "Acarya," if they are judged able. These "guru" and "guruni" study and teach adepts and novices the fundamental tenets of Jainism. They follow and direct each moment of the novice's life. Novices who do not respect the rules may suffer temporary or even permanent exclusion by the "Acarya" they live under. Those that persevere may one day progress so far as to become "Acarya" to teach and lead both novices and ascetics.

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Their Revered Beings : 47 No Jain monk or nun lives as a recluse; all are members of a specific group. Each wanders, begs and is strictly directed, controlled and possibly sanctioned to surely progress on the way commended by the Jain scriptures. In India, Jain laymen and women normally follow the specific steps of spiritual progress prescribed for them and listen to with attention and interest the teachings given by the ascetics. The latter are invited to visit villages. They are surrounded with great esteem and honour. When they arrive they are given their daily food, a shelter during monsoon, care and medicines if they need them. If Svetambara ascetics have bowls or garments to be replaced, they provide, likewise for the brooms of both sections. Laywomen especially appreciate much the teaching that nuns give in their spare time, when they are not doing their study or meditation. The strong direct link with ascetics no longer exists for the laity who has emigrated from India to other parts in the world. To remedy a little this lack, the laity organizes periodical pilgrimages to India where Jain ascetics may be met. They express their regard to them, kiss their feet, receive their blessings, listen to their lessons, give money for the maintenance of their monasteries, shelters, "sthanaka", libraries, etc. according to the obedience. For their own part, breaking with the tradition to travel only on foot, a few "Acarya" and "Bhattaraka" agree now invitations by Jain communities living outside India to join them, for example: to consecrate temples, install statues (pratisthamahotsava), give lectures, attend meetings like "North American conventions," International religious assemblies, the "Parliament of World Religions", etc. Two of them, late Acharya Sushil Kumar and Gurudev Chitrabhanu, have even decided to live in the USA to be nearer the laity who have

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48 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD emigrated here, to show their support, to create Jain "asrama", to teach and promote Jain tenets outside India. 2. Their other revered beings We have already spoken of the "Siddhaloka" which the Jains place above the universe, where liberated souls dwell forever in complete purity and bliss. The universe itself is constituted of the upper-world or heavens (urdhva-loka), the middle-world, o (madhya-loka) and the lower world or hell (adho-loka). The heavenly beings "deva" and "devi" (gods and goddesses) stay in the upper-world whose heavens are named in chapter 4 of the "Tattvartha-sutra". These beings are not, according to Jain sacred scriptures, yet freed from the "samsara". They enjoy more or less ethereal pleasures but the degree of purity and perfection of their soul is determined by the amount of "karma" they have yet to get ride of. They have to be reborn in our world, one or several times, depending the heaven they are in, before attaining everlasting "moksa". In the "Tattvartha-sutra" these beings are divided in four categories: "of the mansions", "of the forests", "luminous" and "of the empyrean". We will not speak more about them, only to say that some have, according to Jain tradition, an influence on human beings, like the "luminous gods" (heavenly bodies and planets) and each adept has to keep them in mind. It is the reason why, for example, Jains call an astrologer in each important event of their life to know if it is or not an auspicious moment for it or revere some of their "gods" or "goddesses". Some of these divinities pertain also to the Hindu pantheon. Jains revere them but they do so with a lesser degree than for the Tirthankara. Their number and their kinds of influences change according to the obedience.

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Their Revered Beings: 49 Some revere also male and female servants "Yaksa" and "Yaksi or Yaksini" of the Tirthankara. Others, like Sobhanamuni (Xth century AD) regard them as attendant "Deva" or "Devi" of them. We have so: Sruta Devi or Cakresvari for Rsabha, Manasi Devi for Ajita, Vajrasrnkhala for Sambhava, Rohini for Abhinandana, Kali for Sumati, Gandhari for Padmaprabha, Mahamanasi for Suparsva, Vajrankusi for Candraprabha, Jvalanayudha for Suvidhi, Manavi for Sitala, Mahakali for Sreyamsa, Santi for Vasupujya, Rohini yet for Vimala, Acyuta for Ananta, Prajnapti for Dharma, Brahmasanti (Yaksa) for Santi, Purusadatta Devi for Kunthu, Cakradhara Devi for Ara, Kapardi (Yaksa) for Malli, Gauri for Munisuvrata, Kali yet for Nami, Amba for Nemi, Yata Devi for Parsva, and Ambika for Mahavira. Other names are mentioned in the Digambara Jaina Iconography by Jas Burgess, like: Gomukha and Cakresvari for Rsabha, Mahayaksa and Rohini for Ajita, Trimukha and Prajnapti for Sambhava, Yaksesvara and Vajrasrnkhala for Abhinandana, Tumbura and Purusadatta for Sumati, Kusuma and Manovega or Manogupti for Padmaprabha, Varanandi and Kali for Suparsva, Syama or Vijaya and Jvalamalini for Candraprabha, Ajita and Mahakali for Puspadanta, Brahmesvara and Manavi for Sitala, Isvara and Gauri for Sreyamsa, Kumara and Gandhari for Vasupujya, Sanamukha or Kartikeya and Vairatya for Vimala, Patala and Anantamati for Ananta, Kimnara and Manasi for Dharma, Kimpurusa and Mahamanasi for Santi, Gandharva and Vijaya for Kunthu, Kendra and Ajita for Ara, Kubera and Aparajita for Malli, Varuna and Bahurupini for Munisuvrata, Bhrkuti and Camundi for Nami, Sarvahna and Kusumandini for Nemi, Dharanendra and Padmavati for Parsva, Matanga and Siddhayini or Siddhayaka for Mahavira. The "Yaksa" are naked to the navel, the "Yaksi" are more fully clad, they also have each a distinctive colour, vehicle, mark (lanchana). The Svetambara give 11 another name to some of these.

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50 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Each attendant "Devi" is supposed to have an influence on humans and animals: Sruti is requested to extend protection from all evils, Manasi extends happiness to devotees, Vajrasrnkahala blesses those free from sin, Rohini destroys all inauspicious things, Kali is a terror to her opponents, Gandhari extends bliss to his worshippers, Mahamanasi throws all her enemies into the mouth of a lion, Vajramkusi safeguards the interests of all animals, Jvalanayudha grants prosperity to all his devotees, Manavi is in association with divine beings, Mahakali destroys unhappiness, Santi Devi bestows peace of mind and prosperity upon devotees, Acyuta bestows luck on devotees, Prajnapti grants profit, Brahmasanti bestows happiness, Purusadatta removes ignorance, Cakradhara also bestows happiness, Kapardi also has a good influence, Gauri protects devotees from the mire of samsara, Kali Devi destroys the sins of devotees, Amba bestows wealth, Yata protects from fear, Ambika drives away all enemies. In the Jain tantra she is the "goddess" of fertility and love and called Parvati. For some Jains, she is the "yaksi" of Nemi. Each of them has a brilliant stature. Although the names of these deities are familiar in Hinduism too, there are some differences on what we may not extend here. We must also mention other deities revered by the Jains, like Bhairava often placed at the entry of temples to represent positive strength. He is considered to fight passions and desires. Jains and Hindus regard Ganesa as favouring commercial activities. Ghantakarna protects against bad influences, Kubera is the chief of the "Yaksa", Laksmi or Sri the goddess of prosperity in business, Manibhadra the deity who shows that there are several ways that lead to absolute knowledge, Sarasvati is the goddess of knowledge, arts and music. She is regarded as affording spiritual light, favouring knowledge, dispelling ignorance, etc. All Jains do not acknowledge these deities or attendant "Deva" or "Devi,""Yaksa" and "Yaksi". They are best revered, in principle, by

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NOMICS OS Padmavati, the Yaksi of 23"Tirthankara Parsvanatha

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budha candra ghAramA Namo ketu ZZ zukra aridratANa siddhANaM, Namo uvajjhAyANa, Namo loe savva sAhUNaM. zani rAhu maMgala guru A picture of the "Navagraha" (the influence of the heavenly bodies) Surya, Candra, Brhaspati, Sukra, Sani, Rahu, Ketu, Budha and Angaraka

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Their Revered Beings : 51 the Svetambara than the Digambara. Each Jain may honour the deity that suits his (or her) needs best. In temples, their statues or their images are placed in side-chapels, the central place being always given to one Tirthankara or more. Generally, "Yaksa" and "Yaksi" are on each side of the Tirthankara they guard or serve and also greet. Some adepts perform "puja" to them. Sometimes, they set one or more images or statues of these in their home, to better revere them and to have some favours by their influence. According to the regions of India, Jains also worship: Vijaya or Jaya (Victory), Kirti (Glory), Murigan (Tamil goddess who destroys devils), etc. We must not forget other "Pre-eminent beings revered by some adepts, like the 12 "Cakravartin" (Emperors), the 9 "Balabhadra" (very virtuous), the 9 "Narayana" (divine heroes) and the 9 "Pratinarayana" (similar to the divine heroes), etc. Some adepts pay respect to the 8 "Dikpala" (guardians of the eight directions) that are also part of Hindu veneration: Indra at the East, Agni at the SouthEast, Yama at the South, Nirriti at the South-West, Varuna at the West, Vayu at the North-West, Kubera at the North and Isana at the North-East. In Jain rituals for births and weddings, the father and the mother of the Tirthankara and some "heavenly beings", considered to be favourable, like Agni (god of the sacred fire), are also worshipped. In Jain "Tantra" we note, apart from the attendant "Devi" and the "Yaksi" of the Tirthankara that we have mentioned above, some other female divinities as the "Matnka", the "Vidyadevi", the "Sasanadevata" and various "Yogini". ? Nuns (sadhvi) also praise 16 "Sati" (holy womens) for their virtues, the fidelity to their vows, and their renouncement. These are, by alphabetic order: Brahmi, Candana, Damayanti, Draupadi, Kausalya, Kunti, Mrgavati, Padmavati, Prabhavati, Puspacula, Rajimati, Sita, Siva, Subhadra, Sulasa and Sundari. As usual in India, the 9 Planets are often depicted at the entry of Jain temples: Surya (the sun), Candra (the moon), Angaraka (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brhaspati (Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn),

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52 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Rahu and Ketu (the eclipses). All these are the remaining traces of a very ancient tradition. Before we close this chapter, we must briefly say some words of the beings that, due to their sins, are confined, for more or less time, in one of the seven hells. Before they can be reborn, they must suffer a thousand punishments for periods that vary according to the amount of bad "karma" they possess. The lower and darker the hell that they are in, the more excruciating is their pain, which is either inflicted by other atoning beings or by horrible demons and ferocious beasts. They attack each other or they are inflicted pains by terrific devils whose misdeeds must be feared. During his meditation, Mahavira had to face torments by devils like Sangama and Sulapani. 13 The same happened to Parsva from the demon Meghamali and to the Buddha from the deadly evil Mara. The two religions hence join the ranks of faiths believing in not only the existence of propitious celestial beings, but also of harmful entities. As we see, if the Jains do not believe in a God creator, they do not lack divinities and saints to revere and devils to fear!

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Chapter 4 THEIR SACRED BOOKS AND OTHER WRITINGS Jains are very prolific authors. Since ancient times they have written and continue to write books on religious, philosophical, literary, historical, artistic, scientific and various other matters. In India, they have played a great part in the development of knowledge in all domains. Their works are written in "Prakrit" (ancient dialects), in "Sanskrit", in various regional Indian languages: "Hindi", "Gujarati", "Kannada", "Tamil", "Marathi", etc. and, more recently, in English. We do not intend to mention in detail all these innumerable works. We will limit ourselves to religious texts quite a large group in its own domain. Some of these, very ancient, are lost today, either having been mislaid or burned during wars and invasions in India, or stolen by religious opponents, Until recently, Jains were reluctant to show their precious manuscripts, for fear they may be damaged or stolen. Research workers, Western scholars and learned people had very late and partial access to this useful information. Many texts are yet kept secret and have never been translated. They would be very valuable for researches, in particular for a better knowledge of Jain history and principles. We will speak essentially of the canonical scriptures (Siddhanta) and of the pro-canonical ones of the two Jain sections (each having its own) and of the subsidiary Jain religious literature, such as general treatises and well-known commentaries. Some of them have been translated into English, now. We will also briefly mention very numerous other works written by eminent Jain authors. We must remember that several branches of Jainism reject strongly the worship of statues, the building of luxurious temples and some forms of rituals. They devote themselves entirely to read, study and meditate on sacred books, so these works have a greater importance for them.

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54 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 1. The sacred books of the Svetambara We have seen that the Svetambara have made the recension of their religious tenets and shaped their "Canon" during different councils. Jain tradition recalls that, at the beginning, Tirthankara's teachings were orally transmitted. The first scriptural works were the "Purva" (first texts) and the "Anga" (members). The "Purva" were about fourteen. They dated back to Parsva period (IXth -VIIIth century BC) and perhaps earlier. The twelve "Anga", containing part of Mahavira's teachings are written by his main-disciples. All the "Purva" are considered by a majority of Jains, as lost today. Nevertheless, some think they were included in the twelfth "Anga", called "Drstivada", which is also lost. Fearing that all the teachings of Mahavira be missing, the Svetambara religious leaders decided to assemble, as we have seen, different councils to preserve their contents and authenticity. Mahavira delivered his teachings in Ardhamagadhi (Prakrit language). They were first orally transmitted by his direct disciple Sudharma to his disciple Jambu and after him to a long line of religious Masters (the Sthavira) who are listed at the end of the "Kalpasutra". The Svetambara "Canon", as we know it, was finally adopted under the leadership of Devardhigani at the Council of Valabhi (Gujarat) in 453 AD. This "Canon" is composed of 45 sacred books of which the Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi regard only 32 as authentic. These texts, called "Agama" (tradition), written in "Ardhamagadhi", ancient Indian dialect of Magadha and its adjacent province, are considered to be the teachings of Mahavira after he became omniscient. They include the "Anga", "Upanga", "Chedasutra", "Mulasutra", "Culikasutra" and "Prakirnaka". The "Anga" (members) comprise eleven books: 1) The Acaranga-sutra, in two sections, teaches non-violence (ahimsa), speaks of monastic conduct (acara), recalls Mahavira's life and includes the formulae of the great vows of Jain ascetics. As we *

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Their Sacred Books and Other Writings : 55 have said, this book was translated into English by Hermann Jacobi in 1882 and edited in 1884 by Max Muller in the series The Sacred Books of the East (volume 22). Another English translation (only the first section of it) is also published by Jaina Vishva Bharati, Ladnun (Rajasthan). 2) The Sutrakstanga-sutra expounds, in two sections, various heretical religious principles and the true Jain tenets. It was also translated into English by Hermann Jacobi and edited in 1894 by Max Muller, in the series The Sacred Books of the East (volume 45). 3) The Sthanarga-sutra, in ten parts, includes questions about faith, religious practices, mythology, cosmology, etc. 4) The Samavayanga-sutra is a continuation of the former. 5) The Vyakhyaprajnapti-sutra is very important. It is more commonly known as the Bhagavati-sutra (Venerable Sutra). It contains: Mahavira's replies to questions of his disciple Indrabhuti Gautama, some informations on Jain cosmology, a description of several rival sects, like Gosala's "ajivika", etc. Its analysis, by Jozef Deleu, was translated into English and edited in 1996 by Motilal Banarasidass Publishers in New Delhi. An other important work on the matter is Studies in Bhagavati-sutra' by Dr. J. C. Sikdar which is basically his Ph. D. thesis published in book form by Research Institute of Prakrit, Jainology & Ahimsa, Muzaffarpur (Bihar), in 1964. Its other English translation is published by Jaina Bhavana, Kolkata (West Bengal). 6) The Jnatadharmakatha-sutra describes the edifying lives of some adepts. Its chapter one Malli translated in French was later translated in English and published by Shri Amar Muni. 7) The Upasakadasanga-sutra is a biography of ten of Mahavira's disciples having obtained liberation. It also expounds the rules of

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56 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD conduct that Jain laypersons must observe. An English translation of this book by N. A. Gore is published by Oriental Book Agency, Poona-2 (Maharashtra). 8) The Antaksddasanga-sutra relates the lives of a number of Jain saints. It has been translated into English in The Oriental Translation Fund (volume 17). 9) The Anuttaraupapatikadasanga-sutra speaks of ascetics who are reborn as celestial beings in the highest heavens. 10) The Prasnavyakarana-sutra contents questions and answers about: karmic inflow and its cessation, transgressions and penances. 11) The Vipakasruta-sutra depicts, in twenty stories, the results of good and sinful behaviours. The Drstivada (account of viewpoints) was the twelfth "Anga". Considered to be lost, we only know, by other philosophical texts, its table of contents and some quotations. * The "Upanga" (annexed members) consist in twelve books: 1) The Aupapatika-sutra, the most important, describes Mahavira's visit to Campapuri where he gave a sermon in front of Ajatasatru, the King of Magadha, and reports Mahavira's answers to his disciple Gautama concerning liberation. 2) The Rajaprasniya-sutra contains a dialogue between the monk Kesi and King Pradesi, particularly about the existence of the soul, which lead to the King's conversion. 3) The Jivabhigama-sutra gives the different categories of living beings who have a soul and of things without a soul.

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Their Sacred Books and Other Writings : 57 4) The Prajnapana-sutra systematically covers, through questions and answers, a wide range of matters such as "kasaya " (passions), "karma" etc. Its author seems to be Acarya Syama who lived 400 years after Mahavira. 5) The Jambudvipaprajnapti-sutra depicts the Jambudvipa (the Isle of the rose apple-tree), the central continent of the inhabited universe where India is situated, and reports legends about Emperor Bharata. 6) The Suryaprajnapti-sutra deals with questions and answers in detail between Mahavira and Gautama, about astronomy, especially on the sun. 7) The Candraprajnapti-sutra deals, in the same manner as the former, with the moon and the stars. 8) The Nirayavalika-sutra describes the hells and relates the life of King Srenika and of his lineage. 9) The Kalpavatamsika-sutra depicts the heavens and tells the conversion of Padma, the grandson of Srenika, and of his nine brothers. 10) The Puspika also tells several conversions to Jain faith. 11) The Puspacalika is a continuation of the former. 12) The Vrsnidasa-sutra reports the conversion of Prince Nishada by Aristanemi and of several others. The " Chedasutra" (rules of monastic discipline) comprise six books: 1) The Nisitha-sutra deals with ascetic transgressions and their expiations. It is ascribed to Bhadrabahu.

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58 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 2) The Mahanisitha-sutra is a continuation of the former. It also contents matters regarding Tantrika Sadhana. It was reconstructed by Acarya Haribhadra (VIIIth century AD). 3) The Vyavahara-sutra details various rules to be observed by monks and nuns along with their transgressions and their expiations. It was also composed by Bhadrabahu. 4) The Dasasrutaskandha-sutra, or Acaradasa (Ayaradasa) mentions the qualities required of the ascetics and speaks of monastic transgressions. The Kalpasutra is part of this work. It recounts Mahavira's life and of his predecessors and gives a list of the "Sthavira" (religious leaders) up to the council of Valabhi. The Kalpa-sutra, ascribed to Bhadrabahu, is much venerated by the Svetambara, who read it especially at "Paryusana-parva". 5) The Brhatkalpa-sutra lists detailed rules to be observed by the ascetics. It was also composed by Bhadrabahu. 6) The Pancakalpa-sutra described ten kinds of penances for the monks and nuns. It no longer exists in its original form. It has been replaced by the Jitakalpa-sutra ascribed to Jinabhadra. The Sthanakavasi and the Terapanthi do not acknowledge the Mahanisitha-sutra and the Pancakalpa-sutra as authentic. * The Mulasutra" (fundamental treatises) consist of four books: 66 1) The Uttaradhyayana-sutra speaks, in thirty-six chapters, of various subjects, like temptation, chastity, daily duties, austerities etc. This very well known work is much important. Modern scholars consider it as composite. Translated into English by Hermann Jacobi, it was edited in 1894 by Max Muller in the series The Sacred Books of the East (volume 45). It is also translated into English by Col. D. S. Baya, to be published soon.

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Their Sacred Books and Other Writings : 59 2) The Dasavaikalika-sutra speaks, in ten accounts, of monastic life. Its author is supposed to be Sayambhava, one of the "Sthavira" who had perfect knowledge of Mahavira's teachings. 3) The Avasyaka-sutra contains the six compulsory observances of Jain ascetics and Jain laities. 4) The Pindaniryukti-sutra or Oghaniryukti-sutra defines various rules for the ascetic life and for the collection of alms. According to the Jains, its author would be Bhadrabahu, the last "Srutakevalin". The Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi do not acknowledge these treatises as authentic. Instead of the two works mentioned above, they add the "Culika-sutra". The "Culika-sutra" (appendixes) comprises two books: 1) The Anuyogadvara-sutra, written by Arya Raksita, constitutes a sort of Jain encyclopaedia. 2) The Nandi-sutra, written by Devavacaka, speaks of five types of knowledge and of matters concerning Svetambara's history. * The "Prakirnaka" (various texts) comprise ten books: 1) The Catuhsarana is an account on liberated souls, beggarmonks, confession, discipline and virtues to develop. 2-3-4-5) The Bhaktaparijna, Samstaraka, Aturapratyakhyana and Mahapratyakhyana speak of renunciation to the body by fasting and of the way to avoid the most significant sins. 6) The Tandulavaicarika treats of the span of life, measures of capacity, time, physiology, etc. 7) The Candravedhyaka is on matters like: education, ascetic discipline, and death.

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60 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 8) The Ganividya deals with astronomy and astrology. It mentions favourable dates and good omens for monastic life. 9) The Devendrastava is a glorification of the Jina by the King of Gods. 10) The Virastava praises Mahavira. The Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi do not acknowledge these ten Prakirnakas as authentic. The "Upanga", "Mulasutra", "Chedasutra", "Culikasutra" and "Prakirnaka" together are called "Angabahya" (other than the "Anga" or secondary canon). In some instances, the Svetambara list 84 sacred books that constitute their "Canon". To the above-mentioned, they add: 20 "Prakirnaka" (various texts), 12 "Niryukti" (commentaries) plus 9 other works and they suppress the 2 "Culika-sutra". They also mention 36 "Nigama" (a kind of Jain "Upanisad"). 2. The sacred books of the Digambara As we have already said, the Digambara think that the Svetambara's "Canon" is not authentic in its contents concerning the teachings of Mahavira and his predecessors. For that reason, they have defined their own "Siddhanta" comprising the "Major Agama" and the "Subordinate Agama"" or "Anuyoga". * The "Major Agama" consists of two books: 1) The Satkhandagama or "Agama in six parts", written by two Dharasena's disciples: Acarya Puspadanta and Bhutabali (Ist-IInd centuries). According to the Svetambara, Acarya Puspadanta and Bhutabali flourished in the IVth_yth centuries). The major Agama contains a theory of karma and modes of spiritual path.

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Their Sacred Books and Other Writings : 61 2) The Kasayaprabhita, written by the disciples of Acarya Gunadhara (III" century), is a treatise on passions. These two great works on palm leaves are carefully preserved in the library of the temple of Mudabidri, in Karnataka, as tradition collected by Dharasena, the 3364 successor of Gautama, one of the chief disciples of Mahavira. Access to these documents has been only recently permitted. They have included a great number of commentaries. Each year, Digambara adepts revere these books at "Sruta Pancami" festival. To these treatises, the Digambara add four works of their great Acarya Kundakunda: the Samayasara (essence of the doctrine), the Pravacanasara (treatise on lectures), the Niyamasara (essence of ascetic rules) and the Pancastikayasara (treatise on five universal realities) plus two works of Acarya Nemicandra, dating of the xth century: the Gommatasara, on the path to liberation, and the Labdhisara on the attainment of perfect conduct. * The "Subordinate Agama", called "Anuyoga" (accounts) or "Jain Veda" comprise four books: 1) The Prathamanuyoga (first account) tells stories and legends like: the Padmapurana by Ravisena (end of the VII" century), the Harivamsa-purana by Jinasena (VIII" century), the Adipurana by Jinasena II (IX century) and the Uttarapurana by Gunabhadra (IX"h century). 2) The Karananuyoga (account on calculations) is on cosmology and astrology. It comprises the Trilokasara by Nemicandra (XI"" century) and the Jambudvipa-prajnapti by Amitagati (Xi'" century). 3) The Carananuyoga (account on conduct) details the rules of life for ascetics and laypersons. It comprises: the Mulacara by Vattakera (VI" century) often called Digambara Acaranga, the Ratnakaranda

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62 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD sravakacara by Samantabhadra (Vth-VI century), the Sravakacara by Amitagati (Xith century), the Anagaradharmamsta and the Sagaradharmamsta by Pt. Asadhara (XIII century). 4) The Dravyanuyoga (account on substances) deals with Jain philosophy. It contains, among others, the Tattvarthadhigama-sutra (Treatise on realities) by Umasvami or Umasvati. This book is acknowledged by both the Svetambara and the Digambara. It is the first Jain sacred book in Sanskrit in the form of aphorisms (sutra); the other Digambara works are composed in Sauraseni (a special branch Prakrit which was used in Western Uttar Pradesh in early centuries Christian era). Commented by the author himself and by numerous learned Svetambara and Digambara, it is a clear and substantial summary of the doctrine, very useful for recent works. There are very few divergent points about it between adepts of the two sections. It has been translated many times. Of these, let us especially mention the most recent one in English by late Nathmal Tatia published in 1994 by Harper Collins under the title "That which is". The Tattvartha-sutra, deals in ten chapters with: the categories of truths, the nature of the soul, the lower and middle regions, gods, substances, the inflow of karma, the vows, karmic bondage, inhibiting and wearing off karma and liberation. It is actually the "Bible" of all the Jains giving a summary of their philosophy and tenets. This treatise is held in high esteem because the books we have cited above are more or less systematically arranged and written in Ardhamagadhi language that is obsolete, as opposed to Sanskrit that has remained, throughout many provinces, the language for philosophical debates. The recent Samana Suttam (or Shramana Sutram) also deserves mention. Like Umasvati's Tattvartha-sutra, this book is acknowledged by all Jains. Inspired by Acharya Vinoba it has been compiled in Prakrit by Jinendra Varni (1922-1983). Critically examined by several eminent monks of different orders, as well as great scholars and

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Their Sacred Books and Other Writings : 63 laypersons representing all Jain obediences, it was approved by all in an Assembly held on 29-30 November 1974. In April 1975, its first Hindi translation was published. In 1993, Justice T.K. Tukol and Dr. K.K. Dixit translated it into English and by Prof. Sagarmal Jain, Director of P.V Research Institute in Varanasi that edited it. This work contains the essence of Jainism. It comprises four parts and forty-four sections. There are 756 verses altogether. The first part is entitled: Source of Illumination, the second: Path of Liberation, the third: Metaphysics and the fourth: Theory of Relativity. The study of Jain sacred books other than the Tattvartha-sutra and the Samana Suttai is made by learned monks that have time for their understanding and their exegesis and to explain them to laypeople. 3. The Commentaries The Jain "Canon" of the two sections comprises, as we have seen, many books written at different periods. Precisions and explanations are often required. They exist in verse and in prose written by eminent Acarya who have composed various commentaries like "niryukti" and "bhasya" verses in Prakrit, "curni" in mixed Prakrit and Sanskrit "tika" and "vrtti" in Sanskrit. The main commentators of the Svetambara "Canon" are: Bhadrabahu, Samghadasa, Jinadasa, Siddhasena, Haribhadra, Silanka, santisuri, Abhayadeva, Hemacandra, Malayagiri, etc. Concerning the Digambara "Canon", we must name as great commentators: Virasena, Jinasena, Pujyapada, Akalanka, Amstacandra, Manikyanandi, etc. Many titles of such commentaries are mentioned in Narendra Bhattacharya's Jain philosophy - Historical Outline, published in 1976 by "Munshiram Manoharlal" in New Delhi.

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64 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 4. Other texts In addition to their "canons" and "commentaries", Jain authors of the two sections have written a vast quantity of literature. Their works are in Sanskrit, in other Indian languages like "Apabhramsa" or various other "Prakrits", and more recently in English. We find prose and verses on a multitude of legends, stories, tales, biographies, epic poems, novels, romances, treatises on logic, cosmology, medicine, religious hymns (stava or stotra), books on grammar and prosody, as well as innumerable doctrinal writings. Other than canonical works, may be cited a Jain Mahabharata in 25 cantos by Subhacandra (XVIth century) and also several Jain Ramayana by different authors like Vimala, Ravisena, Gunabhadra and Hemacandra. Mention also a number of biographies of the Tirthankara, numerous philosophical treatises, a Digambara ritual for ascetics entitled Dharmamrta by Asadhara, poems by Pampa, Poona, Ranna, a Yogasastra by Hemacandra, an Aptamimamsa by Samantabhadra, a Padmapurana by Ravisena, a Mulacara by Vattakera, etc. The abundance of texts shows the immensity of knowledge and erudition of the Jains. Many of these writings are not known yet by the Western world and only a small number has been translated. Mention among some English versions, in addition to those already cited: the Pravacanasara and the Samayasara by Kundakunda. There is also a recent French translation of Yogindu's Paramatmaprakasa (Light of Absolute) by Mrs Nalini Balbir and Late Mrs. Colette Caillat published in 1999 by "Payot et Rivages" in Paris. Jains have collected their manuscripts very early. Some of their libraries (bhandara), like those in Jaisalmer, Patan, Mudabidri and Karanja in India possess many of them. Jain organisations like the "L. D. Institute of Indology", Ahmedabad; "Parshwanath Vidyapeeth" (formerly known as P.V. Research Institute)" Varanasi, "Prakrit

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Their Sacred Books and Other Writings: 65 Bharati", Jaipur; "Agama, Ahimsa Evam Prakrit Sansthan", Udaipur, "Jain Vishva Bharati", Ladnun; "Nahata's Library" Bikaner; "Mahavira Aradhana Kendra" Koba, Gandhinagar, and the "B. L. Institute of Indology" Delhi have collected numerous important Jain manuscripts, some very ancient, in order to preserve them. In the second half of the XIXth century, a systematic quest for these precious documents has permitted (especially under the leadership of Buhler and of his collaborators and successors) the creation of an important collection preserved at the "Bhandarkar Institute" of Poona (Pune) in Maharashtra. At that time, several copies of these texts were bought by the "Library of Berlin" at the initiative of Buhler and Albrecht Weber. Later, Ernst Leumann, Professor at the University of Strasbourg from 1884 to 1918, bought manuscripts for him and for the "Bibliotheque Nationale Universitaire "of Strasbourg" (B.N.U.S.) where they are preserved and where we had the good fortune to see them and to obtain photos of two of their splendid "illuminations" to illustrate our French translation of Bool Chand's book 'Lord Mahavira'. Other collections are in London, especially at the British library and at the "British Museum", where a methodical inventory has been made. Books and reviews on Jainism, in German, French and above all in English, are also at the library of the "Musee des arts asiatiques "Guimet" in Paris where they may be consulted and investigated by students and searchers. It also exists in India and abroad institutions to promote Jain education, like numerous "pathasala" and "gurukula". At a higher level, mention, for instance, the "Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya" in Mumbai, the "Parshwanath Vidyapeeth", Varanasi (formerly known as P. V. Research Institute), the "Jaina Vishva Bharati" in Ladnun and several chairs in Jainology in Chennai, Mysore, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, etc. In Europe, mention lectures on "Jain studies" at

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66 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD "De Montfort University "in Leicester, on "Indian Civilisation" at La Sorbonne University in Paris, etc. English, in Fire At last, numerous sites are now on the web (some are mentioned in the annexes) giving plenty of information, particularly in Hindi, in nglish, in French on the different aspects of Jainism. The BBC has also recently launched a new website on the matter. Jainism is very clearly a living religion to which modern writers, scholars, students, searchers, readers, listeners, web "travellers" manifest a continuous and actual interest for Mahavira's teachings enshrined in the sacred books and literature mentioned above. Note: Translations in English by Herman Jacobi of the "Acaranga-sutra", and the "Kalpasutra "(lives of the Jina, life of the Sthavira and rules for Yati) together with those of the "Uttaradhyayana-sutra" and the Sutrakitanga-sutra" are on the web site: http://www.sacred-texts.com/jain/index.htm Other sacred books, like the "Tattvartha-sutra" the "Samanasuttam", the "Samayasara ", the "Niyamasara " the "Astapahuta", the "Pravacanasara ", the "Dravya-samgraha ", the "Safkhandagama ", the "Purusartha-siddhyupaya" and various others like, "Jaina-sutra " are on the web site: http://www.jainworld.com Some of these texts are translated in different world languages on the web site: http://www.jainworld.com. For my own part I have made French translations of them and of different other themes on that web site devoted to Jainism like: lifes of the 24 Tirthankara, main rites in temples, Jain community, Jains in India and abroad, Jain festivals, pilgrimages, sacred places, austerities, Jain temples etc.

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States of India INDIA JAMMU & KASHMIR PAKISTAN HIMACHAL PRADESH CHINA PUNJAB UY TARANCH HARYANA DELHI TIBET LM UTTAR PRADESH Jokouran Sahaba RAJASTHAN FARUNACHAL NEPAL PRADESH BHOUTAN ASSAM NAGALAND MCHALAYA BIHAR BANGLA MANPUR DESH JHARKHAND 2 TRIPURA MUZORAM WEST BENGAL ge GUJARAT MADHYA PRADESH gkH DIU DAMANS ORISSA MAHARASHTRA ANDHRA PRADESH ARABIAN SEA PPONDICHERY ANDAMAN NICOBAR TAMIL NADU INDIAN OCEAN

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Jain temple at Kundalpur (Madhya Pradesh)

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Chapter 5 THEIR TEMPLES AND SACRED PLACES With the exception of Digambara "Taranapanthi", Svetambara *Sthanakavasi" and "Terapanthi", Jains revere their Tirthankara and their deities in temples. We have no trace of their ancient sanctuaries, nor true remains of images of their venerated beings belonging to "Indus Valley Civilisation" (2500 to 1500 BC). It is either because they did not existed during that period, either they have disappeared or Jainism was practiced under different forms, at that time. Nevertheless, sacred texts and Acarya assure that Jainism was flourishing at that era and even much earlier. They base their assertions on the discoveries of engraved seals of that period showing ascetics and of a nude male polished torso that might be a Jina. Scientists, for their part, consider these evidences very thin and are cautious about them. They take only in consideration the authentic remains we have that date of the Christian era or few centuries earlier. In any case, it is sure that ascetics lived in India, many centuries ago, in natural caves they used as shelters and places to rest. There are, particularly at Girnar hill, such very ancient caves where groups of Jain monks rested. In North India, in 326 BC, Alexander the Great is said to have met nude ascetics who were of the "Sramana" tradition, possibly Jain monks. There are also traces of Jain "stupa", whose exact origins are unknown, built in honour of Suparsva or Parsva, like at Kankali Tila in Mathura (Uttar Pradesh). All this is very limited as scientific proofs but is it not surprising for a country where so many invasions and destructions happened and where we find very few remains of the "Indus Valley Civilisation" and those that went before? The earliest Jina images are found at Lohanipur Patna, which belong to Mauryan period (IIIo cent. BC). These images are in Patna Museum. Concerning very authentic ancient Jain temples, the only remaining ones today are those at the sides of some hills for the use of ascetics. The oldest are at Barakar in north Bihar, made at the request of

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68 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Emperor Asoka (III'd century BC), whose walls are extremely well polished. Bare, at first, they were later embellished with carved pillars, wall paintings and images sculpted in the rock. Inside, beds were cut for the ascetics. Cave-temples that still exist at Aihole, Badami, Udayagiri date from the Calukya period (beginning of the Vh - end of the VI century). At Ellora, the Rastrakuta (V" - IX centuries) have cut similar caves for Buddhist and Jain monks. Other sovereigns did the same in Mysore (modern Karnataka), etc. It worth to mention that Prof. K. D. Bajpai has discovered a Jain temple of Gupta dynasty (IVh cent. AD) near Nachana District of Satna (Madhya Pradesh). According to some historians, temples were originally built in bricks and wood. Today, not any trace of them remains, either due to their destruction by various invaders or to their decay. The oldest ones that have survived until now, built in the VII" - VIII centuries, are in stone. Between the Xith and the XIIIth centuries, their number increased greatly. Their structure also evolved, according to the region where they were erected. It was "The Golden Age" of Jainism. Later, a slowdown took place due to diverse invasions. They caused considerable destructions, damages, and conversions into other type of sanctuaries, especially in North India. Numerous Jain temples that exist today have either escaped that period of great demolition or have been built more recently. Most of them are on hilltops or in deep and isolated valleys, to allow adepts to find peace for their worship and meditation. However, some are in cities and villages for easier access by devotees. In South India, walls enclose many Jain temples to protect them from noise and agitation and to delimit the sacred area. All these temples (mandir or basti) are built according to strict rules. Their local situation has been carefully studied and the inner and outer arrangements were carried out with a symbolism that we will see later. These more or less impressive buildings are classed in three major styles: "nagara", "dravida" and "mixed". The "nagara" (urban or elegant) style can be found especially in the North and the North-East of India since the post-Gupta period. The "dravida" style is more markedly present in the Southern regions where "dravidian"

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 69 languages, like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, etc. are spoken.. In some regions, different other forms have been adopted. They are either a blending of the two main styles or they have a specific shape like, for example, those called "hoysala" and those said "of Orissa". The sanctuaries (mandir) in "nagara" style are generally made up of three parts: a monumental entrance door or a decorated arch (torana), a hall with many pillars used as a nave (mandapa), sometimes preceded by a half-mandapa (ardhamandapa), and a choir (garbhagrha) with, in its centre, a great statue of the Tirthankara to whom the temple is dedicated. Around the temple or in separated recesses there are often images of others Tirthankara and of various deities we have already made mention. Often there is also a channel of "pradaksina" in the choir, to allow adepts to do their three circumambulations of the main statue during their "puja". A high sugar-loaf tower (sikhara), with straight or curved edges, ending in a pinnacle, a herring top and an apex, covers normally these sanctuaries. Sometimes, they also have side wings that give them a cross-like shape, with four entrances and a statue with four faces looking in the four directions. It is possible even to see, at the Victoria and Albert Museum" in London, an extremely rare image of Candraprabha (the 8th Tirthankara) with seven heads. It would represent the seven applications of the Jain "syadvada" tenet. 66 14 The "nagara" temples are the most beautiful, with splendid outside decorations, inner sculptures and chisels of an extraordinary fineness, ceilings with wonderful hanging features and unequalled artistic refinements. The "dravida" temples, often called "basadi", are much larger than the "nagara" ones and they have more various shapes. They are generally surrounded by walls and composed of several structures erected at different dates. Amidst them, there often is an open courtyard (prakaram) and a pillar gallery with recesses that constitute many little chapels (caitya). The main sanctuary has either a very short spire or a dome. Included in the surrounding walls are different towers (gopuram) most of the time very high, with rectangular lower parts going more and more thin and a flat roof. Some of them are

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70 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD formed by a huge pyramidal tower (vimana) as sanctuary, often with or without a large "mandapa" in front and thousands of pillars with nice sculptures. In North India, temples in "nagara" style remained most of the time unchanged to allow other sovereigns to build different ones elsewhere. In the South, temples are larger, often surrounded with walls and with imposing "gopuram". Their "vimana" have been frequently changed in highly decorated domes. The builders of temples in mixed shapes generally borrowed elements from the two other styles. Those said "hoysala", after the name of the dynasty that built them in Karnataka, between the xh and the XIV" centuries, are star shaped with high terraces. They often have several sanctuaries, each with a pyramidal top. Their outer walls are finely sculpted and decorated. Their inner part is a forest of big pillars, with beautiful ornaments and their windows are pierced slabs of stone. In Orissa, Jain temples are different. They have a high sanctuarytower called "deu?" with a flat summit topped by a stone platform called "amalaka". This tower is followed by a series of "mandapa" covered with pyramidal roofs in successive corbellings, while their choir is generally octagonal. In that region of India, many sanctuaries built in this style are due to sovereigns of East Ganga dynasty (Xih - xvth centuries). To note at Khajuraho, (Madhya Pradesh) that Jain temples have a particular aspect: they do not possess erotic scenes on the outside, like Hindu ones have. A very special mention must be made of the marvellous Jain sanctuaries on Mount Abu and at Ranakpur in Rajasthan, all in white marble and of an unequalled beauty. Must be seen also the splendid temple-cities at Palitana and Girnar Hill in Gujarat, Sammet-Shikhar

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 71 or Sammed Shikhar in Bihar, Sonagiri in Madhya Pradesh, Muktagiri in Maharashtra, Shravana Belgola and Mudabidri in Karnataka. The Digambara have frequently erected one or several beautiful high pillars, called "manastambha", in front of their temples, similar to obelisks or a tower with a small statue at its top. As an example, let us cite at Chittor, in Rajasthan, the Jain "Tower of fame" (Kirtistambha), dating of the XVI century and regarded as the most beautiful of India. Readers interested in art will find splendid photos and commentaries not only of Hindu sanctuaries but also of Jain caves, temples and temple-cities that show the immense talent of their builders, in Henri Stierlin's book L'Inde Hindoue, published in 1998 by Taschen Editions. The late Kurt Titze's book Jainism. A pictorial guide to the religion of non-violence edited in 1998 by Motilal Banarasidass in Delhi and recently reprinted and Dr L.M. Singhvi's splendid album Jain Temples in India and around the world, edited in 2002 by Himalayan books in Delhi, are very attractive too on the matter. In this regard, books like Jaina Temples of Western India' by Dr. Harihar Singh (published by P.V. Research Institute, Varanasi, 1982) and Burgess's book on Satrunjaya' are worth to mention. The most famous Jain sanctuaries are true architectural and sculptural wonders. In his book Tresors de l'Inde, Victor de Golish has written eloquent pages about them. Like many other great travellers fond of beautiful things, he says "his emotional shock, his wonder in front of such a great splendour!" We could cite thousands of other commentaries on the immense artistic talent of the producers of such marvellous religious monuments. Let us mention, for example, a quote by Cousins, reported by Adinath Sangave in his book Aspects of Jaina Religion, "The amount of

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72 JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD beautiful ornamental details of these sanctuaries and the minutely carved decoration of their ceilings, of their pillars, of their doors, of their walls and of their niches, are simply marvellous! The work of the marble of these temples, translucent, thin like a shell, surpasses all seen elsewhere; some designs are true dreams of beauty". To permit the readers of this book to have an idea of the number of these masterpieces, to find and visit them more easily and to admire them as connoisseurs, we give in this chapter a list of the most representative ones in India and abroad. It would be quite impossible to cite all those in India; they are so numerous! Thousands of cavetemples, temples, chapels and sacred places exist here that are part of the Jain religious heritage. We have been obliged to make a difficult choice, among that great richness, may tourists have the pleasure to discover many others on their travels! Nevertheless, we must advise the readers that, to visit a Jain temple, non-Jains must be often accompanied by an adept. Furthermore, they have the imperative obligation to leave their shoes outside, and to not wear garments, bags, belts, sashes in natural leather, fur, skin or silk to respect the absolute principle of nonviolence towards animals. They also have to seek permission to take photos inside temples. With regard to these sanctuaries, let us recall the Jain tradition according to their construction dates back to Emperor Bharata who would have built the first one in honour of his father Rsabha. To temples, we must add many Jain sacred places (tirtha-ksetra) where devotees who desire absolutely never to be reborn in our world (called: mumuksu) must go often on pilgrimages (yatra) and at least once in their life. Some of these places called "kalyanaka-ksetra" are associated to the memory of auspicious events in Tirthankara's life,

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 73 some called "siddha-ksetra" or "nirvana-ksetra" are places where these or different saints have obtained liberation, some called "atisaya-ksetra" remember miracles, myths, discoveries of ancient statues hidden in the earth for fear of destruction, others called "kalaksetra" are famous for their beautiful temples or their particularly expressive and venerated statues. Let us see successively now several Jain temples and sacred places in North India, South India, and in other countries in the world. Since the year 2000, the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) publishes an annual calendar with beautiful coloured photos of Jain temples of India. Some of these photos are mentioned in this book. 1. Their temples and sacred places in North India Without mentioning too many details, which would made this chapter much heavy, we will cite the main temples and sacred places in Delhi territory, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Himanchal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh, Orissa, Punjab and Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal. Note that Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh and Uttaranchal are new Indian States that have been created by the Government of India in November 2000 by detachment from those earlier associated to them. Note also that other States of this part of India, like Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, etc. for the most in the extreme Northeast of the country, are not mentioned because they have no extended Jain communities with temples. * DELHI (DILLI) Territory The capital of India does not possess ancient Jain temples because numerous invaders of that place have destroyed them. Nevertheless, the Web site "www.jainsamaj.org" records 160 more or less recent Jain temples, chapels and "sthanaka" in this vast territory.

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74 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD In Old Delhi, we must cite, in particular, the famous Digambara Lal Mandir dedicated to Parsva erected in 1658 in front of the Red Fort with the benevolent permission of Shah Jahan, the Emperor who constructed the splendid Taj Mahal at Agra. This temple has beautiful coloured mosaics, a library rich in books on Jainism and a bird hospital in the courtyard. A nice photo of this temple can be seen in JAINA calendar 2006. Not far from, there is a Svetambara Jain temple. In New Delhi, we list as examples: the Parshvanath Mandir, the Mahavira Mandir, the Panchayat Mandir, the Delhi Gate Mandir, the Bada Mandir, the Naya Mandir, the Meru Mandir, the Chhota Mandir, the Vasantkunj Mandir etc. and numerous "dharmasala". Delhi is also the seat of various Jain associations and institutions like a free medical Institute, diverse religious schools, colleges and University courses, one hospital for old and sick animals (panjarapola), etc. In the North of the city, one can see a modern Jain temple called Valabhi Sanskrit Mandir dedicated to Vasupujya (the 12th Tirthankara). It has been erected in memory of Acharya Vijaya Vallabha Suri who died in 1954, and who was a great supporter of Mahatma Gandhi in his non-violent action for the independence of India. This construction includes a temple, a research Institute (Bhogilal Laherchand Institute of Indology (BLII), a school, a "dharmasala" for pilgrims, a chapel dedicated to Padmavati and another to honour Sadhvi Mtgavati who built this complex with her group of nuns. We should also mention in Delhi a big statue of Mahavira in sitting posture (padmasana) on the top of a hill- Ahimsa Sthala. In Delhi another important Jain temple and a Guru Mandir are situated at Meharauli Dadavadi near the famous Kutub Minar.

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 75 In the National Museum of Delhi there are also splendid statues of Tirthankara and, in its Manuscripts department, beautifully painted Jain miniatures. * ASSAM Guwahati, capital of Assam, has two Digambara temples. * WEST BENGAL Calcutta (Kolkata), most populous city of this State and ancient capital of India, possesses several nice Jain temples. The most renowned and sophisticated, dedicated to Parsva, is called "Baddidas Mandir" after the rich jeweller had built it in the middle of the XIXth century. Its architecture is noteworthy with coloured glass windows and numerous mirrors. Several aesthetes have called it "the beauty of Bengal". In that city, many other Svetambara and Digambara temples merit a visit. Murshidabad has Jain temples with statues of Tirtharkara inlaid with precious stones. Some very ancient statues of Tirthankara, in a style that recalls that of Mathura, have been refound, especially at Surohar and Mandoli. There are also in this State Jain temples and sacred places at Azimganj, Jiyaganj, Kathgola, Mahimapur, etc. * BIHAR AND JHARKHAND In this region, where Lord Mahavira was born and attained liberation (moksa), we may cite, at: Barabar, the very ancient Jain cave-temple already mentioned. Bhagalpur, a Digambara temple and a "dharmasala".

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76 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Champapuri, capital of ancient Anga near Bhagalpur, the birthplace of Vasupujya (12th Tirthankara), five Jain temples. One of which splendid is dedicated to Vasupujya, with his beautiful red colored statue and near are a Bisapanthi and a Terapanthi dharmasala. Guniya, near Gaya, the birthplace of Indrabhuti Gautama, one of the chief disciples of Mahavira, an ancient Svetambara temple on the bank of a beautiful stretch of water, and a new one. Kakandi, at 20 kms from Jamni, a beautiful recent Jain temple dedicated to Suvidhi (ti Tirthankara). Kundalpur, near Nalanda, with numerous Jain remains, regarded as birthplace of Mahavira and three Ganadharas, according to Digambara tradition, a splendid temple recently erected in Mahavira's memory. Close by is a "dharmasala". Lacchavad, near Jamui, according to Svetambara tradition, the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. There is a Svetambara Jain temple. At 5 km. from Lacchavad, there is a place known as Kshatriya Kundgram, which is also regarded as birthplace of Lord Mahavira. Madhuvan, near Sammet Shikhar, seven interesting Jain "mandir" with 720 Tirthankara in one of them, three "dharmasala" and two Jain museums. Mandargiri, where, according to Jain tradition, Vasupujya attained liberation, a place of pilgrimage with two Digambara temples, Nalanda, a temple dedicated to Munisuvrata (the 20th Tirthankara) and another in ruins. Parashnath (Mount), see Sammet Shikhar. Pataliputra, see Patna,

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 77 Patna, capital of the State, ancient Pataliputra where a council for the recension of the Svetambara "canon" took place in the Iv' century BC, some modern Jain temples and a museum of archaeology that preserves interesting relics of the past, along with two Jain images of Mauryan period (III" century BC), Pavapuri (Apapuri) ancient capital of Bihar where Mahavira is believed to be dead and burnt to ashes, a picturesque Jain temple in white marble, with his foot-prints (paduka), in the centre of a lake covered by lotuses, called "Jala Mandir". One can also admire several ancient and modern Jain temples in the vicinity of which a reproduction of the great assembly for Tirthankara's sermons (samavasarana). Some scholars are of different opinion regarding the place of Mahavira's death; they assert that ancient Pava was near Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh). There are also two "dharmasalas" here (a Svetambara one and a Digambara one) for pilgrims and visitors that come in great number, every year, at the occasion of Diwali festival, to see the big illuminations in memory of Mahavira's liberation. Rajgir, ancient Rajagriha, capital of Magadha, where according to tradition Mahavira stayed during fourteen rainy seasons and Munisuvrata (the 20h Tirthankara) was born, a modern Digambara temple called "Temple of Vipula" and a cave-temple called "Sonabhandar" with beautiful sculptures on its walls. On thes five hills, there are numerous Jain temples, a seated statue of Nemi without head and two small standing Jina by his sides. At the foot of one hill is the great Jain asrama "Veerayatan" that includes a sthanaka, a museum, a dharmasala, an eye hospital, etc. It was erected in 1973 by the Sthanakavasi Muni Gurudeva Amar and Candana, the first woman to become an Acarya.

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78 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Sammet Shikhar or Sammed Shikhar Mount, near Madhuvan, in Jharkhand State, also called Mount Parasnath, a great city of temples and one of the most famous pilgrimage centres of the Jains. There, according to their tradition, twenty Tirthankara with among them Parsva attained their liberation. This mountain with numerous peaks (kuta) is 1366 meters high. It takes four hours to reach its summit with numerous chapels and a big Svetambara temple. From there, one has a splendid view on the surroundings. Beyond the nice Parsva's temple and his footprints worshipped by pilgrims, one may spend hours to admire art wonderings gathered here together. This place is visited by Jains of all the obediences. To reach the top, old or weak persons can use palanquins (doli) carried by men of the region who are in quest of some rupees. There is also a "dharmasala"nearby. Vaishali, in North Bihar, ancient capital of the Licchavi, where in the suburb of which, at Kundagrama, Mahavira is said to be born, a Digambara Jain temple, a museum of archaeology and a "Research Institute" on Jainism, Veerayatan, see Rajgir. We should also mention, in these States, Jain temples and "dharmasala" at: Ara, Badrikapuri, Baraket, Dantar, Gaya, Giridih, Gunava, Isri, Kaluha, Kshatriyakund, Kuhapahd, Nathnagar, Rijuvaluka, Simhabhumi, etc. * GUJARAT Jains are numerous in this State (more than 500,000) and their temples are of an extraordinary artistic value. Some of these sanctuaries suffered damage caused earlier by Muslim invaders and recently by an earthquake in January 2001, but their restoration is under way.

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 79 We can mention, at: Ahmedabad, capital of Gujarat, the most populated city of this State, 225 Jain temples of which one, big and very beautiful, is dedicated to Dharma (the 15" Tirthankara). It was erected in 1848, in the "Hathisingh" suburb. In white marble, it has two stories and 52 chapels. Its sculptures with dancers and flowers are of a great fineness. One should see also the very popular temple called "Sammet Shikhar" with a huge model of this sacred mount. There are in the area, Institutes making researches on Jainology, as the "L. D. Institute of Indology", the "International Centre for Jaina Studies", "Gujarat Vidyapeeth", etc. Ajahar, near Delwada, a delightful temple with a miraculous red statue of Parsva, Amaroli, a recent Jain temple with beautiful statues of Adinatha and Parsva, Bhadreshwar, a splendid temple dedicated to Mahavira, Bharuch (Broach), twelve temples of which one is very nice and dedicated to Munisuvrata (the 20th Tirthankara), Bhiladiya, an ancient temple, recently restored having a beautiful black statue of Parsva with a hood of snakes, two guardians and four deities among them Sarasvati and Ganesa. Nearby are another temple and a "dharmasala". Bhorol, a beautiful temple recently restored, with a black statue of Nemi, Bhoyani, near Kadi, remains of numerous ancient Jain temples of which a wonderful and recently restored one with a beautiful statue of Malli, in female shape, refound during excavations, and another one of Padmavati. Due to these facts, it is a place where many adepts come, every year, at the occasion of a special fair.

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80 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Bhuj, capital of Kutch district, three temples under restoration and a large library, Chanasma, an ancient Jain temple very artistically restored hundreds of years ago, with a beautiful statue of Parsva surrounded by thin sculptures, Charupa, a vast ancient temple very well restored with sculptures of great fineness. Dedicated to Parsva with a very expressive black statue of him, it attracts numerous pilgrims. There are here a "dharmasala" and an "upasraya". Datha, a modern Jain temple, dedicated to santi, decorated with coloured glasses and splendid church-windows. Near the temple, there is a "dharmasala"also. Dholka, a beautiful temple erected by Vastupala, Minister of King Vivadhavala, with a statue of santi. One km away there is another sanctuary dedicated to Parsva. His statue in white marble rests on two elephants. He is surrounded by "yaksa"and celestial beings. Gambhu, important Jain centre in the past, a temple dedicated to Parsva, Gandhar, a complex of white marble Jain temples erected in an environment of great beauty. One can see a statue of Mahavira and another of Parsva that come, it is said, from an ancient wooden temple. Ghoga, a splendid temple with a statue of Parsva, unfortunately damaged by Muslim invaders, but restored since. In the same area, there are several great temples of which one, dedicated to Nemi, with statues refound during excavations. Girnar (Hill), at 4kms of Junagadh, atop an ancient volcano, a city of temples. To reach them, pilgrims have to climb barefoot very

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 81 mumerous stone steps. Like at Sammet Shikhar, some people use the service of bearers to see particularly a temple from the XIIth century, in black granite, dedicated to Nemi and surrounded by a wall that contains his statue in the same material. It was here that, according to Jain tradition, he renounced his marriage and retreated in the mountains where he obtained omniscience and liberation. For that reason, this place is very attractive for pilgrims. Climbing the hill, steps by steps, one sees numerous temples on the way to the top. One, dedicated to Parsva, has wonderful inner decorations with richly carved sculptures, pillars, arches, and coloured mosaics. To see also the temple dedicated to Adinatha, Malli and Santinatha with three chapels, erected in the XIIth century. At the bottom of the hill, there are a Digambara "dharmasala" and caves where, according to some tradition, Emperor Candragupta Maurya, Bhadrabahu and his group of ascetics, would have made a stop when travelling to South India. Hastagiri, near Palitana, five recent Svetambara temples. It is believed that Emperor Bharata attained liberation here. Idar, a monastery (matha) and a library (bhandara) with an important number of Jain manuscripts. Ancient seat (patta) of a Bhattaraka, here are five Svetambara and three Digambara temples with the statues of Tirthankara in metal, especially silver. From the peaks towering the city, one has a splendid view over the surrounding landscape. There also are a Svetambara and a Digambara temple with a statue of Santi installed in the IIIrd century BC by the Emperor Samprati, grandson of Asoka. At 9 km, a Jaina asrama dedicated to the memory of Srimad Rajacandra where one can familiarize oneself with the teachings of this great saint.

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82 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Jakhou, in Kutch district, a complex of nine temples with statues of Jina, of which 126 in stone, 80 in metal, 2 in quartz and one in gold, Jamanpur, among 14 beautiful Jain temples, one said of "Sheh" with a beautiful statue of Adinatha and 52 chapels, Jhagadiya, a Jain sanctuary of which the entrance and the roof are very artistic. Dedicated to Adinatha it has a statue of him and another of Cakresvari, found nearby during excavations. Junagarh (Junagadh), in Kathiawar peninsula, caves called "khaprakodia", carved in the rock for ascetics, with pillars having decorated bases, Kadambagiri at 19 km from Palitana, a hill with numerous Jain temples in a beautiful environment where ancient footprints (caranapaduka) of Rsabha can be seen. It is a well-known place of pilgrimage with accommodations and "doli'' for the ascension. A nice colored photo of Adinatha temple (XVIIh century) can be seen in the JAINA calendar 2006. Kamboi, a splendid Jain sanctuary in white marble with a statue of Parsva, said dating from Emperor Samprati's epoch. This is the reason why it is a place of important pilgrimages. Nearby is a "dharmasala". Kavi, two vast white stone Jain temples in a pleasant setting, one dedicated to Rsabha (the 11S! Tirthankara), the other to Dharma (the 15th),

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 83 Khambhat, approximately sixty splendid Jain temples of which one possesses a miraculous statue of Parsva. The mosque Jama Masjid (XIVh century) was erected here from a Jain sanctuary. Koba, a splendid Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira and a 'Mahavira Aradhana Kendra' having a museum and a rich library with a good collection of ancient manuscripts, Kothara, in Kutch district, a very high Jain temple (72 feet), dedicated to santi, greatly damaged by an earthquake in 2001, Kumbhariya, five splendid Jain Svetambara temples in yellow marble, dedicated respectively to Sambhava, Nemi, Santi, Parsva and Mahavira. All are highly venerated by pilgrims who find board and lodging here. The sculptures of these temples resemble in their delicacy those of Dilwara on Mount Abu. Mahuva, a Jain temple with a beautiful statue of Mahavira, and a religious complex dedicated to Adinatha. In this city, where several Svetambara Acarya were born and lived, one can see a chapel dedicated to one of them. Mandavi, seven Jain temples and a library that preserves precious manuscripts, Matar, a splendid Jain temple with a big statue of Sumati (the 5th Tirthankara) and numerous smaller ones, Mehsana, a beautiful recent Jain temple in white stone, called 'Kailasa prasada' due to his height, dedicated to Simandhara. This Simandhara was, according to Jain tradition, the first Tirthankara of a lineage of 160 who lived in Mahavideha (a mythical continent at North-East of Jambu isle). A nice coloured photo of this temple can be seen in the JAINA calendar 2006. There are also fourteen other Jain temples.

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84 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Naliya, a big and splendid Jain temple (XVIII century) with 138 "siddhacakra" (wheels of saints), and a statue of Candraprabha (the gth Tirthankara), Palanpur, a temple dedicated to Parsva, and fourteen other sanctuaries nearby, Palitana, in the ancient princely State of Saurashtra, at the bottom of Satrunjaya hills, a high rank place of pilgrimage, many temples and chapels divided into eleven "basti". They were erected, between the xh and the XIVh centuries, and have been incessantly under restoration since. This city-temple is the most revered sacred place for the Svetambara, after Sammet Shikhar. Tradition reports that Rsabha delivered here his first sermon and that his son Bharata and numerous ascetics attained their liberation here. In 1656, the Governor of Gujarat handed over command of this place to a rich Jain tradesman, named Shantidas Jhaveri. Amongst the most noteworthy temples are those of Adinatha by Vimala Shah, of Adisvara, of the "Samavasarana", of Ambikadevi, Neminatha, santinatha, etc. To see also especially the "Vardhamana Jain Agama Mandir" and temples said Minakari, Jambudvipa Kesariya, etc. To reach the summit of the mountain, where the big sanctuaries are, one has to climb 3750 steps. In addition to the numerous temples, one may see 180 slabs in memory of Jain saints. On the day of full moon, in the Indian month of "phalguna" (February-March), thousands of devotees come here and circumambulate the sacred mountain whose name means "who conquers enemies", in this case the bad "karma" that hinders liberation. A complex of five temples has been recently erected near a barrage on the river. Here, are numerous "dharmasala" and an "upasraya" for the ascetics. At the foot of the mountain is a museum, called Jaina

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Splendid Jain city-temple at Palitana (Gujarat)

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A female laity returning from the top of the Palitana Temple

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 85 Kala Sansthana Museum, erected at the initiative of Vijayavishalsena Suri, to preserve the ancient cultural heritage of Jain religion. Patan, at North of Ahmedabad, hundreds of extremely well restored big temples, amongst which the so-called "Pancasara Parsva" (Xth-Xith Centuries). There are a "dharmasala", an Institute and a library said "of Hemacandra". This ascetic-monk, great Jain writer. Minister of King Kumarapala (XI"-XII centuries), converted him to his religion. A beautiful coloured photo of the "Pancasara Parsva" temple can be seen in JAINA calendar 2004. Pavagadh, near Baroda, ten Digambara temples (XIV' century) of which eight are on the hill in a dilapidated state. To see a new one dedicated to Parsva and a cave temple. Sarkhej, at 8 kms from Ahmedabad a temple dedicated to Vasupujya (the 12ch Tirthankara) with beautiful statues of him and of Padmavati, Shankeshvar, one of the most popular places, after Palitana, for Jain pilgrims. Here, can be seen an ancient temple in a fortress and several modern ones. In one dedicated to Parsva there is a statue of him that was rescued from destruction at the hands of Muslims, at the beginning of the XIVh century. There are several "dharmasala" for pilgrims and visitors. Also to see: the temple of 108 Parsva and Padmavati, the "Bhaktamar Temple", the "Guru Mandir", the "Agama Mandir", etc Shatrunjaya, see Palitana, Sherisa, on the road from Ahmedabad to Mehshana, a recent Jain temple, in red stone of Jodhpur, with a richly decorated black statue of Parsva,

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86 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Shiyani, at 13 kms fom Limbdi, a splendid three storied temple, dedicated to santi, with statues of him, Rsabha, Parsva, Munisuvrata and Sarasvati, Songadh, eight beautiful Jain temples and the "asrama" of Kanji Swami, the founder of the Digambara "Kanjipantha", that attracts numerous pilgrims of that Jain branch, Surat, a port in the Gulf of Cambay, numerous temples. One of these houses a beautiful statue of Suvidhi (the 9th Tirthankara), Suthari, a beautiful two storied Jain sanctuary dedicated to Parsva, Talaja, several Jain temples, Taranga, on the mountain, a Jain temple built in the Xilh century by the Solanki king Kumarapala who was a Svetambara follower. This sanctuary is sometimes called the most beautiful and the biggest of Gujarat. Built in honour of Ajita (the 2nd Tirthankara) one can see, in the choir, a white marble statue of him 12 feet high. This sanctuary has been recently restored. Not far from, there are two "dharmasala", five temples and a chapel built by the Digambara that possesses the footprints of Ajita. Tera, two splendid Jain temples, erected during the XVII" and the XIX"h centuries, with beautiful statues of Parsva and of others ones, and a very attractive pilgrimage-panel (tirthapata), Valabhipuri, at 50 kms from Palitana, a marvellous Jain temple that remembers the great Svetambara council of 453 AD during which the canon of this obedience was definitively adopted. In the underground vault are the statues of Devardhigani and the 500 Acarya who took part in that historic assembly as well as a lovely white marble statue of Adinatha, in the choir,

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 87 Vamaj, prosperous city in the past, a small Jain temple recently renovated with a statue of Adinatha that it is said to date from Emperor Samprati's era. We will also mention in this State, temples and sacred places at: Aglod, Ambaji, Amijaro, Ankleshwar, Bhavnagar, Bidada, Bodeli, Chhani, Darbhavati, Deesa, Delvada, Div, Doliya, Dwarka, Halar, Kheda, Khedbrahma, Khima, Kirtidham, Layaja, Mahudi, Metrana, Modasar, Modhera, Mohua, Motaposina, Nanaposina, Nandasan, Nani Khakhar, Naroda, Pansar, Paroli, Prabhaspatan, Rajkot, Ratanpur, Runi, Sajod, Savathi, Shamlaji, Siyana, Somanath, Tharad, Tintoi, Una, Upariyala, Vadali, Vaktapur, Valam, Vav, Vijapur, Zagadiya, etc. * HIMANCHAL PRADESH Few things are worth mentioning in this State, apart an interesting temple at Kangada and another one under construction at Badri. * JAMMU AND KASHMIR To cite, at Jammu, a Jain temple with the statues of Nemi, santi, Rsabha and Mahavira. Accommodations for pilgrims are near at hand. * MADHYA PRADESH AND CHHATISGARH Among numerous temples and sacred places in these States, where more than 550,000 Jains are living, we will name in particular, at: Amarkantak, in Bilaspur district (Chhatisgarh), a temple with the highest statue of Rsabha (10 feet high) in a sanctuary and a complex for pilgrims. Bavangaja, (see Chulgiri)

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88 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Bhilsa, not far from Sanchi, Jain temples carved in the mountain dating of Gupta great period (III'd to VII centuries), Bhojpur, at half an hour from Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, a monolithic Jain temple with a 20 feet high statue of Mahavira, Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, many Jain temples, Chandheri, in Guna district, a big temple from the XIV century, with numerous statues, nearby ancient shrines and a chapel showing the 24 Tirthankara installed in 1893, Chulagiri (Bavangaja), on that hill, eleven Jain temples, a very tall statue (84 feet high) of Bhagavana Edinatha carved in the rock and a "dharmasala"close by. It is an important Jain pilgrimage centre, Dronagiri, on the hill, 28 fine Jain temples. This is an important place of pilgrimages with a Jain Sanskrit "vidyalaya" and a "dharmasala", Gwalior, a Jain art centre severely damaged at the beginning of the XVIh century, by order of Babur, the first Mogul Emperor of India. Four temples can be seen in the city and great bas-reliefs on the walls of the fortress, with Nemi 33 feet high and Adinatha 56 feet. There are also in the museum remains of Jain chapels and statues of an extraordinary variety of topics. Gyaraspur, at 35 kms North-East of Bhopal, important Jain city in medieval times, a temple from the IXth century called Mahadevi with a beautiful "sikhara". Indore, numerous Jain sanctuaries in this big business centre. Among them we must cite the "Kanch Mandir" (temple of mirrors). Inside it, the walls are totally covered with small pieces of glass and mirrors of all sizes, shapes and colours. Hukamchand, a rich Jain tradesman, erected this building. Stained glass mosaics represent the inauguration and various legends. Among others, one can mention: an anointing

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 89 (abhiseka) of Mahavira, an offering of alms to a naked Digambara monk, the glory of truth, etc. In the choir, there are three human size statues of Tirthankara in white and in black marble. On the first floor, three other statues are reflecting back ad infinitum in mirrors set on each side. This temple merits a special visit for its "art-deco" style, something very exceptional for a Jain sanctuary, Khajuraho, in the Eastern group of temples, three Jain ones, of the xh-xilh centuries, dedicated respectively to Adinatha, santi, Parsva, and six others in various states of preservation. That of Parsva is the most decorated of all Jain temples but without the erotic scenes of the Hindu ones at its side. That of santi was built with remains of ancient Jain sanctuaries. Inside, there is an 11 feet high statue of Santi. A small museum can be visited close by. There is also a "dharmasala". Makshi, near a lake, a beautiful temple with a statue of Parsva, miraculously preserved of its destruction from Mahmud of Ghazni, and a "dharmasala", Muktagiri, atop the hill, 32 Jain temples of the XVh century and 2 at the bottom. Nainagiri also called Resandgiri, 35 beautiful Jain temples on the hill, with a panoramic one dedicated to Parsva, and numerous in the valley with one of them standing in the middle of a lake, Papora, a centre of pilgrimage with 80 old Jain temples. Amongst them a lovely ancient (XII" century) temple, recently restored, with fine sculptures, and nearby, in the fortress, numerous temple dating from the XIIch to the XX centuries and a "dharmasala", Sonagiri, near Datiya, 80 Jain sanctuaries on this hill constituting a Jain city of temples with a statue 12 feet high of Candraprabha (the 8th Tirthankara). Like Dronagiri, Maheshwar, Muktagiri, Nainagiri,

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90 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Ujjain, this city-temple attracts numerous pilgrims and visitors. According to tradition, several Jain saints have attained their liberation here. There are 22 more Jain temples at the foot of the hill and various "dharmasala", Unhel (Nageshwar), important place of pilgrimage, on the border of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, a beautiful Svetambara temple with a black statue of Parsva, in "kayotsarga" posture. He is said to have meditated here. Ujjain, ancient capital of Avanti, famous in the history of Jainism, 33 temples of which one dedicated to Parsva and to other Jain Tirthankara with a great number of statues, Vidisha, one of the first places where, according to tradition, Jain statues have been carved on the rock walls of cave-temples. There are, today, 14 temples of which the "Bada Mandir" has exceptional mogul style. An open-air museum preserves many remains of ancient Jainism. We should also mention in these States, Jain temples and sacred places at: Ahar, Ajaygarh, Amizara, Avanti, Avlokik, Banedia, Badnavar, Bandha, Bhopavar, Bimbadod, Bina, Buhariband, Golakot, Hasampura, Jabalpur, Khaniaghan, Koniji, Kukdeshvar, Kundalpur, Lakhnadon, Laxmani, Madia, Maheshwar, Mandavgadh, Mohankheda, Pachrai, Pajnari, Panagar, Paniharbarai, Parasali, Patnaganj, Pavagiri, Pujnari, Pushpagiri, Sagar, Samasgarh, Shivpuri, Siddhavarkut, Sihonia, Talanpur, Thuvanji, Tikangarh, Udaigiri, Uvasaghar, Vahi, etc. * ORISSA We must cite, at Khandagiri and Udaygiri near Bhubaneswar, capital of this State, two hills with 33 ancient Jain caves (gumpha), cut in the

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 91 rock, with interesting statues and inscriptions. Particularly noteworthy are the splendid Jain caves at Udaygiri, called "Rani Gumpha" and "Hathi Gumpha" and the temple dedicated to Parsva where he would have preached. There also are three caves to admire, called "Ananta Gumpha", "Navamuni Gumpha", "Trisala Gumpha", a temple from the beginning of the XIX century in white marble dedicated to Rsabha and three ancient ones. There is a "dharmasala" nearby. We will also mention in this State beautiful Jain artistry at: Bhubaneswar, Cuttak, Puri, etc. * PUNJAB AND HARYANA There are Jain communities in the great cities of these States. One can see, at: Amritsar, renowned for its Sikh "Golden temple", a modest Jain sanctuary in comparison, Chandigarh, capital of Punjab, designed by Le Corbusier, a Svetambara temple and a prayer hall for the Sthanakavasi, To see also, in Haryana, Jain temples at: Badagaon, Gurgaon, Hansi, Kasan, Ranila, etc. * RAJASTHAN Jain communities are numerous in this State, where live more than 650,000 devotees; one can admire numerous temples of an extraordinary beauty and several important places of pilgrimage. We may cite, at: Abu (Mount) one of the most renowned Jain pilgrimage centres. There, among a dozen of temples, we mention especially those of

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92 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Dilwara, name of the small village near, which are the most beautiful of all Jain sanctuaries, with a profusion of extremely refined decorations. On this 1220 meters high mountain, the temple (vasahi) called "Vimala Vasahi" (beginning of the with century) dedicated to Adinatha and built by Vimal Shah, Minister of King Bhimadeva deserves special mention. It is in a courtyard that is surrounded by a wall with 52 chapels under porticos that shelter each the statues of a Tirthankara. One can admire its "torana", its dome, its "mandapa", its marvellous sculpted pillars, and its ceilings of unequalled splendour. In the "mandapa", musicians, dancers and celestial deities emphasize the charm of the architecture. Two brothers, Vastupala and Tejapala, Ministers of King Virapala, made built in 1287 AD the second marvellous temple, called Luna Vasahi, in memory of their other brother Luniga. Dedicated to Nemi the sanctuary houses his statue in black stone and of an extraordinary artistic richness. A third temple to visit is called "Bhima Shah", built in the XIV "h century, with a statue of Adinatha made of five different metals. A fourth one, we have already spoken of it, dedicated to Parsva, has four entries (caturmukha). A fifth one is dedicated to Mahavira. To also see the temples called "Pitalhar" and "Kharatarvasahi". There is too, at this place, a museum that preserves noteworthy statues. Nearby, are board and lodging possibilities for tourists and visitors, together with information office, bank, post, health centre and police station. During Indian holidays it is very busy, here. Achalgadh, at 7 kms from Dilwara, Jain temples dating from the XVth century, ancient caves and two pleasant "asrama",

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 93 Ajmer, big town of 400.000 inhabitants, the splendid Digambara temple, called "Nasiyan Mandir", in red sandstone, built in 1865 by Seth Soniji and dedicated to Rsabha. Its great "mandapa" contains a presentation of the five auspicious events (pancakalyanaka) in the Tirthankara's life and a brilliant reconstitution of the universe as conceived by Jain cosmology. The museum also has some beautiful statues of Tirthankara on display, Alwar, a recent Jain temple dedicated to Parsva and the remains of an ancient one, Bamanvad, a beautiful Svetambara Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira and his footprints, Bharatpur, a museum with very beautiful statues of Tirthankara dating from the Xth and XIth centuries, Bikaner, an important Jain community with a majority of Svetambara, two splendid temples, called "Bandeshvara Mandir" and "Sandeshvara Mandir", respectively dedicated to Parsva and Sumati. They were built in the XVIth century by two brothers followers of Jainism. Inside, there are colourful decorations with handsome mural paintings and mirrors increasing their splendour. On the first floor, are preserved beautiful collections of "miniatures" and from the third floor one can admire a unique panorama above the city and its surroundings. It is also possible to see Jain chapels in rich residences (haveli) converted into hotels, especially at the Bikaner Jaina Hotel, in the centre of the old town, Chandkheri, a charming Jain temple with amongst others a miraculous statue of Adinatha and another one of Candraprabha attracting numerous pilgrims, Chittor (Chittorgarh), one of the most beautiful cities of Rajasthan, in the fotress a small Jain sanctuary, called "Santinatha Mandir",

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94 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD dedicated to santi, dating from the XVh century, a temple dedicated to Adinatha with 27 statues, hence its name "Sativara Devari", with fine sculptures, and two dedicated to Mahavira and Parsva. Remember the existence here of the well-known " Tower of fame" (kirti-stambha) dedicated to Adinatha. A rich Jain tradesman named Jija erected it during " The Golden Age" of Jainism (Xth century). This tower is 72 feet high, has seven stories and hundreds of Tirthankara sculpted on its sides, Diyana, a temple dedicated to Mahavira in an extraordinary environment of surrounding mountains. It is believed that he would have meditated here. His brother Nandivardhana erected a statue in his memory. Until the XVh century, the region was highly inhabited and had many smaller Jain temples, Dungarpur, in a green landscape, a lovely temple dedicated to Adinatha with his statue surrounded by roses and another one dedicated to Parsva, Falvrudhi, 15 kms from Medata, a Jain temple with a splendid black statue of Parsva. Important place of pilgrimage, the Svetambara come here for their annual meeting. Several ancient sanctuaries are nearby. Ghanerao, an interesting temple (Xth - Xich centuries) dedicated to Mahavira, (Its nice coloured photo can be seen in JAINA calendar 2004), Hathundi, in Aravali Mountains, a splendid Jain sanctuary in white marble in what was the capital of the Rastrakuta, in the past. This temple is dedicated to Mahavira with a lion that has the head of an elephant, as original distinctive mark (lanchana), under his statue, Jaipur, capital of this State, numerous Svetambara and Digambara temples. Among the most beautiful are the "Tholian Adinatha

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 95 Mandir", with a splendid dome, the "Mahavira Mandir", the "Shri Moriyan Mandir" with numerous statues, the "Parsva Mandir", the "Bhodichand Mandir", the "Svetambara Mandir" near the railway station, the "Nasiyan Mandir", etc. This city of 1.700.000 inhabitants is regarded as the most fascinating of India, Jaisalmer, lovely tourist city, lost in the desert of Thar, 8 beautiful Svetambara Jain temples dating from the Xirth to the Xyth centuries, interconnected by galleries. Erected in the fortress by rich tradesmen, they surprise by the charm of their proportions and the profusion of their decorations worked like ivory. Worth seeing: the Svetambara "Adinatha Temple", the "Parsva Temple" with a sculpted arch (torana) and a dome covered by mirrors, and temples dedicated to Sitala, Sambhava, Santi and Kunthu, In a vault under one of these temples is a library called "Jnana Bandara" that possesses an important collection of ancient manuscripts. Some of them date from the IXth century. In the town there are 5 temples of which one is dedicated to Mahavira, and an "upasraya" for religious teachings and housing of ascetics. Jiravala, one of the most ancient Jain temples in stone that remains, and that has been recently restored. Dedicated to Parsva it contains 52 little chapels and 108 statues corresponding to the 108 qualities of the Jina. In ancient times, the Jiravala gaccha was located here, Jodhpur, second city of this State and ancient capital of Marwar, numerous Jain sanctuaries dedicated respectively to Ajita (the 2nd Tirthankara), santi (the 16") and several others. There is also a "dharmasala" here,

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96 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Kaparada, a very beautiful restored four-storied temple and a statue of Parsva unearthed in the XVIIch century. This statue is regarded as miraculous. Pilgrims come in great number to revere it, Kared, in Bhopalsagar, a lovely Jain temple with a "jinalaya" and a black statue of Parsva considered as miraculous too. Kesariya, see at Rsabhadeva. Korata, in a peaceful forest, a Jain sanctuary and a museum. After Mahavira's "moksa" the "Kharatara Gaccha" flourished here. One can see a beautiful statue of him in a temple and one of Adinatha in another, nearby, Ladnun, between Jaipur and Bikaner, birthplace of Late Acharya Tulsi, past leader of the Svetambara Terapantha who created here in 1970, the "Jain Vishva Bharati" a deemed University. Since his death it is managed by his successor Acharya Mahaprajna. The institute includes schools, library, ayurvedic medical centre, hospital, auditorium, printing office, a big meditation hall and a reception area. It is a modern campus that, like an asrama, admits students, visitors, and people interested to deep their knowledge on Jainism. There are also 2 Digambara temples with a large tower (manastambha), in white marble, erected in 1935, which is a true masterpiece, Lodruva, a main Jain temple, dedicated to Parsva, with a silver statue of him and four smaller sanctuaries, Lotana, a nice recently restored temple with a beautiful and very expressive statue of Rsabhadeva, Mahavirji, a sanctuary dedicated to Mahavira built at the beginning of the XXth century by a rich Jain manufacturer. Panels carved in marble show episodes in the lifes of Parsva and Mahavira.

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 97 There is also a nice statue of the latter, in red sandstone, unearthed during excavations. This temple is visited, every year, by thousands of pilgrims. There are here several "dharmasala" and a 52 feet high manastambha, Mandava, an ancient Jain centre with two beautiful temples dedicated respectively to santi and Suparsva, Mirpur, four lovely Jain temples with, in the main one, a representation of Mount Meru, on which an allegorical statue of a Jina is placed. In front of it, devotees play music, sing and dance while, at the same time, a "pujari" is doing worship. A nice coloured photo of Parsva temple (X"h-xih centuries), can be seen in the JAINA calendar 2004. Mucchala, at 12 kms from Sadri, a nice Jain temple, dedicated to Mahavira, standing alone amidst hills, Nadol, a big ancient temple dedicated to Nemi, and three smaller ones, Nakoda, near Balotara, a beautiful temple dedicated to Parsva with a statue of Bhairava and two ancient sanctuaries, Nandiya, at 10 kms from Sirohi, on a forest hill, a temple called 'Nandivardhan Caitya' with a 6,5 feet high splendid Mahavira and 52 other statues, Narlai, near Sadri, 11 ancient temples whose frescos attract numerous visitors, Osiya (Osiyan), town with a very prosperous Jain community during the reign of the Pratihara, between the Virch and the XII" centuries. There one can find remains of numerous temples destroyed between the XI" and XIII centuries by Muslim razzias. Only the restored temple dedicated to Mahavira remains, with delicate

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98 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD ornamentations on its pillars and the domes of its "mandapa". In the choir (garbha-grha), one can see a statue of the Jina covered by gold leaves and the eyes in diamonds. It is from this town that a Jain community emigrated and constitutes now the "caste" of the "Oshwals" still united and active. century with Pachar, a temple dating from the end of the XIX frescos, mirrors and coloured glasses, Padmapura, near Jaipur, beautiful Jain temples in white marble and a dharmasala, Panasar, a splendid Jain temple with statues that had been buried here and later found again, a sanctuary dedicated to Mahavira and to five other Tirthankara. There is also a temple dedicated to Parsva. Paroli, near Vejalpur, a beautiful Jain temple dedicated to Nemi with a statue of him that had been hidden in the past to avoid destruction by Muslim invaders, Phalodi, a library (bhandara) with numerous old Jain manuscripts, Ranakpur, at 95 kms from Udaipur, one of the masterpieces of Jain art one must visit. Jain tradesmen amassed fortunes here, in medieval period, and had important functions in the administration of Mewar kingdom. One of them, Sanghvi Dharana Shah, Prime Minister of King Kumbha, hired the very famous architect Deepak to construct temples figuring the "Siddhaloka". These temples are as marvellous, by their fineness, as those of Dilwara on Mount Abu. To mention especially the temple of Adinatha, erected in the XVh century by Deepak. It is magnificent by its sculptures and its shape a Greek cross with "mandapa" around the choir that faces the four directions. The wall enclosing the courtyard shelters 84 chapels with statues of Tirthankara. All the 1444 pillars of this sanctuary are different.

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 99 Another temple, dedicated to Parsva, in classic "nagara" style, has marvellous sculptures of Tirthankara, musicians and dancers on its outer walls. A third, in the same style, is dedicated to Nemi. Nearby, are dharmasala and several good hotels. Rsabhadeva (Kesaraiya), south of Udaipur, a nice temple with 52 pinacles guarded by two statues of elephants, in the centre of the village. Erected in the XVth century, it is dedicated to Rsabha. His statue in black marble is worshipped by Hindus and by Bhils that call it Kalaji (the black). Bhils are members of an ancient Rajasthani tribe who are black-skinned. It is the reason their worship him as their god. Sachore, important Jain centre in the past, 6 temples of which one dedicated to Mahavira is the object of pilgrimages by the Svetambara and another converted by Muslims into a mosque, Sadri, 14 Jain temples of which the most ancient dates of the XIth century and the more recent is called Temple of glass, Sanganer, at 19 kms of Jaipur, site of a great interest for all those who study Jain art, a Svetambara temple with splendid paintings inside. In the Digambara sanctuary, called 'Sanghiji Mandir', dedicated to Adinatha, one may discover numerous exuberant sculptures in marble contrasting with the austerity of the followers of that obedience. Sariska, a Jain temple, in a tiger reserve, with a huge statue of Parsva in pink sandstone, Shirohi, twenty splendid Svetambara temples whose the most restored is dedicated to Adinatha. There is a dharmasala. Svarnagiri, near Jalor, on a mountain, a beautiful Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira with four others at his feet. In the valley of Jalor, one can admire 12 Jain sanctuaries. There is a dharmasala, nearby.

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100: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Tijara, a recent Digambara temple (1956) dedicated to Candraprabha (the 8th Tirthankara) with a miraculous statue of him and a big dharmasala, Udaipur, important Jain community where each obedience is represented, the tallest temple dedicated to Adinatha decorated inside with a miniature model of Mount Sammet Shikhar in precious stones. Among 40 other temples, in that city of 350.000 inhabitants, we must cite, in particular Svetambara temples like: the 'Shitala Mandir', with a library and two great rooms for ascetics passing through, the 'Sethiki Mandir', the 'Chougan Mandir', with as unique feature a statue of the next Tirthankara whose, according to eminent Acarya, reincarnation ought to happen in the third part of the next half-cycle of time. In the same complex there are two temples dedicated respectively to santi and to Mahavira, a school, a room for followers that fast (bhojanasala) and the 'Vijaya Mandir'. Varkana, at 3 kms of Rani, a beautiful Jain temple (XVh century), reminiscences of old ones, with an original statue of Parsva in white marble. A nice coloured photo of this beautiful temple can be seen in the JAINA calendar 2005. In this State, numerous interesting temples yet to visit at: Ajari, Amarsagar, Aur, Bada, Badoda, Bali, Beda, Bhandavpur, Bhimal, Bijolia, Brahmasar, Chamatkar, Dantani, Deladar, Derana, Dhanari, Gangani, Gohili, Jakhoda, Jalarpatan, Kashindra, Khimel, Khimvasar, Khudala, Kimvarli, Kojara, Kolargadh, Laj, Lodravpur, Madopur, Mandar, Mundasthal, Mundava, Nadlai, Nagahad, Nagaur, Nageshvar, Nana, Nitoda, Pali, Pindvada, Pokharan, Posaliya, Radbar, Rajnagar, Saminakheda, Sanchor, Sanderav, Sawaimadhopur, Sesali, Sevadi, Sirodi, Sivera, Varman, Vatera, Velar, Virvada, Zadol, etc. * UTTAR PRADESH AND UTTARANCHAL We will treat these regions side by side, due to the formal division of Uttar Pradesh in two States, in November 2000. We can cite at:

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 101 Ahikshetra (Ahichchatra), sacred place where Parsva became omniscient, a modern temple and a "dharmasala" near remains of ancient Jain sanctuaries, Ayodhya, in the district of Faizabad, where according to Jain tradition, Rsabha, Bahubali, Ajita, Abhinandana, Sumati, Ananta, Brahmi Sundari, etc. were born, 4 great temples and 5 chapels. One of these temples has an impressive 30 feet high statue of Rsabha. It was the capital of his son Bharata, who made it the seat of his vast empire. Mahavira would have spent time here. Banaras (Varanasi) called Kashi (luminous) in the past, birthplace of Suparsva and Parsva, also visited by Mahavira. Here are numerous Jain temples of which 12 Svetambara ones. The "Parshwanath Vidyapeeth" (formerly known as P. V. Research Institute) recognized from Banaras Hindu University is an eminent Research Institute of Jainology. It has produced several eminent Jain scholars. At present, the Institute is working on the realisation of a mammoth project of 'Encyclopaedia of Jain Studies' and also on the translation of Acarya Haribhadra's works. Bateshvar, a beautiful Digambara temple dedicated to Ajita, Bijnor, a Digambara temple dedicated to Parsva, Chandrapuri, birthplace of Candraprabha, two temples- one Svetambara and one Digambara, dedicated to him, Deogarh, at 31 kms from Lalitpur, 31 Jain temples from the Vth to the XIIth centuries, with many statues and splendid pillars, in the "Karnali fortress" and in the valley. Close by is a "dharmasala". Hastinapur, legendary capital of the Mahabharata, North-East of Delhi, but only a village today, an important place of pilgrimage both for the Svetambara and the Digambara. According to Jain tradition, Rsabha accepted here to drink a little sugar-cane juice, after a long

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102: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD fast. Every year, in May-June, numerous adepts come there to commemorate this fact. There also were born Santi, Kunthu and Ara, respectively 16", 17th and 18th Tirthankara. One can see, on the hill near, their footprints and, in the village, a Digambara temple and a Svetambara one dedicated to santi. Both of them are very beautiful. The Digambara nun Gyanmati Mataji has established in the village a "Triloka Sodha Sansthana" for the study of Jain cosmology. In this centre, created in 1985, one can see a representation of the "Jambudvipa" (the Isle of the rose apple-tree) and, while climbing the staircase of a tower, look at the isles and oceans of this renowned mythical continent. An ancient temple dedicated to Mahavira and some chapels stand here. There is also a Digambara boarding school for boys (gurukula), a Svetambara sanctuary and two "dharmasala". Kahaum, the oldest "manastambha" erected by Jains in 146 AD with four sculpted Tirthankara, Kampila (Kampilya), ancient capital of Pancala, place of great Jain pilgrimage, numerous ancient Jain sanctuaries, unfortunately in ruins today and two recent ones, a Svetambara and a Digambara. According to tradition, it is here that Vimala (the 13" Tirthankara) was born, has attained illumination and liberation. It is also here that Emperor Harisena converted himself to Jainism. One can see two very beautiful and impressive statues of Nemi, in Gupta style, a black one in the Digambara temple, and a white one in the Svetambara sanctuary, Kaushambi, a Digambara temple and a Svetambara one dedicated to Padmaprabha (the 6th Tirthankara). This place often visited by Mahavira is an object of pilgrimages,

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 103 Mahalaka, near Meerut, a Digambara temple, dedicated to Candraprabha (the 8th Tirthankara), Mathura, important Jain centre between the IIITM century BC and the XIh century AD, remains of ancient temples, one Svetambara and four Digambara sanctuaries of which one dedicated to Jambu, the third successor of Indrabhuti Gautama. There is also the 'Deva Stupa', one of the oldest monuments of India. It is in this city that Skandila convened a council, about 340 AD for the recension of the Svetambara canon. One can admire a beautiful statue of Parsva in the "Government Museum", Modinagar, a Digambara temple with some beautiful statues, especially of santi and Adinatha, Ratnapur in Faizabad district, the place where Dharma (the 15th Tirthankara) was born, Svetambara and Digambara temples and a "dharmasala", Sarnath, at 10 kms east of Varanasi (Benaras), in the "Deer Park", a Jain temple dedicated to Sreyarsa (the 11th Tirthankara) who attained his liberation here, Shauripur, at 75 kms from Agra, birthplace of Nemi (the 22" Tirthankara), a beautiful Digambara temple, restored in 1981, with a remarkable black statue of him, a svetambara temple and a "dharmasala", Shravasti, in Baharaich district, supposed birthplace of Sambhava (the 3rd Tirthankara) and visited several times by Mahavira, two Jain temples, one modern and one in ruins, Sironji, near Lalitpur, a great Jain temple, surrounded by walls, dedicated to santi and a row of beheaded but skilfully sculpted statues of Jina on pedestals. Hundreds of Jain statues of ancient period exist here.

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104: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Furthermore, one can visit in this region several interesting Jain temples in: Agra, Allahabad, Badrinath, Baragaon, Firozabad, Khukkhundu, Ghaziabad, Lalitpur, Lucknow, Pabhosa, Purimtal, Simapuri, Srinagar, Vahalana, etc. 2. Their temples and sacred places in South India Numerous Jain temples also exist in South India, most of them in "dravida" style, more massive and restrained than those of the North. We will include in that part of India, the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Those that are not listed have small Jain communities or only few followers of Jainism. * ANDHRA PRADESH Compared to the former States, few Jains reside here. Nevertheless, about 50.000 followers are living in different sectors. Here, numerous Jain sanctuaries have been changed into Hindu temples or into Muslim mosques. One may mention, at: Aste, near Alur, a temple dedicated to Parsva, Kulpaka, very artistic Jain temples, in white stone, that attract, every year, numerous pilgrims. Inside, there are many pillars and beautiful statues amongst which a very original one of Mahavira in green gemstone, Vijayapuri, an ancient Jain chapel converted into a Vaisnavite temple. Outside, there is a statue of a Tirthankara in black stone and another one, a bit further away, Vijayawada, ancient Jain temples dating from the xh century.

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 105 We must also mention in this region Jain chapels or temples in: Amaravati, Gudivada, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Penukonda, Tirupati, Warangal, etc. Pedamiram, * KARNATAKA This State is the fifth in importance of Jain population (more than 400,000), after Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. One may mention, at: Aihole, South-East of Bijapur, Jain temples in "nagara" and "dravida" styles, side by side, particularly one called 'Meguti' in "dravida" style, dating from the VIIth century, with an inscription in Kannada language, situated atop the highest hill of the village. Two original statues are only remaining today: a tall one of a seated Mahavira and a partly mutilated one of Ambika. There is also, a cave from the VIIth century and a museum where one can see a statue, also mutilated, of Adinatha, Badami, a cave-temple with very ancient sculptures of Bahubali and his sisters, on one side, and of Parsva with his hood of snakes, on the other. Close by him are his guardians (yaksa and yaksi) Padmavati and Dharanendra, Bangalore, capital of the State, thirty-seven beautiful temples and two "dharmasalas". (Here, Jains are ruling the electronic industry), Belgaum, nine Jain temples dating from the XIIIth and XIVth centuries and a "dharmasala, Belur, ancient Hoysala capital, some beautiful Jain temples, Candragiri, see Shravana Belgola,

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106: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Dharmasthala, a temple dedicated to Candraprabha (the gch Tirthankara) and a "welcome centre" that provides free shelter and food regardless of religion or caste. Here also are a big 34 feet high statue of Bahubali, erected in 1982, and a museum called 'Manjusha Museum' with beautiful collection of sculptures, paintings and other art works. There is also a temple called 'Manjunatha' where Hindus and Jains coexist, Gadag, an old Jain temple from the Xih century and two recent ones, Gommatagiri, at 25 kms Northeast of Mysore, on the hillock, a 16 feet high statue of Bahubali, in black granite. One can access it by steps carved in the rock. Each year, in September/October, a great anointing (mahamastakabhiseka) of that statue attracts numerous devotees. Halebid, ancient capital of the Hoysala dynasty, several temples in a special style, due to the Jain devotion of Queen Santidevi. Three are always used for puja, respectively those dedicated to Parsva, Adinatha and santi. These "basadi "are in black schist with marvellous carvings. The museum has a statue in black stone of a Jina in "kayotsarga" posture. Hampi, ancient capital of Vijayanagar kingdom, among destructions caused by Muslims at the XIVh century, several Jain temples of which that called 'Ganigitti' erected in 1385 by a Minister of King Bukka II. Several others are on the hill called "Hemakuta". Not far from there, in the destructed ancient city of Anegundi, where one can see a Jain sanctuary and a group of Jina cut in rock faces. Humcha (Hombuja), seat of a Bhattaraka, five Jain temples of which one is dedicated to Padmavati with a treasure of sculptures, a monastery and a library rich in manuscripts and scriptural works on

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 107 Jainism. The present Bhattaraka, Shri Devendra Keerti, has erected a tall marble statue of Parsva on the top of the hill. Jinanathapur, not far from Candragiri, a temple (basti) dedicated to santi dating from the XIIh century. It is one of the glories of Jain art in the region, decorated in "hoyasala" style. Its outer walls are covered with successive horizontal friezes, from the top to the bottom. Inside, there is a forest of pillars. Kambadhalli, Jain temples among which the Pancakuta basti, and beautiful statues of Adinatha, Nemi and santi, Karkal, seat of a Bhattaraka, a monasterie, a library, a dharmasala, and a Jain temple with four entrances (caturmukha) built in the XVI"" century. Statues of Tirthankara in black stone in four rows face the four directions. Six other sanctuaries are in a suburb of the town. To see, in the southern suburb, a 42 feet high statue of Bahubali, installed in 1432 AD. It is cut from a block of black rock and modelled on that of Shravana Belgola, Kothali, atop a small hillock, a recent Jain centre called "Santigiri" with eight statues of Tirthankara, a "gurukula ", an "asrama" and a "dharmasala", Lakkundi, Jain temples built in the Xich and the Xirth centuries. The lower parts are profiled, the walls have lovely pilasters and there are remarkable details on the ceilings. One of these sanctuaries, the biggest, from the Xith century, has five pyramids in tiers and a square roof, Lakshmeshvar, two Jain temples built in the Xth century,

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108: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Mudabidri, 35 kms northeast of Mangalore, 18 Jain" basti", most of them on either side of "Temples street". In the "Hose basadi", the "Guru basadi" and the "Candranatha basadi" there are splendid sculptures and especially a Parsva in black stone. Seat of a Bhattaraka, this town has a monastery (matha), a dharmasala, and a library that contains numerous ancient manuscripts. Shravana Belgola, (Shravana Belagola), meaning "the white lake of the ascetic", situated at 50 kms from Hassan, a very important Digambara centre. This one, unique in the world, attracts a crowd of pilgrims, visitors and tourists. According to Jain tradition, it is believed that in the III"' century BC, Candragupta Maurya and the Jain saint Bhadrabahu passed away here by following the "sallekhana" ritual. In this little city, one finds: a monastery-temple managed by a Bhattaraka, where young novices (brahmacarin) study sacred books, various schools, a hospital, and a "dharmasala". Behind the monastery, there is a splendid pillar of glory (manastambha), in front of the "Bhandari basti". This temple is dedicated to all the Tirthankara, with their 24 statues at the back of the inner hall. Among other Jain temples in this sacred place, to see, in particular, the "Akkana basti", that is a model of "hoysala" architecture. On one of the two hills surrounding the village, called " Candragiri" in memory of Candragupta, there are 14 temples or chapels, the footprints of this renowned Emperor, pillars (nisidi) erected in honour of the numerous devotees who practiced "sallekhana" ritual here and some beautiful "manastambha". On the other hill, called "Indragiri" (Indra's hill) or "Vindhyagiri", there are 7 temples and the renowned huge 58 feet high statue of Bahubali that was erected, in 981, by the General Camundaraya, Minister of King Rajamalla of Ganga dynasty. One may see his nice

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High statue of Bahubali at Shravana Belgola

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******** ********* WOR Marvellous Jain Dilwara temple on Mount Abu (Rajasthan)

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 109 photo in this book. To reach the foot of such a masterpiece, frequently pictured in art and travel guides, one has to climb 620 steps. A very great ritual of anointing of the head "mahamastakabhiseka" of this highly venerated Jain saint takes place here. The ceremony attracts thousands of devotees every twelve years onwards. It lasts several days during which Acarya and devotees who give generous gifts of money have the great honour to pour, each day, 1008 pots full of water, milk, ghee, sandal, coconut juice, etc. over the statue, whereas others sing hymns, dance and express their joy. The event is always eagerly awaited. According to Jain tradition, it takes place when the conjunction of several planets occurs in the sky. In 1993, petals of flowers were thrown from a helicopter at the end of the festival. The last "mahotsava" has taken place in February 2006. Varanga, in the middle of a lake, a Digambara temple with a unique thatched roof, dating from the XV century, dedicated to Nemi, and two other sanctuaries nearby, Venur, a Jain temple dedicated to santi and a statue 38 feet high of Bahubali dating from 1604 AD. Numerous are the pilgrims that come here, each year. In this State, we may also mention Jain temples to visit at: Abalvadi, Alanda, Angadi, Arsikere, Bagalkot, Balambeeda, Banakhpur, Basav, Belaguli, Bhatkal, Bidar Bijapur, Chamarjnagar, Devanhalle, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Hornadu, Hosepet, Hubli, Javergi, Kamthan, Kanakagiri, Koppal, Kunigal, Malkhed, Mangalore, Mayasandra, Mumnabad, Mysore, Narasimharajpur, Nittur, Pattadakal, Saligrama, Shantigiri, Shimoga, Sonda, Srirangapatna, Stavnidhi, Swadi, etc.

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110: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD * KERALA One may cite, at: Alappuzha (Alleppey), a Jain Svetambara temple erected in 1990, Bangarmanjeshwar, Jain ruins, Palakad (Palghat), interesting Jain ruins at "Sultan's Battery". * MAHARASHTRA More than 1.500.000 Jains live in this State. Among the most interesting sites we will mention, at: Amalner, three temples of which a splendid one dedicated to Parsva, Anjaneri, at 24 kms from Nasik, an important Jain centre from the XIIth and XIIIth centuries, a great statue of a meditating Jina and, at the village entrance, a partly restored ancient temple. Nearby, is a cavetemple, converted into a Saivaite chapel where there are still carvings of Jina and Yaksa on the rock. Ankai, in Kandesh district, Jain cave-temples decorated by silhouettes holding musical instruments and performing a dance, Antariksha, see Shirpur, Bhaja, ancient Jain cave-temples, Bhatkuli, a Digambara temple dedicated to Adinatha, Chamarlena, several ancient Jain cave-temples,

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Their Temples and Sacred Places :111 Ellora, 40 kms North-West of Aurangabad, 35 renowned cavetemples of which 5 Jain ones, in the group C dating from the IX-X" century. Cave ndeg31, called "Chhota Kailasa", has representations of the 24 Tirthankara with Mahavira in the choir. Cave ndeg32 is a smaller one but also decorated. Cave ndeg33 called "Indra Sabha" more elegant with in it Mahavira, Parsva, Bahubali and his two sisters, Brahmi and Sundari as well as numerous sculptures of different sizes cut in the rock. Cave ndeg34, called "Jagannatha Sabha" and dedicated to Sumati contains several chapels and representations of Tirtharkara with old paintings on the ceiling. The upper room is a true masterpiece. Cave ndeg35, smaller than the former, is similar. On the top of the hill, from where one has a splendid view on Ellora, there is a cave-temple dedicated to Parsva with a 20 feet high statue of him seated on a throne. There is also a "gurukula". Gajapantha, 6 kms from Nasik, near the village of Mashrul, on the hill two newly constructed Digambara temples with a Jina sculpted in black stone and beautiful pillars, a "dharmasala" near a small group of ancient caves and an old temple dating from the VIII" century. Godiji, see at Mumbai, Karanja, 3 famous Jain temples amongst which the "Sena Gana Mandir" and the "Balathkara Gana Mandir", with nice paintings, splendidly carved wooden pillars and statues in stone and metal demonstrating great artistry. There are also a study centre (gurukula) managed by a Jain spiritual master and a museum with many old statues, Kolhapur, seat of a Bhattaraka, five Jain temples, a monastery and a rich library, Kumbhojgiri, a Jain temple, on the hill, in a forest, with statues of Parsva, Padmavati, Manibhadra, Ajita and Candraprabha surmounted "Ona

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112: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD by a 26 feet high Bahubali, in marble of Rajasthan, erected in 1963. Furthermore, there are here: two other Digambara temples, a great "gurukula" for young novices with school, lodging for the teachers, printing office, gymnasium, library, dining-hall, "dharmasala", etc. They were built with the gifts from Jain families and the help of the State Government, Kunthalgiri, in Solapur district, a Jain city-temple regarded as the "Satrunjaya" of the South. Muni Shantisagar Maharaj practiced the sallekhana ritual here, in 1995. One can see his footprints. There are also a "gurukula" and a "dharmasala". Mangi-Tungi, two hills 4265 feet high. On "Mangi hill", after having climbed 3500 steps, one can admire three Jain temples dedicated to Adinatha, Santi and Parsva and, carved in the rock, those of Bahubali and Ambika. On Tungi hill, there are a temple-cave of Candra and five statues of Jina. At the foot of the hill, there are three chapels and a "dharmasala." A sacred place where number of pilgrims come from all over the world every year. Mumbai (Bombay) capital of this State, great economic centre, and the most populous city of India, numerous Jain temples of which one, in marble, built in 1904, is dedicated to Rsabha. Its decorations recall the lives of the Tirthankara. To see also in Paydhuni the temple of "Godiji" dedicated to Parsva. The city museum has a very interesting Jain department. Muktagiri, on that hill, 52 Jain "mandir" of which the biggest is the "Digambara Parshva Mandir". There, an annual "mela" takes place on Kartika-purnima, Nandani, near Kolhapur, seat of a Bhattaraka, a temple surrounded by walls, a monastery and a library, Nasik, modern nice Jain temples and ancient ones,

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 113 Osmanabad, in Marathwada district, eight ancient Jain caves from the Vh - VIIIch centuries AD and a "dharmasala", Patana, in Khandesh district, several old Jain caves, Pune (Poona), temples of an important Jain community, Ramtek, a Digambara Jain temple (XICh century) dedicated to santi, the towers of which are a beautiful example of Jain architecture before the rise of the Indo-Islamic style. Chapels have been added to the building. Outside the surrounding wall is a "dharmasala". There are also eight other temples and a very ancient "manastambha", Shirpur (Antariksha), 72 kms from Akola, in one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage, a Jain temple built underground. A miraculous statue of Parsva dating from the IVh century was found here and placed in the sanctuary that was restored at the end of the XVII century. There also are three "dharmasala", Solapur, five Jain temples and nearby: a girls school created in 1925 by a pious Jain, named Sumat Shah, a meditation hall, a library, a printing office and a dispensary. This State also has Jain temples or sacred places at: Achalpur, Agashi, Ajanta, Amaravati, Astha, Aurangabad, Badona, Bahubali, Bhadravati, Chandwad, Chintamani, Dahigaon, Dharashiv, Jintur, Kalikund, Kasar, Kundal, Lonavala, Nagapur, Navagarh, Ner, Paithna, Pydhuni, Shirdashapur, Ter, Thana, etc. * TAMIL NADU Vishaka would have brought Jainism to Tamil Nadu. He was a monk of Karnataka, where this religion was flourishing. This faith

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114: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD spread rapidly here due to the support of numerous kings, especially of the Pallava and Chola dynasties. Tamil Nadu has numerous ancient Jain cave-temples (palli), with beds cut in the rock for the ascetics that lived here once retired from the world. Here also are inscriptions especially in Brahmi script (Brahmi lipi), sculptures, ruins of ancient temples and monasteries, and some renovated sanctuaries. A great majority of temples poor here. Worth mentioning, at: Agalpur, 13 kms North-East of Chittamur, an old Jain temple restored during the XVrh century, Alagaramlai, at North-West of Madurai, a sacred hill that contains an ancient Jain cave with sculptures and inscriptions, Anaimlai, 5 kms from Madurai, a cave with beds, sculptures and inscriptions, Arpakam, a beautiful Jain temple, Chennai (Madras), capital of that State, an important Jain community with some thirty temples and chapels of which the most renowned are: the Jaina Mandir, the Naya Mandir and the Chandraprabha Mandir. In "Mint Street" there is a temple with a unique statue of Parsva made from green stone. In the temple of Candraprabha is a miraculous statue of him. On the 20th of August 1994, at the ceremony of renovation of the sanctuary, that statue would have projected saffron powder on the walls and on the ground giving the white marble a beautiful yellow colour. Indian newspapers reported at the time this unexplained phenomenon. There is also a

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 115 "dharmasala" here. In 2005, a new temple has been dedicated to Sambhava (the 3rd Tirthankara), 66 Chettipatti, ruins of an ancient Jain temple with a statue of Mahavira and a beautifully sculpted head of Parsva, Chitaral (Tiruccranattumalai), an ancient Jain centre, chapels and ruins of temples, dating from the IXth century, with statues of Parsva, Mahavira and Ambika, Chittamur, in South Arcot, 10 kms from Gingee, seat of a Bhattaraka, an important Digambara centre with a monastery. Here, one can admire two renovated temples respectively dedicated to Malli and to Parsva, Ennayaramalai, at South-East of Gingee, Jain caves with inscriptions on the walls, Eruvadi, statues of Adinatha and Mahavira cut in the rock, Gingee, at the end of Jaina Street, an old Jain temple still in use today, with numerous statues of Jina in stone and in metal, Jinakanchi, 4 kms from Kanchipuram, two ancient Jain temples, surrounded by high walls, with a "mandapa" dating from the XIVth century, and a renovated one. There are also two lovely statues of Mahavira and Candraprabha and nice paintings on the lives of several Tirthankara. This place was the seat of a Digambara monastic order, Jingiri, a hill near Tirunarunkondai, various cave-temples, an ancient Digambara temple with beautiful towers and statues of Parsva and Candraprabha,

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116: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Kalugumalai, in Tirunelveli district, a huge Jain cave-temple with three rows of Tirthankara statues cut into the rock, Karuppankunru, an ancient cave and nearby a statue of Mahavira cut in a big block of stone, Kundavai, a religious Jain complex with a temple dedicated to Mahavira, another with beautiful pillars carved in the "mandapa" and images of Ambika, Bahubali, Adinatha and Parsva. At the top of the hill, one can admire a statue 15 feet high of Nemi, dating from the XI" century, that is a masterpiece of Chola art, Madurai, hills with numerous caves inhabited in ancient times by Jain ascetic communities, especially of the Digambara "dravida samgha". In the museum is a lovely statue of Mahavira of Chola style. Mangaulam, ancient Jain centre, five caves with inscriptions, Mannargudi, 34 kms from Tanjore, a Jain temple dating from the Xirth century with beautiful statues of Malli, Sarasvati, Padmavati and Dharma, Melsithamur, two main Jain temples with very artistic sculptures, a big statue of Parsva and another of Nemi. In front of the sanctuary is a pillar with at its top a statue of Bhairava and a dog. They are the guardian spirits of the temple and of the village. This place, seat of a Bhattaraka, has ancient manuscripts and each year, in April, a great Jain religious festival takes place, Mullipattu, a Jain centre with a temple, Munigiri, 15 kms from Kanchipuram, a Jain complex of temples with beautiful statues of Adinatha, Parsva, Mahavira, Ambika, and a

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 117 library containing precious manuscripts and numerous religious. books, Muttupatti, sculptures of Adinatha and of Mahavira, dating from the IX century, carved in the rock, Nagercoil, near Comorin Cape, ancient big Jain centre from the vich to the Xvirth centuries, an old Jain temple converted into a mosque, Panchapandavamalai, a Jain temple of the VIIIch century cut in the rock, Peramandur, near Tindivanam, two restored ancient Jain temples with a modern statue in marble of Adinatha and another of Candraprabha. An annual religious festival takes place here, Ponnurmalai, 40 kms from Tindivanam, an important Jain centre with a temple dedicated to Adinatha, a nice statue of Mahavira, a school and an apprentice school bearing the name of Kundakunda. It is here that this great Jain Master performed penance and wrote several of his literary and religious works. Pudal, 15 kms from Chennai, the most ancient Jain temple of Tamil Nadu. Inside it, one can admire great statues of Rsabha, Parsva and Padmavati that attract numerous pilgrims, each year, Pudukkotai, a hill with Jain caves containing stone beds for the ascetics, and inscriptions in ancient Brahmi. In the museum one can see sculptures in stone and bronze, Pugalur, several ancient Jain caves with inscriptions in Brahmi. on Mount Arunattamalai,

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118: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Samanarmalai, near Madurai, sculptures in the rock of Mahavira, Suparsva and other Jina, with inscriptions dating from the IXth and Xth centuries, Siddharmalai, 1 km from Mettupatti, a big ancient Jain cave with beds and inscriptions cut in the rock, Sittanavasal, Jain cave-temples with exquisite mural paintings dating from the VIIIch century, Thanjavur (Tanjore) a Digambara community with a temple, in what was the ancient capital of the great Chola dynasty, Thellar, a Jain temple of the local community, Thirunarunkondai, in South Arcot district, important ancient Jain centre, two temples on the hill, dating from the Xich century, one dedicated to Parsva, called "Western Temple", the other to Candraprabha, called "Eastern Temple," Tindivanam, a Digambara community with a temple in "dravida" style, Tirakkol, 25 kms north of Gingee, a Jain temple with a ravishing pillar in front of it, ruins of a chapel and a Tirthankara cut in the rock, Tirumalai, between Arni and Ponnur, said to be the "Shravana Belgola" of Tamil Nadu, a temple dedicated to Mahavira erected by the sister of the first Chole king. One can see inside statues of Nemi and of her. On the hill, there are several ancient cave-temples with multicoloured paintings, numerous statues and several interesting inscriptions. There is also a sanctuary dedicated to Parsva with the footprints of various Acarya. Here, Samantabhadra, Rsabhasena and Varadatta have written numerous literary and religious works in Tamil language. Since 1998, it is the seat of a Bhattaraka again,

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 119 Tirunatharkunru, a bas-relief with the 24 Tirthankara sculpted and a "nishidi" in memory of the death of a Jain monk, after fiftyseven days of fast, according to the "sallekhana" ritual, Tirunelveli, an ancient Jain cave-temple, called "Marugaltalai," with beds in stone for the ascetics and some inscriptions, Tiruparankuran, a group of Jain temples dating from the IXth century, Tiruparuthikundram, two Jain temples of the IXth century of which one is dedicated to Mahavira with paintings and inscriptions in Tamil and the other is dedicated to Candraprabha with a small "mandapa", Tondur, a Jain centre with a temple, Uttamapalayam, sculptures in the rock representing Adinatha and Mahavira, Valathi, a small cave with inscriptions and sculpted Jina as well as a temple dating back to the XVth century. Each year, there is a religious festival here, Vallimalai, a huge cave that has a splendid statue of Mahavira in a conical shrine, Vandavasi, a Digambara community with a temple, Vellore (Velur), a Digambara community with a temple, Vengundram, a Jain temple, dating from the VIIIth century, that shelters one of the oldest statues of Mahavira, with a "trichatra" (a triple parasol) above him, Villupuram, a Digambara community with a temple.

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120: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD We will also mention in this State Jain temples and sacred places at: Ajari, Arungakulam, Birudur, Elangadu, Kanchipuram, Karungalagudi, Kollathur, Mudalur, Nelliangulam, Peramalam, Polal, Thayanur, Veedur, Vembakkam, Vijayamangalam, Viranamur, Yanaimalai etc. This enumeration may be extended, due to the fact that Jains have many remains of their historic and present existence in this State, but as we have said our list is not exhaustive. We will stop here for Tamil Nadu and all India. Note that one of the most Jain sacred places is the mythic Mount Astapada (Mount Kailasa) in the Himalaya, now in China, where Rsabha, the first Tirthankara, attained his liberation. A beautiful Jain temple is under construction near, at Badri. 3. Their temples in other parts of the world During the XX century, as we have said, a number of lay Jains departed from India to other countries of the world for various reasons and especially economical ones. They created communities and those who revere statues built temples. These temples are either shared with Hindus or used only by the Jains. Some are modest chapels, others are beautiful edifices erected according to Indian styles. In all the great cities in the world where dwell now important Jain communities performing the cult in sanctuaries, they have in general their own temples either in towns or in sites near. It is the case in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. * In Africa There are Indian lay Jain communities in the main cities of Southern and Eastern Africa. In Southern Africa, we find lay Jain communities with temples in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, etc.

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 121 In Eastern Africa, where some Jain families have emigrated since 1963, especially in Kenya, they have built temples and "pathasala " in Mombassa. Since 1984, there is also a Jain temple in Nairobi. * In America It is in North America that Indian Jains emigrants are the most numerous, especially in Canada and the United States. Dr. Bhuvanendra Kumar in his book "Jainism in America", edited in 1996 by Jain Humanities Press, traces their history and considers the number of those living now in these two great countries at more than 100.000. In Canada, there is now, in Toronto a Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira. Today, in the United States, there are thirty temples of which 14 are shared with Hindus and 16 uniquely Jain. The first was inaugurated in 1966 at Elmhurst (New-York) State. The others are at Crefzille, Londonville, Pittsford (New-York State), Norwood (Massachusetts), Penasukam, Essex Falls and Blairstown (New Jersey), Silverspring (Maryland), Richardson and Houston (Texas), Bartlett (Illinois), Winchestor and Cincinnati (Ohio), Philadelphia and Monroeville (Pennsylvania), Farmington (Michigan) Milwaukee (Wisconsin), San Jose and Milpitas (California), Richmond (Virginia), Augusta and Smyrna (Atlanta), Minneapolis (Minnesota), West Palm Beach (Florida), Simsonville, Charloteville and Morrisville (Carolina). The last one is the Jain Centre of Southern California inaugurated on the 27 March 2005 in the city of Buena Park, a suburb of Los Angeles. These sanctuaries are usually far from noisy conglomerations. They are made in white marble, sometimes shipped from India. Consecrations of these beautiful constructions and installations of statues inside last several days of rites and festivals. The buildings include generally: temple, rooms for conferences, meditation and

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122: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD fasting, library, religious school (pathasala), etc. All is paid by the generous gifts of the Jain laity. Statues in these temples are essentially those of Rsabha, Parsva, Santi, Mahavira, Bahubali, Sarasvati, Padmavati, and in a large spirit of tolerance parts of these temples are reserved to each obedience. In America, the Svetambara and the Digambara live in perfect harmony. At the time of printing this book, there are about 100 lay Jain communities in Canada and the U.S.A. They are regrouped in the Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) that publishes a review entitled Jain Digest and has numerous religious and social activities. The majority of Jain communities in North America live in big cities like Atlanta, Augusta, Boston, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, Dallas, Dayton, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Milwaukee, Montreal, New-York, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Sacramento, Toronto, Washington, etc. Their members hold high or medium level positions and respect the fundamental tenet of ahimsa. * In Asia In addition to India, there are some lay Jains in Nepal regrouped in the 'Nepal Jain Parishad' with two temples at Kathmandu. In Japan they are regrouped in the 'Japan Jain Sangha' with a temple at Kobe, built in 1985. This sanctuary is two-storied with a dome in marble and artistically decorated pillars. One can see a beautiful statue of Mahavira inside carried from Baruch in India. There are also many Jain temples in Pakistan erected before the partition of India and now in bad conditions. We find Jains too in Malaya, especially in Singapore, regrouped in the 'Singapore Jain Religious Society' with a temple and another in Ipoh. Some Jain communities are also settled in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, etc. One exists in Bangkok in Thailand and another in Hong Kong. There are also some Jain families in Aden,

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The Jain temple of Bartleft (Illiuoin) USA (Inaugurated in USA in 1993)

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The interior view of Jain Temple Leicester (U.K.) Front view of the Jain Temple Leicester (in left corner)

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 123 Dubai, Egypt, who practice their cult at home, like in Bangladesh and other countries.. * In Europe Numerous Indians have immigrated to the United Kingdom. It is not surprising that we find the most numerous groups of Jains of Europe in that country. In London, Jains of each obedience live with their own places of worship. For instance, we find here an important Jain community of Oshwals in the 'Oshwal Association' that publishes its own periodical, has its own new splendid temple and outbuildings inaugurated in 2006 at Potters Bar in the north of London. They have also a Mahajan Wadi in South London. There is a 'Navnat Vanik Association' and a Digambara temple in Harrow. In London, there exists an 'Institute of Jainology' that has, in particular, published the English translation of the Tattvartha Sutra and a "Mahavira Foundation" with a temple at Kenton. We must especially mention the Jain community in Leicester, named 'Jain Samaj Europe'. It publishes a periodical called 'The Jain' and in 1988 it realised in this town a splendid religious complex (bhavan), which includes a temple with original outside decoration and spacious rooms. Inside the temple, there is a "mandapa" with splendid carved pillars and, in the choir, a statue of santi (the 16h Tirthankara). We can see also the statues of Rsabha, Nemi, Parsva, and of some other deities. There is an auditorium with stained glasses recalling the events of Mahavira's life, rooms for meditation and fasting, a library with numerous religious books, etc. The first floor is especially dedicated to the Digambara community with photos of holy ascetics among them Srimad Rajacandra, and a human size statue of Bahubali.

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124: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Also mention the existence of a Jain temple at Hounslow (Middlesex) called "Kailash Giri", a Jain community in Birmingham, a statue of Mahavira in the Hindu temple of Leeds and a new Jain temple in Manchester inaugurated in 2003. In other countries of Europe there are Jain communities in The Netherlands and in Belgium with a small temple in Antwerpen. Though Germany had great Indianists that made Jainism known in the Western world, there are very few Jains who immigrated to that country until now. Concerning France, there are some Jain families in Paris and in some other towns but they have no temple. They practice their religious duties at home, contrary to Hindus who have a little temple dedicated to Lord Ganesa and, each year, a very colourful festival in the streets to honour him. In France, nearly all Indians immigrants are Hindus or Muslims till today. In Paris, mention too the 'Musee des Arts Asiatiques Guimet' that holds a very expressive statue of Rsabha in "padmasana" posture and a small one of Mahavira in "kayotsarga". It is not a lot, but it shows French interest for Jain art. We have mentioned numerous places of pilgrimages in India where Jains like to go at least once in their life and where they receive the teachings of monks and nuns. Such things are not available to those who have emigrated, so they take part to travels to India to visit their sacred places and to show their support to ascetics and social activities. Since 1998, JAINA organizes an annual pilgrimage to India for its members. The first one was to Sammet Shikhar and the Veerayatan ashram. Another was to Ranakpur, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Sankeshwar and Palitana. In January 2001 the program included Delhi, Sauripur, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Patna, Champapuri, Rajgir,

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Their Temples and Sacred Places : 125 Pavapuri, Kundalpur, Sammet Shikhar and Kolkatta. In 2006, Shravana Belgola was included in the program of the travel to attend the great "abhiseka" of Bahubali. These travels comprise visits of temples, gifts to hospitals and talks with ascetics on several religious and philosophical questions. They have created such an interest that they are now annual events. * In OCEANIA We must also mention the existence of Indian Jain communities in Oceania, especially in Australia and in New Zeeland. As one may see, Jains are now well represented all over the world. They have greatly crossed the borders of India where they had remained confined for thousands of centuries!

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Chapter 6 THEIR LAYMEN AND LAYWOMEN In this chapter we will see now the lives of the Jain laymen (sravaka) and laywomen (sravika), knowing already that the Digambara are stricter than the Svetambara and that women follow the religious rules more to the letter than men who have professional activities. We will mention the different periods in their lives, the steps of their spiritual progress and the threefold path enjoined to them to attain liberation. We will also look more closely at their daily religious duties, "vows" and fundamental virtues they need to practice. The next chapter will be devoted to their rituals, cults, festivals and ceremonies. In another, we will see their religious symbols, "mandala", "mantra' 'sutra ", hymns and prayers. 1. The periods in their life Jains laity have in principle their life divided in four periods, called (asrama) by Vilas Sangave in his book "Aspects of Jaina Religion". The first is that of youth and studies, the second of marriage and active life, the third of gradual retirement and the fourth of renunciation, but we must be aware of the fact that this concept of four asrama is not an original concept of Jainism. It has been borrowed from Hinduism. To remember it is possible to a Jain to become an ascetic at any time, from the age of 8 years for a boy, a little later for a girl. * The period of youth and studies During this period called "brahmacarya asrama" (of celibacy), as all human beings, the young child and later the teenager learns life: to walk, observe, talk, read, write, count, etc. and to progress gradually, both physically and spiritually. Parents pay attention to their child and give him (or her) the necessary instruction and education. As concern 99 66

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Their Laymen and Laywomen: 127 the Jains, they instruct their child in religious conduct based on the fundamental principles of non-violence, honesty, rightness, purity and non-attachment. At a Jain school (pathasala), youngster people learn the "small vows" (anuvrata), the most important 'mantra", meditation, obedience, forgiveness and compassion. If their parents perform puja in a temple, they will accompany them and will be initiated into religious practices. At the same time, they will study the daily commitments that devout young Jains need to make. 66 Boys generally go to primary and secondary schools, and possibly higher education, if they have the inclination to do so. Otherwise, they learn a job like trade or handicraft. According to their abilities, they can practice sports, take an interest in art, literature, law, medicine, commerce, business, etc. They have to prepare themselves to mundane life. Girls too go to school to study and may also practice sports, singing, drawing, fashion, cooking, etc. They will also learn religious duties and a professional activity. If the young (boy or girl) feels drawn to a deep spiritual life, he (she) can enter a Jain school for novices to become a monk or a nun, as mentioned above. The period of marriage and active life If, as it is more usual, the young man (woman) does not wish to lead an ascetic life, he (she) will have to practice an occupation, to marry and to start a family. This is the so-called period of the "householder" (grhastha). * As jobs, the young man or woman must practice an activity that has no risk to because of harm or violence. Therefore, the great majority of Jain laymen or women are traders, civil servants, teachers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, etc. Jain farmers can be found, in India as well, even though it is an occupation that contains some violent activities, particularly in ploughing the land, but how can one live without it? According to Jain canons, most of Mahavira's followers were engaged in agriculture. However, one never finds Jains

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128: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD selling or handling meat, spirits, products made of leather, natural fur, silk or wool, weapons, birds, fishes, cats, dogs, eggs, etc. Problems arise for jobs that could entail death of living beings, like army or food industry. Concerning army, Jains may invoke an objection of consciousness. Nevertheless, like everyone else, they will ensure their own safety if they are or their country attacked or if their lives are under threat, at difference of Jain ascetics who must observe absolute non-violence. As concern food industry, Jains may be restaurateurs but with an absolute interdiction to propose nonvegetarian dishes and to respect rules for strict vegan customers. The great principle for the Jain laity is to never commit voluntary violence, to make that other do it or to agree they do it. Once a young Jain has found a work or possibly a young Jain woman has decided to remain at home, it is recommended to not stay unmarried and to start a family. As a general rule, it is the task of parents to find a suitable spouse (or husband) for their child. This one should have a high morality, a comparable family background and often but not necessarily to be of the same obedience, "caste" or "subcaste". If parents do not know a young man or a young girl that may be suitable, the search often resorted (and still resorts) to matrimonial advertisements in a Jain magazine or on a Jain web, that lists the age, lineage, obedience, sect, appearance, qualities and profession of various grooms and brides. The hour and date of birth are also frequently asked, so as to make an astrological study of compatibility. For the Jains, the Indian traditional dowry system is practically no more observed by the parents when they give their daughterin marriage. Another Indian tradition not very respected now, due to economic constraints, is that the future wife does not work and lives with her parents in law.

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Their Laymen and Laywomen: 129 Once they are married, the young Jain couple will try to attain the ideals they have been taught: wealth position and prosperity (artha), pleasure (kama) and religious merit (dharma). They should also show each other loyalty, help and fidelity, have children and respect the rules of chastity as much as possible afterwards. A life dissolute or tainted by a divorce is extremely rare. Jain laymen and women are accustomed to live according to religious rules specifically defined in the sacred scriptures for them. They have to fulfil their daily religious duties (avasyaka), to pass through the recommended steps of spiritual progress and to practice a certain amount of basic virtues. They also have to take part in religious festivals, ceremonies and charities, and to make at least one pilgrimage during their life. If they belong to a branch that performs puja in temples, those who live near one must go there regularly. Others do "puja" or meditations on sacred texts at home or in a prayer hall (sthanaka) and attend meetings that raise their spirit and strengthen their faith. In addition, numerous Jain laymen and women fast partly or totally during a more or long time, on different occasions, practice internal and external austerities (tapa). They must not drink wine or spirits, eat honey, meat, fish, and be strict vegetarians according to prohibitions laid in the sacred books concerning some vegetables, fruits and spices. Many of them are vegans i.e. they eat only the allowed vegetables and abstain from eggs, butter, milk, etc. As general rule, all Jains avoid to damage the reproductive cycle of plants or to cause harm to the various life forms on earth. To this end, they avoid vegetables that contain numerous grains or whose roots are the only edible part, like potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, beets and turnips. Some, very strict, eat only the fruits that have fallen of trees; others refrain from tasty or rich dishes on certain occasions and fast according to different moods

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130: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD in order to purify body and soul. Concerning beverages, they drink water often boiled or filtered in India, so as not to swallow living organisms that might be in. 15 Jain laymen and women are not distinguished by wearing specific signs or clothes, as do ascetics. In India, the laymen dress themselves according to the tradition of the region they live in. Women wear sarees (saris) and jewellery, just like other women. In the West, both men and women dress according to the fashion of the country, although women tend to wear an ordinary saree at home and a very beautiful one on special occasions, like going to temple or attending sermons, festivals, religious meetings, etc. All Jains avoid natural silk, as its production requires the scalding of cocoons; it is the same for articles made with animal matter. As concern especially the animals, Jains reject all suffering or injury to them, be it in the name of research, clothing, food or amusement. They are opposed to rough treatments, hunting, training, tethering, keeping in cage and displaying them in zoos and circuses. Instead, they support hospitals and refuges for ill, injured and old animals and birds. They are equally staunch defenders of the environmental and ecological causes, as stated in their formal "Jaina declaration upon nature". Jain laymen and women who practice worship in temples take a bath, put on fresh clothes and leave their shoes at the entrance. Men belonging to the Svetambara section change their city clothes for a white "dhoti". They wear a white veil on the chest and generally a piece of cloth on the mouth. They always perform "paja." barefoot. Svetambara women when going to a temple put on them a clean saree, do also "paja" barefoot and place often a piece of cloth on their mouth. The Digambara do not wear a veil on the mouth during

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Their Laymen and Laywomen : 131 "puja", and men are usually bare-chested. Before going outside, the veils are taken off, men put on again their city clothes and both men and women their shoes. In pilgrimage at a sacred place in India, Jain laymen and women also go barefoot. When they get older, laymen and laywomen lead a more selfdisciplined life and fast more frequently and strictly. * The period of gradual withdrawal from active life. During this period of pre-retirement (vanaprastha), Jain householders gradually renounce their professional activities and hand the control of business and household to their children. At the same time, they meddle less in the lives of them. They devote themselves more and more to everything that is part of spiritual domain and reject prosperity and pleasure in order to follow the rules of detachment, compassion, tolerance and simplicity. They make effort to deepen their knowledge on religious matters, through study of sacred books, pious readings, penances, meditation and self-discipline. * The period of renouncement to worldly affairs. If they want to reach the ascetic stage (samnyasa), which somewhat resembles the life of monks and nuns, the laity who have decided to remain at home with their children prepare their succession and themselves to death. They do external and internal austerities, in particular: fasts (anasana), renouncement to the body by "kayotsarga" posture, meditations, etc. They confess their sins and repent. This is the way they do for removing all the "karma" that has stuck to their soul during their present or previous lives (nirjara). The Jain laity who want to go further may at any time, according to their gender, become monks (sadhu, muni, yati) or nuns (sadhvi, arya, aryika, yatini). Renouncing everything, they ask to be admitted in a

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132: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD religious order of their obedience. If they are agreed, they receive, after a special and often long training, the ascetic consecration (diksa) by an Acarya and partake a life of wanderings. In India, a pious Digambara "sravaka" may become a minor monk "ksullaka" (wearing only two garments) or an "ailaka" (wearing only one garment) and, after training and consecration (diksa), a full naked monk without a place to rest and any belongings. The Digambara "sravika" can also, after training and consecration, become wandering nuns, with only a white veil on the head and, to cover the body, two long "sari" of the same colour, they respectively put on and wash. Those becoming Svetambara monks or nuns always wear white robes and some hold a "muhapatti" on their mouths according to the obedience. Lastly, the Jain laity may also, if they have taken this vow and if they fulfil the requirements for it i.e. to suffer from an incurable disease, from old age, great disability, starvation or calamity, perform the rite of abandoning their life through total fasting (sallekhana or santhara.). 2. Their steps of spiritual progress Jainism has defined eleven steps (pratima) of spiritual progress for their laymen and laywomen. They are the same for both sexes. These steps can be crossed fast or slowly according to individual efforts, even halting a while and resuming again later. There is also the choice to go back a step if needed, in case one has ascended too fast and one cannot maintain at the higher level. It all depends on will, tenacity, physical and intellectual aptitude. Nothing is imposed; it is a strictly personal affair, even if there is no lack of encouragement to progress from spiritual masters who, however, cannot punish the laity. Each does his best, in the way he can and wants to reach liberation, after this life or one next.

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Their Laymen and Laywomen : 133 * The eleven gradual spiritual steps are: is the step of right faith or right vision (darsana-pratima) At this level, the householder should possess a perfect faith in Jainism and a sound knowledge of its tenets and their application in daily life. He (she) must have the right vision of what reality is, be free from misconceptions and from attachment to worldly pleasures. 2nd the step of vows (vrata-pratima) The devotee must observe, without any transgressions, the twelve vows of the Jain laity that we will see later in this chapter. He (she) may also take the vow of "sallekhana" by observing the specific rules to perform it later. Such a person is called he (she) who has taken the vows: (vrati-sravaka) for a man, (vrati-sravika) for a woman. 3rd the step of meditation (samayika-pratima) The Jain householder who has reached this stage should perform regularly meditation (samayika), in general, each day three times for 48 minutes i.e. one "muhurta" (corresponding to the Indian unit of time). He (she) has to focus on several subjects that will be discussed later. A rosary (mala) of 108 beads representing the 108 qualities of the Jina can be used while chanting or murmuring the "Great Mantra". He (she) may also follow the advice of Acharya Tulsi and practice "preksa-dhyana" similar to Yoga that includes techniques of relaxation and surrendering of the body by autosuggestion. 4h the step of fasting (prosadhopavasa-pratima) From this step onwards, the layman or woman will fast regularly as a rule twice a fortnight in each lunar month and at the occasion of many festivals. The entire period of fasting has to be spent in prayer, study of scriptures, meditation and listening of religious teachings. Fasts may be practiced according to different moods we will see later in this chapter.

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134: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 5th the step of avoiding various foods (sacitta-tyaga-pratima) In addition to the previous commitments, the layman (laywoman) now has to refrain from: eating raw or insufficiently cooked vegetables or serving them to others, crushing plant shoots, plucking fruits from the trees, and drinking unboiled water. 61h the step of complete fasting after sunset (ratri-bhojana-tyagapratima) Arrived here, the devotee must not eat or drink at night for fear of swallowing small living beings that are invisible in the darkness and which are numerous in India, especially during the monsoon. 7th the step of sexual abstinence (brahmacarya-pratima) Now, the devotee must observe a total abstinence, practice continence and suppress all sexual desire. Women should no longer use adornings to provoke such feelings. For the Svetambara, this step is the sixth. gth the step of ending working life (aramba-tyaga-pratima) Arrived at this stage, the Jain householder must stop his professional activity, like trade, tilling fields, employment, etc. practiced directly or indirectly. He must divide what he (she) possesses between his (her) children if he (she) has any and only keep for him (her) what is strictly necessary to stay alive. If he (she) is able, he (she) should also do charities and support Jain religious activities. 9th the step of detachment (parigraha-tyaga-pratima) At this step, the Jain devotee must renounce nine or ten kinds of worldly possessions like: land, house, money, gold, cattle, fancy clothes, implements, servants, etc. For food, lodging, and dressing he (she) shall use only what is absolutely necessary. It is also the right

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Their Laymen and Laywomen : 135 time to start training to endure the hardships of ascetic life. The Svetambara call it "the step of renouncing worldly activities even done by others" (presya-tyaga-pratima). In other words, one should neither do these activities himself, nor get these done by some others. 10" the step of absolute detachment (anumati-tyaga-pratima) This step is that where the Jain householder increases the mood of living as an ascetic. He (she) must absolutely give up professional activity, attachments to worldly possessions, involvement in family matters and should not express any feelings of like or dislike towards food served or consumed. 11h the step of perfect asceticism (anumati-tyaga-pratima) The devotee is now at the highest religious level he (she) can reach. He (she) leaves the family house and retreats to an isolated area where he (she) lives by the rules of ascetic discipline never accepting invitation that might transgress his (her) way of life. Digambara ascetic wears now only two-piece of clothes- one upper and one lower or one piece of cloth. For the Svetambara, this is the tenth step followed by that of total asceticism" (sramana-bhuta-pratima). The householder who wants to stop the inflow of new "karma" into his soul (samvara), to wash the "karma" accumulated in his present or previous lives (nirjara), and try to reach liberation, can progress step by step towards monastic asceticism. The main point is to follow the path of progress in a constant and unflagging manner according to Jain tradition. Once the last step (the highest) is reached, the layman or woman can ask to be admitted as monk or nun. If an Acarya agrees, he (she) will receive formal initiation or consecration (diksa) with a special rite of which we will speak later. As novices, they study the rules for the ascetics, guided in their new way of life by a "guru' for the monks a

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136: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD "guruni" for the nuns. They will become part of an ascetic group (gaccha) and lead wandering existence as beggar monk or nun, except during the monsoon season. They live according to either the strict rules of the Svetambara or the even more severe regulations of the Digambara. Only in the case of frail health the Acarya concedes to the harsh rules and may authorise, for example, an extra garment. A Jain layperson that fulfils the requirements, and has taken the special vow for it, may abandon life through fasting. This is a very arduous process that demands a great deal of courage. Such purification can be carried at home or elsewhere and lasts several days. It consists to gradually limit food and later beverages, while meditating, reading sacred texts and reciting "mantra", like "Namokara" or "Navakara Mantra", until death. The Jain lay persons who practice non-violence, observe virtues laid in the holy scriptures, who are faithful to their beliefs and their vows, who fast and perform worship regularly are called "paksika sravaka" if they are men, "paksika sravika" if they are women. Those who have completed the eleventh stage of spiritual progress and lead an ascetic life are called "naishika sravaka" if they are men, "naisthika sravika" if they are women. A perfect layman is called an "uttama sravaka" and a perfect laywoman an "uttama sravika". Those who go until "sallekhana" are called "sadhaka sravaka" (men), "sadhaka sravika"(women), 3. Their threefold path of liberation To try to stop the inflow of "karma" (samvara) into the soul and the wearisome enslavement to transmigrations (samsara), the Jain laypersons must follow the path of the "Three Jewels" (ratna-traya) i.e. right vision or faith, right knowledge and right conduct, as taught by the Tirtharikara.

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Their Laymen and Laywomen : 137 It is stated, in lesson 28 of the "Uttaradhyayana-sutra", that these three elements are linked to each other, and therefore all are required to complete the path. It is mentioned that: "without right vision there is no right knowledge and without right knowledge there is no right conduct". Umasvati says in the first chapter of his "Tattvarthasutra" that "they are the three essential components of the spiritual way to liberation" (moksamarga). Let us have a more detailed look at these three demands. * Right vision (or faith) (Samyak-darsana) There are slight different definitions, but the main idea stays the same. Haribhadra says it is "the faith in the truths as expressed by the Tirthankara". Camundaraya states it is " the faith in the path of liberation shown by them" and for Hemacandra it is "the faith in the true religious law". For Umasvati, it is the belief in the seven realities (tattva) i.e. souls (jiva), non-sentient entities (ajiva), inflow of karmic particles into the soul (asrava), attachment of karmic particles to the soul (bandha), stopping the inflow of karmic particles (samvara), removing karmic particles (nirjara) and liberation from worldly bondage to the world (moksa). If we combine these views, we can say that it is a worldview based on the principles of Jainism, as they are defined in the sacred books. We can add that the devout Jain should display no doubt about its content or smugness for knowing it nor try to impose his view to others. According to the Jain sacred books, to have this right vision also requires eight qualities, a total freedom form three kinds of superstitions and from eight kinds of arrogances.' * Right knowledge (Samyak jnana) To be liberated, the Uttaradhyayana-sutra says that a Jain must not only have right vision (real faith) but also right knowledge of its principles.

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138: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD The devotees must to this end read the sacred books with attention, devotion and zeal. They should do this with respect and humility on regular basis, without distraction and with an open mind. They must also ask the difficult passages be explained to them, so as to not commit errors. In particular, the adepts are encouraged to listen to the explanations and comments on the sacred texts made by the Jain scholars or learned ascetics. They must attend sermons, lectures, conferences, interviews, and read written materials on the subject. Like right vision, right knowledge also needs eight requirements. * Right conduct (Samyak- caritra) With the help of right vision (faith) and knowledge, the Jain laity must follow the rules of conduct outlined in numerous texts to progress on the path to liberation. Right conduct is the concrete realization of right vision and right knowledge. It may be partially (vikala-caritra) or wholly (sakala caritra) carried. The latter is that of the ascetics who have no family ties and are not socially, professionally or otherwise limited. The former is less strict; it takes the daily lives of the devotees in count. The rules of conduct especially laid for laypersons include, according to their step at spiritual level: six daily religious duties, twelve vows and a significant number of basic virtues. 4. Their daily religious duties, their vows and virtues * Daily religious duties of the Jain laity The sacred texts lay down six religious duties (avasyaka) the Jain laity has to perform everyday to remain permanently on the straight

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Their Laymen and Laywomen : 139 path of spiritual progress. Their content is somewhat different according to the obedience. In general, they concern meditation, veneration, self-discipline, charity, study of sacred books and practice of various forms of austerities. Jain householders have six religious duties to perform every day: meditation (samayika), praising of the twenty-four Tirthankara (caturvimsati Jinastuti), respect to spiritual teachers and ascetics (vandana), confession and repentance of faults (pratikramana), meditation (kayotsarga) and renunciation (pratyakhyana), for example: to the body by the "kayotsarga" posture for 48 minutes, to thoughts, words or actions that cause the inflow of "karma" into the soul, to some food, drink and comfort, etc. For the Digambara and Svetambara, the daily religious duties of the laity are roughly the same. The different branches give more importance to some components. For example, a laity can, upon waking, recite the "Great Mantra", repent faults of the night, do immediate penance or wait until later, do the anointment (abhiseka) of the Jina in saying appropriate "mantra", meditate or read parts of a sacred book if the obedience does not worship statues. If the laity is part of an obedience that worships in temples and if one of them exists near, he (she) may go and proceed to the view (darsana) of the Jina image and perform a type of "paja" among the numerous that exist. When meeting an Acarya or ascetics (monks or nuns) on the way or at the temple, the adept must greet them with respect. In India, if an ascetic comes and asks for food or special care, the adept will have to provide. Likewise, if an ascetic asks a shelter to stay, the pious laity will give it. If possible, a Jain householder should also give donation (dana) for religious or charitable activities. If the laity is a member of Sthanakavasi branch, he must go to the "sthanaka" to pray, read sacred books or listen to sermons on religious matters.

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140: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD The Jain householders have six kinds of external and internal austerities (tapa) at their disposal to expiate faults and to cleanse their soul of "karma". As for external austerities, they can do (1) a complete fasting (anasana), (2) a partial fasting (unodari), (3) limit the number of items of the food (vrtti-sanksepa), (4) limit desired tasty food (rasa-parityaga), (5) practice bodily endurance (kayaklesa) and (6) the control of senses (pratisanlinata). As internal austerities they can practice (1) atonement (prayascitta), (2) humility (vinaya), (3) serving others (vaiyavacca), (4) giving away sinful activities (vyutsarga), (5) study scriptures (svadhyaya) and practice meditation (dhyana). Concerning fast, the Jain laity have numerous methods at their disposal. Fast may be complete (upavasa) or partial (ekasana etc.), for instance not to eat and drink after sunrise three hours (porasi), six hours (avaddha) or only 48 minutes (navakarasi) or after sunset (cauvihara) up to sunrise for one or several days, for example two days, three days up to even for one month (masa-khamana) or more than one month or so. The Svetambara fast generally with boiled water while the Digambara often fast without water. In Digambara tradition fast must also be done at some periods during the year: the last eight days of Indian months of "kartika" (October/November), "phalguna" (February/March), "asadha" (June/ July), and the last ten days of the months of "bhadra" (August September), "magha" (January/February) and "caitra" March/April). These fasts can be limited to only food and drink or include body care, sexual activity and work as well. In the Svetambara tradition fast also can be done at the 8th, 14th and 15th days of the Indian months in both dark and bright fortnights(krsna and sukla paksa), at holidays celebrating birth and nirvana of the Tirthankara. Fasts are also part of certain Jain festivals and of the so-called days of Paryusana that we will see later on. As a general rule, they are practiced more by women at home than by

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Their Laymen and Laywomen : 141 working men. They can be observed for several successive or alternate dates and be accompanied by recitations of mantra, kayotsarga, perusal of sacred books and "puja". Those who practice long fasts normally drink boiled water once or twice, during the day, depending the strength of the practitioner. The Jain householders also have the obligation to practice equanimity (samayika) by having the control on their thoughts, words and acts, and to curb their senses. They must avoid passions, be unattached as much as they can to false pleasures and illusory worldly possessions, and to avoid what is reprehensible in the eyes of their religion. They should strive for the perfection and purity of their soul, be virtuous, compassionate and tolerant. To this end, regular introspection and meditation are required, the latter on religious tenets that touch the teachings of the Tirthankara, the maturation of "karma", the structure of the universe, the difficulty to reach liberation, the necessity of hardship in order to succeed, etc. The Jain laity will also, when their obedience bids them to do so, practice worship of the Tirthankara or of the sacred books in various ways. Sthanakavasi do not worship statues in temples; instead, at home or in their halls of prayers (sthanaka) they fast, pray, meditate or attend religious conferences. The pious Jain laity also make pilgrimages to holy sites in India and give donations to the causes listed previously in this chapter. They consider these acts to be benefic for their next births. * The vows of the Jain laity Vows (vrata) are serious commitments to make. They are the same, in their principles, for Jain laypersons and for ascetics, but whereas the later follow them with an extreme rigour, the former do so less

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142: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD strictly. The ascetics keep "great vows" (mahavrata) that consist in not doing oneself, nor allowing or encouraging others to err from the five main Jain commandments. The laity take five "little vows" to what three "multiplying" are added to increase their rigour, founded like them on respect of non-violence, and four "disciplinary" to approach the conduct of ascetics (monks and nuns). The five "little vows" (anuvrata) are: 1) The vow of non-violence (ahimsa) i.e. to not voluntarily kill, hurt, attack, violate, torture, rag, etc. any movable living being with a soul (trasa-jiva). This abstention of violence or "hissa" concern as well acts, thoughts than words. Numerous commentaries have been made on this vow by great Acarya like Umasvati, Samantabhadra, Amitagati, Asadhara, Somadeva, detailing to a great extent the various types of violence tolerated and forbidden to the laity. For examples, are tolerated for them all those totally unvoluntary achieved or those absolutely necessary to maintain life, like tilling the soil, eating vegetables, giving care to animals, building constructions, boring a well protecting one self, ones property, family, country, etc. On the other hand, are strictly forbidden activities that consist to keep in captivity, to mutilate, to overload, to deprive of food, to kill living beings, to hunt, to practice violent sports, to feed incorrectly, to bad distract oneself, etc. Execution of judgments, condemnation of a criminal to depriving of liberty is, however, admitted for they are necessary to have a legal State. To this principle of elementary non-violence are also linked philosophical notions of "anekantavada" and "syadvada" (of nonabsolutism of thought and of taking in count the manifold aspects of reality) that are at the root of tolerance and relativity of things,

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Their Laymen and Laywomen : 143 2) The vow of sincerity (satya) i.e. to abstain of falsehood directly or indirectly committed, . 3) The vow to abstain of pillage or robbery (asteya) committed by oneself or by the mean of one another, 4) The vow of chastity (brahmacarya) in thoughts, words and acts and fidelity to his wife for a man, her husband for a woman, 5) The vow of non-excessive attachment (aparigraha) to beings and to material things. Samantabhadra has given a definition of this vow in saying that "it concerns the limitation of ones goods and the desire to possess". Jains sacred books state that falsehood, robbery, lewdness, excessive attachment are acts of violence towards others and towards oneself, and that a Jain who wishes to be liberated must absolutely refrain from them. To keep these promises firmly in their life, the Jain householders must often meditate upon them and think to them continuously. They must also abstain of drinking wine or alcohol, of eating honey or meat, avoid vegetables having roots, fruits with numerous seeds, etc. They must be compassionate towards all living beings in a concept of a close relation and strong dependence between all that lives in the universe. The two mottos of Jainism are "Live and let live", "Mutual assistance and respect between all beings" (parasparopagrahojivanam). The three "supporting" vows (gunavrata) are: 1) The vow to fix a limit to one's activities regarding worldly affairs in a definite distance in all directions (digvrata); 2) The vow to limit one's worldly activity on a precise territory (desavrata)

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144: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 3) The vow to promise to not commit purposeless sinful activities (anarthadanda-vrata). The four disciplinary" vows (siksavrata) are: 1) The vow to practice equanimity, to meditate and to devote particular time everyday to contemplation or meditation of the self for spiritual advancement. 2) The vow to fast on four days of the month, namely, the two eight and the two fourteen days of the month (posadhopavasa-vrata); and to spend these days as a monk or a nun (posadhopavasa-vrata). 3) The vow to limit everyday one's enjoyment of consumable and non-consumable things (upabhogaparibhoga-parimana-vrata); 4) The vow to take one's food only after feeding the ascetics or in their absence the pious householders that are in need (atithisamvibhaga-vrata). In addition, the Jain laity may take the vow to let life go away by fasting (sallekhana-vrata) if they fulfil conditions fixed by the tenets. All these promises are solemnly taken in front of the statue of a Tirthankara or of a spiritual master (Acarya). Their aim is to help the adepts that are living in worldly affairs to not commit sins either by words, thoughts or actions that are causes to accumulation of "karma " and to remain in the "samsara ". Many Acarya have given long enumerations of the failures to these vows. By their discipline of living and their religious practices the Jain laity try like "yogi" and "tantrika," to purify their body and consciousness and to cleanse their soul of "karma"! * Fundamental virtues of the Jain laity The Jain laypersons also have to practice, according to their obedience, various fundamental virtues (mula-guna) to perfect their conduct.

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Their Laymen and Laywomen : 145 For the Digambara, Acarya Amitagati has given in his treatise "Sravakacara", eleven qualities to practice. They are enumerated in Vilas Sangave's book "Aspects of Jaina Religion". Let us recall to memory: be possessed of honestly earned wealth, apprehensive of sin, following the reputable usages of the country, attached to good moral standards, always devoid of evil motives, compassionate, ready to render service, victorious over the organs of senses, devoid of lust, envy, deceit, anger, backbiting, meanness, vain glory, etc. Acarya Hemacandra in his treatise "Yoga-sastra" presents a longer list of thirty-five attributes of an ideal sravaka or sravika. As one may observe, such exemplary rules of conduct make one see very rarely Jains in front of courts of justice in the different countries where they are living. Important precision, the fact for them to not follow or to follow no more the way taught by the Tirthankara make them they are considered by the community (samgha) as being by themselves excluded of it. On the contrary, the fact for a native non-Jain to follow, with sincerity and continuity, the way prescribed by the sacred books is judged as an excellent thing by the community of adepts. It is always with great esteem and sympathy that he (or she) is welcomed and considered by its members. We will see, in the next chapter, the main rites and cults, the principal venerations, religious festivals and ceremonies the Jain laity practice, in some cases with the assistance of ascetics or spiritual Masters, in other cases without their participation.

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Chapter 7 THEIR RITES, CULTS AND RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS Jains have rites, cults, ceremonies and religious festivals by which they characterize themselves from the other Indian religions. Nevertheless, we find sometimes similar elements in Hinduism or Buddhism. Several common factors exist between the three faiths so that one cannot speak of absolute different traditions. We have seen that, in some Jain principles; it is the same for some practices. First, we will have a look at the rites of the Jain laity. Next, we will consider their main objects of cult and the numerous manners to manifest their venerations. Lastly, we will give a list of their numerous religious festivals, ceremonies and meetings. 1. Their rites Through their lives, Jains practice various sacramental rites like the Hindu 'samskara'. For them, as for the Hindus, the most elaborated one is that of marriage (vivaha). For the ascetics, the most characteristic one is that of initiation or consecration (diksa) we will see in the chapter devoted to monks and nuns. In the VIIIch century, Jinasena calls these rites "kriya and says there is a total of 53 Jain "kriya", including the twelve vows, the eleven steps of spiritual progress, etc. More recent treatises, like the Svetambara 'Acara-dinakara' dating from the XVh century or the Digambara 'Traivarnikacara' dating from the XVIIh century mention only 40 and 22 rites, respectively. Amongst 22 rites the first five are those that parents may practice before the birth of a child, the next eleven are those generally performed between the birth of a child and its marriage and the last six between marriage and death. In 'The Heart of Jainism', Sinclair Stevenson speaks of Jain rites that are very different. In my opinion, these are the remains of ancient Indian rural superstitions.

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 147 The Jain rites we will study are those mentioned in R. Williams's book 'Jaina Yoga' and in different other works concerning the Svetambara and Digambara ceremonies of marriage. The five rites that may be practiced by the Jains before the birth of a child are, as detailed in R. Williams book: 1) the rite for conceiving, called "garbhadhana". It comprises among other things: a "paja" with an offering (havana) to three sacred fires, in front of the statue of a Jina, a specific "mantra" and, after the purifying bath that follows the menses of women, a union after having said the "Namokara Mantra". 2) the rite for conceiving a male, called "priti". It is important because, according the custom in India, it is the eldest son who becomes the head of the family when the father abandons progressively his activities. It is also he who inherits the property and takes care of the funeral when his parents die. This rite, also called "pussavana, is practiced in the third month of the pregnancy. It implies a "paja" with a specific "mantra" and the setting over the entrance of the house, of an arch of leaves representing goddess Laksmi, with two vessels full of pure water on each side, 3) the rite for increasing the chance to have a boy, called "supriti". It consists, at the fifth month of pregnancy of the future mother, in a "puja" with a new offering to the sacred fires in front of the statue of a Jina, 4) the rite for avoiding a miscarriage, called "dhsti". It is a renewal at the seventh month of pregnancy, of the two former ones, 5) the rite to strengthen the foetus, called "moda". It consists in a visit to the temple and in a "puja", for those that are of an obedience practicing such tradition, with the reciting of a specific "mantra" and the offering of sweets.

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148: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Always according to R. Williams, the eleven rites that may be practiced by the parents, between the birth and the marriage of their child, are: 1) the rite, called "priyodbhava" or "jata-karman" that may be made ten days after the birth. It implies, after the purification of the child and the mother, a meditation on the birth of the Tirthankara, a specific "mantra", and a prayer to goddess Ambika to look after the new born. Within these ten days, the father can do a "paja" in the temple and recite an auspicious "mantra" for the health of the child and of the mother. An astrologer is also informed of the precise time of the birth, to cast the horoscope of the baby. This is very important for the marriage of the child to see the compatibility with a future spouse (a future husband if a girl), 2) the rite for naming the child, called "nama-karman" that may be performed between the eleventh and the thirtieth day after the birth of the child. According to the "ghata-patra" method, numerous first names, taken from the qualities of the Tirthankara, are written on different pieces of paper and this (or those) that are drawn first are those the child will have. Other methods are relied to astrology, to the month of birth, to the names of revered beings or famous persons, etc. After a "paja" in the temple and the singing of a "mantra", if it is the custom of the obedience, a meal is served to the family and to the friends of it during which the parents announce the first name (or the two first names) of the child, 3) the rite performed when the baby leaves the house with the mother for the first time, called "bahiryana", that may be practised between the second and the fourth month after the birth. The mother shows the baby the sun and they go to the temple to have a view (darsana) of the statue of the Jina, if that is the custom of their obedience. Various "mantra" are sung to ensure the baby will have a

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 149 long life. On this occasion, friends and acquaintances of the family bring gifts for the baby and receive some ones from the parents, 4) the rite made when the mother seats the baby for the first time on a chair, called "nisadya". It implies that this chair be decorated and placed facing the East. Various "mantra" are recited so the baby has an honourable position in his (her) life, 5) the rite when the mother gives solid food to the child for the first time, called "anna-prasana". It is performed during the seventh, eighth or ninth month. According a tradition, the baby must hold the food with its fingers, without the help of a spoon. To do it with a spoon would lay the child ill. A special "mantra" is sung and fruits and grains are offered to the Tirthankara during a "puja", if it is the custom of the obedience, 6) the rite at the occasion of the first anniversary of the baby, called "varsa-vardhana". It implies the singing of a special "mantra" in the ear of the child. If it is the custom of the obedience, a "puja" is also performed. The members of the family are invited for a meal and offerings are given, 7) the rite that may be performed when the hair of the child is cut for the first time, called "kesa-vapa". It takes place between his (her) first and third year. On this occasion, an auspicious sign is marked on the baby's head, a special "mantra' is sung and presents are given to the barber and to ascetics, 8) the rite performed when the child begins to read and write, called "lipi-sarkhyana". It is done when the child is near five years of age. According to the obedience, a "paja" is offered to goddess Sarasvati so that she promotes knowledge to the child who must repeat and write a short Sanskrit text (sloka) with the help of his (her) mother or his (her) teacher,

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150: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 9) the rite if it is the custom that a child receives the sacred threads, called "upaniti'. The Hindus especially perform it, when the young adept is about eight years of age and has been taught the fundamental principles of religion. If it is a young Jain he (she) may be dressed in white and receive the "yajnopavita" composed by three threads symbolising the "three jewels". The child will in theory wear it its whole life. Only few Svetambara, who have adopted various Hindu practices, perform this rite. Sthanakavasi take the child to the "sthanaka" to begin to teach him (her) meditation and religious songs, 10) the rite of the five little vows, called "vrata-carya". It is performed after the young adept has been taught the fundamental principles of Jainism by his (her) parents or by a teacher at the "pathasala". He then does a "puja", says a "mantra" recites the little vows (anuvrata) of the laity and promises to observe them, especially the vow of absolute chastity (uttama bhrahmacarya) and body austerity. A Jain boy, as soon as he is eight years old, may begin his noviciate as a monk under the guidance of a "guru" in a "gurukula". A young girl who wishes to become a nun begins her noviciate later, at 15-20 years of age, under the guidance of a "guruni". Novices may, at this stage, take a new name and begin to beg food. The majority of young Jains who want to become monks or nuns pursue their studies and even go to University, as do those who wish to remain lay persons and practise a profession, 11) the rite performed at the end of the studies, when the adept starts an active life, called "vratavatarana". It implies the vow to practice the basic virtues (mula-guna) we have already seen prescribed by the sacred texts. If the adept does not want to become an ascetic, he (she) may give up the vow of body austerity but must continue to observe that of chastity until his (her) marriage.

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 151 The six rites that may be next made by a Jain laity are: 1) the rite of marriage, called "vivaha". Young Jains who do not desire to become ascetics on early must traditionally perform it. Its modalities differ according to the obedience and local traditions. We will see, in a broad outline, the ceremonies somewhat different between Svetambara and Digambara, knowing that questions of astrological compatibility and religious "castes" play always a role, in spite of some change among young generations. In both obediences, the marriage rite is very elaborated, like in Hindu tradition. It has numerous rules that must be strictly observed under the direction of an elder worthy of respect who knows well the specific "mantra" and successive stages. Very often, the Svetambaras resort to the help of a Brahmana priest who is paid for his contribution. That is never the case for the Digambara. After finding a spouse for their son or daughter, often with the help of matrimonial advertisements, the young man or woman will generally marry a person of the same obedience and social class (jati) with the qualities required to lay the foundations of an happy family. A) The Svetambara rite of marriage corresponds with the Hindu one on many points. It comprises about sixteen steps, according to Hemacandra and Vardhamana Suri, as mentioned in an article on the matter published in 1992 by "Jain Samaj Europe" in its magazine "The Jains". When it is seen that a couple is suited, an engagement ceremony is held at the house of the groom or in another place to which the members of the family and friends are invited. There are exchanges of gifts and record on an engagement document. The date of the marriage is also discussed at this stage.

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152: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Before the ceremony, prayers are said to specific "mother goddesses" so that they descend from their celestial abode to that of the future wife to afford her happiness, fertility and respect of good traditions of Jain families. This step is called "matrka sthapana". Prayers also are made at seven ancestor "gods" so that they descend to the future husband's house to afford him happiness, fertility and respect of Jain family traditions. This step is called "kulakara sthapana". Several days before the date fixed by the astrologer, after the fiances have been massaged with fragrant substances, various "puja" are performed in the temple or prayers said in the "sthanaka" for the happiness of the future couple. Each family places a gold chain around the neck of the son and the daughter. It is the rite called "malaropana". A "mandapa" with four pillars and an arch of leaves is placed at the place where the rite will be performed, usually the bride's house or in a venue especially rented for the ceremony. In its centre, a low table (vedi) is set with upon it a cup containing some ghee and a wick. Invocations to auspicious celestial beings are made. A "maneka stambha" is also placed in the "mandapa". This is the step called "mandapa pratistha". On the fixed day, after a bath, the bride puts on her most beautiful dress and precious jewels, a "tilaka" on her forehead, and waits at home or goes to the place of the ceremony, accompanied by the members of her family and guests. The groom also takes a bath, puts on his most beautiful garment, on his head the special Jain turban, and goes to the bride's home or to the place of the ceremony. In the past, it was the custom, in India, for the groom to arrive upon a horse or an elephant accompanied by musicians and singers. Such a custom still

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 153 survives in rural parts of the country but generally now he travels to the ceremony in a car and his family does the same. . The bride's mother and the other women taking part to the event welcome the groom with symbolic gestures, for example: practise the "arati", put a "tilaka" on his forehead and a garland of flowers around his neck while singing, etc. The officiant begins by saying the traditional "mantra" in honour of Rsabha who, according to Jain tradition, has created the rules of engagement and marriage for human society. Sometimes, on entering under the "mandapa", the groom crushes two bowls with his feet to ward off bad spirits. Next, he seats down on the left of two seats. The bride, escorted by her maternal uncles, enters and stands in front of the groom, sometimes screened from him by a small veil. Auspicious prayers are recited to the Tirthankara, the "gods", the "goddesses", "kuladevata", "yaksa" and "yaksini", to ask their protection. It is the step called "mangalastaka". After having recited a special "mantra", the officiant set a cloth garland around the couple's necks and puts the bride's palm on that of the groom with a bit of sandal paste, while saying the auspicious "mantra" for that union. It is the step called "hasta-melapa". Next, he gives sacred rice and some flowers to the parents of the bride, while reciting another "mantra". The parents throw the rice and the flowers over the arch of the "mandapa". It is the "torana-pratistha". The officiant anoints the heads of the fiances with sacred water in invoking the "gods " of earth and of directions. It is the "vedipratistha".

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154: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD The sacred fire is lighted in the cup on the low table. It is the step called "agni-sthapana". The officiant makes oblations of ghee, grains and betel nuts to the fire, while reciting various "mantra". It is the "houm" (offerings). The officiant sprinkles sacred water on the heads of the future married, while reciting the appropriate "mantra". It is the first "abhiseka". The officiant recites the genealogy of the parents of the future married and reads the declaration of marriage. It is the "gotracara". Next, he blesses the young couple and gives them rice, flowers and incense they offer to the sacred fire. The future married turn four times around the sacred fire and the officiant says, at each round, specific "mantra" in offering to the fire some grains of rice. It is the "cara phera". The officiant asks the father of the bride if he consents to that marriage and the groom if he accepts his bride as his wife. After their positive replies, the officiant reiterates the agreement and wishes happiness, peace and prosperity to the now married couple. They walk again around the sacred fire and a new offering is made to it. The marriage is now concluded. It is the giving of the daughter "kanyadana". The husband stands on the right side and his wife on his left. The officiant anoints their heads with a blend of rice, saffron and sandal powder. It is the "vasaksepa". He again sprinkles sacred water on the couple. It is the second "abhiseka". The officiant asks the newly wed to show proof of love and virtues during their lives and sprinkles anew sacred water on them. It is the * last "abhiseka".

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 155 With the unclasping of hands (kara-mocana) the officiant recites a: "mantra" and reminds the married couple that their link must never be broken. The father of the bride gives a symbolic gift to her husband. The officiant congratulates the new weds, gives leaves to the celestial beings that he had called at the beginning of the ceremony and recites the appropriate "mantra". Next, a great reception is hosted for members of the family and to the guests during whom blessings are made to the parents and wishes of happiness to the married couple. Afterwards, they pay a visit to the temple, if it is the custom of their obedience If the husband dies first, the widow does not remarry. If the wife passes the husband may take another spouse. As far as divorce is concerned, it is normally forbidden, but at present some Jain castes admit some exceptions contrary to the previous tradition. B) The rite of Digambara marriage is different on various points. It is never a Brahmana priest who officiates but a learned Jain who knows well the rituals. The first steps concerning search by parents, compatibility of the future spouse, agreement by parents, etc. are similar to those of the Svetambara but the ceremony is more simple and without display of wealth. The rite of the "mandapa"is performed at the bride's house, one or two days before the date of the marriage, at the hour considered to be auspicious. For the ceremony itself, some set a small statue of Mahavira or of another venerated being on a small pillar, and a sacred book containing the ritual prayers on a small table with an "astamangala"

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156: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD or a "siddhacakra-yantra" of which we will speak later with other Jain symbols. As marriage constitutes the beginning of a new life for the future married, a big pot in metal (kalasa) is put under the "mandapa" with some betel leaves and silver coins inside it. As for the Terapanthi Digambara, there is no question of lighting a flame that might burn insects, instead a closed lamp with a wick (mangala-dipa) is placed near, to symbolize the god of fire (Agni) to whom offerings are made.' For Bisapanthi Digambara a fire is lighted and offerings are made to it. The rite itself comprises nine parts. The first is the sending of a letter to the father of the bride, called "demand of marriage" (lagnapatrika), accompanied by some sweets. This letter will be read the day of the ceremony after the groom has done a special "puja". That phase is called "lagna-patrika-vacana". The next step or promise takes place at the groom's home. In presence of his parents, he performs a "paja" to the five "Paramesthins" and puts the Jain turban on his head. The father or a member of the family of the bride puts a "tilaka" on his forehead and hands him various gifts representing a symbolic dowry. The letter asking the bride in marriage is read and the parents give their agreement. The day of the ceremony, the groom puts the Jain turban on his head, his mother and all his relatives a "tilaka" on their forehead and they go in procession to the bride's house. At their arrival, the bride's brother or another male relative welcomes them. Some presents are given. The groom applies a

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 157 "tilaka" on the forehead of the person who has welcomed him and gives a coconut as good luck charm. Married women perform the "arati" for the groom, while singing an auspicious song. The groom sits down under the "mandapa" with the bride at his right side. The Digambara rite begins now with the "Great Mantra". Next, the fiances light the lamp and close it asking the god "Agni" to enlighten their new lives. The groom's mother as well as the bride put a "tilaka" on their forehead while reciting an auspicious "mantra". An elder female member of the family puts a "mindhal' (an auspicious bangle) on the right hand of the groom and of the bride. Another one ties a sacred ribbon (raksapotali) on the right arm of the parents of the future couple. If there is a statue of a Tirthankara, rice is offered at its feet. A "paja" follows. An elderly female relative sprinkles some sacred water over the future married who offer sandalwood powder to the sacred scriptures during a "jnana paja". Next, a "mantra" is recited for peace (santi) and a new offering of sacred rice may be made to the statue. Then the ceremony of the union begins. A member of the family or a man having an experience of the rite, called a "Grhasthacarya", proceeds to the "chidabandhana" in knotting a flap of the bride's sari to the bottom of the scarf that is hanging from the groom's shoulder, with a betel nut and some silver coins. Someone else hangs a garland of flowers around the necks of the couple to symbolize the matrimonial link. The most important step of the rite happens now. The palms of the fiances are joined. It is the "hasta-melapa". The bride's father puts the right hand of his daughter on that of the future husband, taking the Jina as witness. The young couple recites the "Namokara Mantra"

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158: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD three times and then proceeds to a deep meditation (kumbhaka dhyana). The parents of the bride pour sacred water on the hands of the couple, in reciting the mantra "Om Arham". Taking Mahavira or the other Tirthankara as witness, those present sing the "mangalastaka" so that the newly wed enjoy harmony, love, peace and happiness in every moment of their lives. They may offer rice at the feet of the statue, if there is one while singing the "Namokara Mantra". Now, the auspicious rounds are made by the couple around the lighted lamp, the bride followed by the groom. Each round ends with an offering of rice by each of the fiances and the singing of the mantra "Om Arham". The groom and the bride pronounce the seven vows that unite them for all their life. After new rounds, they sit down, the new wife at the left of her husband. As marks of rejoicing bells are then rung and conches blown. Then, a last round of the sacred fire is walked by the newly weds with the husband first, followed by his wife. They recite three times a special "mantra" and their parents also sing one. The husband puts the "mangalasutra" around the neck of his wife and applies the vermilion "sindura" on her forehead. Each participant to the ceremony thanks "Agni for his presence to bless the married couple and asks forgiveness for involuntary mistakes. Next, a reception is hosted for the guests, during which wishes of success are expressed for the newly weds. Various other rites are performed for setting into a new home, undertaking a new professional activity and so on. Each includes a "puja" with specific "mantra". Now, we will see the other main rites after the marriage. They are:

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 159 2) the rite called "varna-labha" during which the young husband, after a "puja" receives a part of the goods of his father in front of a witness, 3) the rite called "kula-carya" when the new householder promises to have an exemplary life and to scrupulously obey the six daily duties of the Jain laity. A special "puja"corroborates these engagements, 4) the rite called "grhisita" performed for a layman of a certain age to become, after a ceremony that grants him a special status, a kind of civil "Acarya" or "Grihasthacarya ". He gains great respect and is required to perform rites like that of marriage, as we have seen, or to resolve problems concerning the community, 5) the rite called "prasanti" by which the father transfers his activities to his son and devotes his time to fasts and meditations; 6) the rite called "grha-tyaga" when an old Jain who has progressively left his activities declares, in the presence of witnesses, that he renounces the world and devotes himself only to the liberation of his soul. His declaration is formal, after a "puja" in honour of a Tirthankara and the recitation of specific "mantra". After some time spent in the eleventh "pratima", a Jain laity may ask the "Acarya" who leads the community (if he is belonging to "Terapanthi" obedience) or an "Acarya" of the community of which he is a member, to be admitted in his order. If his request is accepted, after a delay for instruction and preparation of a certain time, he undergoes the rite of initiation or consecration as an ascetic; called "diksa", according details we will see in chapter 9. We end the rites of the Jain laity by the one practiced at their death. Two cases may be considered depending on whether it is a natural death or a death by renouncement of life (sallekhana). At the approach of the death of a Jain layperson, it is recommended in India to call an ascetic or if abroad a "Gshasthacarya" to hear his

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160: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD (or her) request for pardon. Next, the layperson is advised to recite the "Great Mantra" until complete loss of consciousness. If he (she) is unable to speak, these "mantra" will be whispered in his (her) ear, until he (she) passes away. He (she) is also invited, if he (she) has financial resources, to give charities that constitute a meritorious deed for removing or reducing the bad "karma" in his (her) future life. If it is a death by the rite of "sallekhana", the layperson must have taken this vow before and has to fulfil the required conditions we have already mentioned, keeping in mind that Jains are totally opposed to suicide. Before proceeding to the rite of "sallekhana", under the conditions set for it, the adept must obtain the permission from an "Acarya" or a "Grhasthacarya". However, some reasons do not make this act deserving like, for example: the desire for a better rebirth as human or celestial being, the lure of death or a pernicious pleasure. In the case of a correct rite of "sallekhana", it is necessary the layperson fasts progressively and unceasingly. He (or she) must reduce bit by bit his food and drink without becoming ill. He (she) may practise the rite at home, in a temple or in a remote place, after having confessed his sins and expressed his (her) repent of them. He (she) must spend the last time of his (her) life to meditate and to overcome sufferings. At the approach of death, the adepts who are presents must remain standing near in "kayotsarga" posture, reciting Namokara Mantra" and exhorting the person concerned to remain steady and trustful in the success of the vow. In India, after death occurs, the corpse is laid on the ground and washed with a linen cloth. In other countries, the washing of the corpse is done according to local traditions. The corpse is dressed, covered with a pall, and a lamp full of ghee is lighted by his side. The neighbours, when advised of the death, come and bring food for the members of the family. They remind to say to them that it is the truth of life".

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 161 In India, the corpse is brought in procession to a funeral-pyre or to a crematorium if one exists. For cremation on a pyre, Jains must watch that neither animals nor plants may be burned in the process. They sweep the ground before and place on it pieces of wood without insects or worms that might be burned. Some ghee is poured on the pyre so that the fire burns well and camphor and sandal powder are added to perfume the air. The corpse is placed on the pyre and it is usually the eldest son who does the rite or otherwise a male member of the family. He wears only a white "dhoti" as garment. After having walked three times around the pyre, while singing the " Namokara Mantra ", he lights it with a piece of wood upon which camphor has been poured and he ensures the corpse be properly burned to ashes. The following day, relatives go to the place of cremation and pour unboiled milk over the ashes. Ashes are put into bags and the ground is ritually cleaned. The ashes of the Jains are not thrown in a river, like in Hindu tradition. Parents make a hole in the earth in which they respectfully place them and some salt is sprinkled over, so that they are totally disintegrated. The hole is then covered with sand. In some Jain castes, the ashes and bones are thrown in a river like in Hindu tradition. If it is a young child who is dead, its corpse is not burned. It is buried with some salt and the grave is covered. These rites are different for the Jains living in a city with a crematorium. They have the corpses transported there and, after cremation, the ashes are put in an urn, placed in a cemetery. During the thirteen days that follow a death, parents and friends recite "mantra" for the liberation of the soul of the dead. They also sing hymns that recall the temporary nature of the body and help the family materially and financially if needed. Generally, Jains do not weep over their dead ones for, according to their tradition, their souls are born again into a new life or have attained "moksa" forever. Likewise, they have no special rite for the anniversary of the death of an adept, be it a member of the family or not. On the other hand, they

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162: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD velebrate joyously the commemorative days of liberation of their Virthankara and of some of their great Siddha. When an animal is close to die, Jains recite the "Great Mantra "by As sides for the liberation of its soul, like it was a human being, aware the tradition according to Parsva would have done so for two makes that where about to be burnt. Afterwards, the legend is that hese snakes became his guardians (yaksa) and (yaksi) under the tames of Dharanendra and Padmavati. 1 Their cults We will see now what the Jains have as objects of cults and what Met practices are on the matter. According to their obedience, they Sorship or not temples and statues, but all care greatly their sacred books, their holy places and all that lives in nature, together with pority and basic virtues. We have already spoken of their "revered Behgs, we will return to this matter for enlighten how the Jain laity Practice their veneration. * Their objects of cults . ) Temples. A great number of Jains have a profound admiration for temples. As we have said, they have built a great number of them, since many centuries, and they continue to do so in India as well as in other countries where they have established communities. These constructions fulfil specific requirements of place, opportunity and shape. Generally, the place where they are erected is chosen so as to recall a religious fact, to honour a Tirthankara, lo encourage meditation and contemplation of the followers. Their shape is modelled on the idea they have of the world, with the assembly of adepts constituting the nave (mandapa), the worldly abode of the honoured Tirthankara the choir (garbha-grha), the mythic Mount Mery from where the thoughts of humans rise up to the region of liberated souls the spire (sikhar.).

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 163 Jain sanctuaries are built on a sacred foundation stone called "karmasila" so that they may last a very long time. On their thresholds, dragon's heads are often portrayed; we will see their symbol in the next chapter. On the outer walls, one may see stars, dancers, musicians and other things. The architecture of these temples is marvellous and the delicate nature of their chiselling bears testimony of fondness for their places of worship. Jains like their sanctuaries be very beautiful for they shelter the statues of their revered beings. As already said many of these temples in India are unequalled masterpieces. When their construction is complete, these temples are the objects of great ceremonies (pratistha-mahotsava) that last several days. One or more statue (s) of Tirthankara and other deities chosen by the community or by the constructor of the monument are installed in it with great solemnity. Such ceremonies are managed by one or several "Acarya". They are always joyous events marked by a great enthusiasm. They attract numerous followers and include many rites: fasts, "puja", hymns, songs, sermons, processions and evocations of the five auspicious events (pancakalyanaka) of the Tirthankara to whom the sanctuary is dedicated. The adepts who like temples go there often, either individually or in groups, at the occasion of numerous religious rites, festivals and ceremonies. They are happy to meet each other and to express their faith or to simply practice the contemplation (darsana) of the Tirthankara, to do "puja''to meditate and address prayers to some deities (gods or goddesses) in the hope to receive some boons from them. b) Statues. The most important Jain obediences, like the "Murtipujaka" represent their Tirtharkara and deities in the shape of statues or images to whom they vow a great veneration (mahabhakti). It is the same for the Catholics with the statues of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and numerous other saints. Just as Protestants do not admit statues in their temples, similarly the Svetambara Sthanakavasi, and Terapanthi and the Digambara Taranapanthi do not have statues at their place of

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164: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD prayers. The Hindus also have a multitude of gods represented by numerous statues. It is the same in Buddhism with a lot of images of Buddha and "Bodhisattva". It is the same with Svetambara Murtipujaka and Digambara Bisapanthi sect. They have the statues of Tirthankara, Yaksa, Yaksi Gods and Goddesses in their temple. There are innumerable Jain statues in India. Many of them are several centuries old. Some are in a good state of preservation; others are damaged or have been mutilated or broken mostly by Muslims invaders. Some have been rediscovered during archaeological excavations, some are considered to be miraculous, and others have been moved so that they are better worshiped elsewhere. Some are preserved, in various museums in India and abroad, as precious pieces of Jain art. Most of the statues of Tirthankara represent them standing alone or grouped in "kayotsarga" posture. Some are seated in lotus posture (padmasana). They are for their majority made of stone or of marble. Some are in common metal, others in silver or even in gold. According to the obedience, they may or not be adorned with rich garments, diadems, crowns, precious stones and jewels. Some are adorned with flowers and various offerings from the adepts; others are nude without any adornment or offering. Some of them have the eyes closed, in a profound meditation, others have them wide open, very expressive and colourful. Some are huge: others are of human size or smaller. All are recognizable by their style that has somewhat evolved in time but has always preserved a certain unity. They have or not a tuft of curly hair and a stylised flower on their chest (srivat the drawing of an animal or of an object on their pedestal that makes easier identify the Jina they represent called their "lanchana". Contrary to statues of other Indian religions, those of the Jains have neither a third eye on the forehead nor a lock of hair on their head, at the exception of Rsabha for the lock of hair. Some, like Buddhist ones, have long ears, a hood of cobras (naga) or a triple parasol (trichatra) above their head to mark their knowledge or their majesty. * Depending on the Tirthankara, they are in golden, white, red, green or

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 165 black colours. One may also see bearers of fans (camaradhara) and guardians or servants (yaksa and (yaksi) by their side. For the Digambara, these servants are always males. Behind the statue one can often see the special tree, "kevala vrksa", under with the Tirthankara has attained omniscience. When there is no temple near they live, Jains place a statue of the Tirthankara they prefer at home, if they practice this kind of cult. Every day, they view him, wash him, praise him, and sometimes swing a lamp in front of him in performing the "arati". The Svetambara make offerings of flowers, sweets and so on. Hereby, they strengthen their faith in their religion. Sometimes, they place also at home an image of the deity they want to receive favours from, for example goddess Laksmi or Sarasvati. Often, they also have a "mandala" or a "yantra" at home to do their meditations, like the ascetics, when they have reached the step of high spiritual progress. The Jain cult regarding statues must not be considered as fetishism or idolatry. It is the same practice as in other religions that also represent their God and saints in that way. These statues and images represent human beings that Jains consider to have obtained liberation and thereby merit to be honoured, revered and worshiped. The ablutions and offerings the Jains make to them do not aim to render them propitious. These gestures have only a symbolic meaning about what we will speak later. The Tirthankara are, for the Jains, in the "Siddha loka" where they have absolutely nothing to do with our world. They are totally cut from our problems. Concerning celestial beings, Jains also represent them in the form of statues or images to whom they address prayers. They have a more magic than religious character and their number remains limited compared to Hinduism. One should recall that not all Jains follow the cult of statues and that those who practice it do not worship them as idols but express this way their respect to those they represent.

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166: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD When a statue of a Tirthankara is installed in a temple for the first time, an "Acarya" or an "Anuyogacarya" who comes after him in the hierarchical order applies, before the ceremony itself, a special lotion on its eyes in saying specific "mantra". This rite is called "anjanasalaka". It symbolizes the energy the statue will give to the devotees when they will come and proceed to its contemplation (darsana). It is not to receive favours but a kind of hypnotism to progress on the way to liberation. We will see a little later, when we will speak about the "puja", the symbolism of various Jain practices in front of one or more statues of Tirthankara in their temples. c) Sacred books: As we have said, Jains show a great respect and a great veneration for their sacred books, even if they do not have the same importance in every obedience. They like to read and to meditate on them, to listen to ascetics' explanations and comments on them. Some texts are difficult or not easily understandable for common people because they are often written in ancient languages. Some are not published or even translated. They are carefully preserved in special libraries (bhandara) and only consulted by learned monks. Ascetics who have studied these books thoroughly can best explain their contents and their meaning to the laity. The laity studies them according to a rite called "upadhana" that includes specific methods of reading, analysis, exegesis, and recitation by heart, etc. The ascetics learn them through "upadhanavidhi"' and the monks through "yogodvahana-vidh?' (a particular type of austerity, which ensures the purity of mind, body and speech). For Digambara "Taranapanthi" the cult of sacred books is primordial because they do not want to be considered as idolatrous. To them, the sacred scriptures represent the quintessence of their faith. They contain the Tirthankara's teachings, of those who have attained perfect knowledge and spread it to humanity. They add to these books those of their founder Tarana Svami. Digambara

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals: 167 "Kanjipanthi" do the same with the books on the doctrine written by Kanji Svami and Kundakunda. Svetambara "Sthanakavasi" and "Terapanthi" also prefer the cult of sacred books to that of statues. As for all the others, either Svetambara or Digambara, that practice both cults, they have perfected their own canons and refer to them with much attention and respect. They also have a great respect for their spiritual Masters who have written commentaries on sacred books to explain them and make them more accessible. Let us recall that when an Acarya cannot be presented at a religious ceremony the adepts use a "sthapanacharya" to stand instead. It consists of four crossed stems of sandalwood upon which they place a sacred book or some other objects such as a plate having the image of an Acarya or five "candanaka" (five symbols representating the five Paramesthins) to represent the Acarya. d) Holy places: Like Hindus and Buddhists, Jains love to undertake individual or collective pilgrimages to various places they regard as sacred, in India. We have seen the main ones in chapter 5. To go on pilgrimage is a meritorious act in any religion. Here, it is even more important because these places are for their large majority on high hills or mountains. To go there requires great efforts and certain physic strength. Followers have to climb numerous steps in humid environment during monsoon or in very hot temperature outside that period. They have to get up very early in the morning, to make long treks, often to walk and rest a little before arriving at their destination. Those who do not have means to pay a bearer are obliged to rest many times on the way. For that reason, little chapels are displayed all along where pilgrims may practice meditation, do a "puja", find a water monger to quench their thirst. Followers climb most of the time barefoot while reciting "mantra" or singing religious hymns. Those who are old or weak to climb ask the service of men who wait at the bottom of the hill to bear them on palanquins made of branches and ropes.

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168: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Arrived at the top, pilgrims have to wait before they can approach the holy sanctuary, because there are plenty of people that climb there during religious festivals. It is the occasion for them to speak with other adepts coming from different places or to receive news of friends and acquaintances. At last, it is the supreme moment of the sight (darsana) of the temple, of the statue of the Tirthankara, of the footprints of revered beings, or of the slabs of marble remembering those who have practised the rite of "sallekhana" here. Pilgrims express respectful greetings (anjali), set some flowers or other offerings, recite a short prayer, sing some "stotra" and, in the evening, they go down with the joy of having performed an extremely meritorious deed. Some of them start a fast one day before or even more. Their legs are unsteady when they reach the "dharmasala" to rest for the night. And, it is the return at home, the heart beaming of joy, after having seen so many things, met so many fellow devotees, and created so many memories... e) Nature and life: Jains have always had a great respect for all that is endowed with life and therefore souls (jiva), be they humans, animals or plants, celestial or infernal. For them, non-violence towards all lives is the highest religion (ahimsa paramo dharmah). They have taken the vow to never voluntary cause harm to them. Ascetics, for their own part, have taken the vow of absolute nonviolence. We have seen the application of that principle in the prohibition to exert various professions, in the practice of vegetarianism or veganism, in the use of a "muhapatti" by some ascetics, in sweeping the path when walking, in the interdiction to eat at night, etc. We bring to mind their classification of all the living beings in motionless ones "sthavara" that are in earth, water, fire, air and have only one sense, and in moving ones "trasa" with two, three, four and five senses, that must not be hurt, ill-treated, damaged, killed or destroyed Jains have also a true cult for the environment. They are, since always, great ecologists and they militate in favour of the protection

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 169 of the four essentials elements of life on earth. Let us recall on that matter the Jain declaration on nature. f) Purity and fundamental virtues: During their life, all Jains try hard to get their soul rid of material particles of "karma" that obscure, enslave and deceive it. For that, they take vows, practice austerities and penances (especially numerous fasts) and are bent on cultivating the multiple virtues of the Jina (the conquerors of passions), of the Siddha (those who have attained absolute purity of the soul and are forever rescued from the cycle of deaths and rebirths). We will not come back on these virtues but to remember those among them that are in great esteem: non-violence, equanimity, honesty, frankness, charity, love and respect for humans, animals, plants, etc. * Their ways of practicing cult In studying Jain diversity, we have already briefly seen the common practices of worship of the various obediences. We will not repeat them. What we want to detail here concerns the "puja", that are extremely multiple in their moods, and some other practices like "mantra", "sutra", prayers, religious songs and hymns. a) "Puja". In Jain ritual, we must discern two fundamental kinds of "puja": those that include material elements, like offerings of rice, flowers, etc. called "dravya-puja" and those purely mental, internal, called "bhava-puja". Ascetics, who are absolutely detached from material things, do not practice the first; the laity practices both. These "puja" may be very short and simple or include multiple rites. We will try to see some of them, knowing that it is to the adept to define his choice if he is alone or to the community if it calls upon an officiant named "pujari". To be simple we will explain what a Jain laity may do during a "puja" of medium length. We will cite the case of "paja" performed in temples because those performed at home are regarded as more

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170: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD simple or fragmentary, be they in the presence of a statue of a Jina or his image. All, in a Jain "dravya-puja", must be understood as having symbolic characters. Before proceeding, the adept (man or woman) must, as we have said, cleanse the body of all impurity. For that, he (she) must take a bath or a shower and put on clean clothes. On the way to the temple, the adept must also reject all thought relating to daily problems or worldly affairs. Before entering the sanctuary, the adept must take off foot wares and when crossing the threshold say a first "nisihi" that means he (or she) promises to not think, speak or act in regard to worldly affairs during the "puja". He (she) may ring the bell at the entrance of the temple, to symbolize the mark of his (her) presence. If a "pujari" has prepared the necessary things, the adept finds, on a little table or on a tray, a pot full of boiled water and on another a little cup full of ghee with a wick to practice the "arati". On the side are, according to the obedience: rice, flowers, pieces of coconut, almonds, sandal paste, saffron, incense sticks etc. If there is no "pujari", the adept brings the elements he (she) will use and puts them on the table or on the tray. If the adept is a Svetambara, a man leaves his town clothes in a cloakroom and put a white "dhoti", a white cloth on his chest and in front of his mouth a piece of linen or uses the end of the cloth worn on the upper part of the body to cover the mouth. He may also put a "tilaka" on his forehead, with sandal paste, to open the point of knowledge, according to an Indian tradition. To begin, the adept does an "anjali'i.e. joins the hands in front of the forehead facing the statue in the "garbha-grha" and says "Namo Jinanam!" (I salute respectfully the Jina!). If the configuration of the temple permits the rite, he (she) then performs a threefold circumambulation (pradaksina) of the statue kept to the right hand, to call to mind the three jewels" of right vision, right knowledge and

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 171 right conduct, while reciting with devotion each time a specific "sutra". The adept may as well after the "anjali " go to the table to draw, with the rice grains, an auspicious Indian "swastika " on it, to symbolize the four kinds of living beings in the world, and above it three small heaps of rice to represent the "three jewels", if he (she) has not proceeded to the circumambulations. Otherwise, these heaps will symbolize: the Tirthankara, the sacred books and the spiritual masters. He (she) may also make a little crescent above it, with the rice, to represent the "Siddha-loka", and in its centre a small dot for the liberated soul. Afterwards, the devotee says a second "nisihi" makes a second salutation and enters the "garbha-glha" while carrying respectfully, in front of the statue, the tray on which is placed the pot containing boiled water mixed with milk and other perfumed substances, like sandalwood and various natural essences. If the statue of the Tirthankara is small in size and easily accessible the adept performs its ablution (abhiseka) with the water. If not, he (she) may do the rite on a small statue especially placed in front of the big one for this purpose. This "paja" is called "jala puja" that is to say "with water". It symbolizes the crossing of the ocean of transmigrations for all living beings and the necessity to purify the soul through nonviolence, honesty, frankness, chastity and unworldliness. For some Jains, this rite commemorates the bath by "Indra" of the Tirthankara at their birth, atop Mount Meru. The adept wipes carefully the statue after and dries it with a clean linen. The devotee may also apply sandal paste in various places on the statue. It is the rite of the sandal called "candana-puja " or "angapuja". The applications are usually done on defined points: on the toes (right and left) or on the two soles of the feet to have strength to remain standing for a long time to meditate, on the two shoulders (right and left) to get rid of the ego or on the two forearms which

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172: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD signifies "charity" as makes the Tirthankara before renouncing the world, on the head to obtain right knowledge, on the forehead to strengthen faith or vision, on the neck to speak with judgement, on the chest to destroy desires and attachments and on the stomach to learn to fast and to have a good self-control. With each application, the adept must recite the corresponding "mantra". If he (she) does not wipe after the marks from the statue, it is because it will be done later by the "pujari"who is also the guardian of the temple and in charge of its maintenance and cleanliness. According to the obedience, the devotee may make afterwards an offering of flowers. It is a "puspa puja". This gesture reminds that the conduct of a Jain must be like a flower that spreads its perfume everywhere without discrimination i.e. that he (she) must be full of love and compassion for all living beings. The devotee may also leave the "garbha-grha" and proceed to the "darsana" (contemplation) of the Jina, while putting hands joined in front of the forehead, bowing several times and praising the Tirthankara it represents. This is a form of "bhava-paja". After, he (she) may light and move sticks of incense in front of the statue that symbolizes asceticism and the obligation for a Jain laity to try to live like an ascetic. He (she) may also light a specific lamp called "dipa" or "mangala divo" to evoke the light of knowledge. It is a "dipa puja". The adept may after look at the statue in a mirror. It is a "darpanapaja". This rite is practiced to show that the mirror reflects the image of the statue in the same way as the adept and so that all souls are alike. He (she) may in addition wave a flyswatter (camara) in front of the statue as a form of respectful homage. It is a "camara-puja". He (she) may offer sweets like pieces of coconuts or almonds wishing that life be full of sweetness and love. It is a "naivedya-puja". The adept may also offer ripe fruits. It is a "phala-paja". This rite means that he (she) wishes to arrive to maturity without like and dislike. He (she) may offer grains of rice wishing that, in the same way rice do not grows if it is

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 173 sowed in a dry earth, he (she) will not be reborn into the "samsara". It. is an "aksata-puja. The adept who has completed the eight rites mentioned above is said to have done the octople "puja" (astaprakari puja). Note that the various offerings are not intended for the Tirthankara represented by the statue, but are a demonstration of the indifference of the devotee to all these things. It is forbidden to take these offerings again after the "puja" When they are all completed; the "pujari" is permitted to keep those that are consumable to thank him for his services. Bisapanthi distribute these offerings as "prasada". At the occasion of each "puja", the adept recites appropriate "mantra" or "sutra". If he (she) has time, he (she) may say a third "nisihi", enter into a "bhava-paja", and practise the rite called "caityavandana" with a concentration of mind only on the Jina. This rite includes meditatious hymns of praise (stavana) to the Jina, recitation with a rosary (mala) of 108 beans representing the 108 qualities of the five "Paramesthins", etc. He (she) does that, according to the obedience, either standing or sitting in lotus posture "padmasana", looking at the statue without being disturbed. In the second case the adept must clean or brush the floor with his (her) cloth so that no small insect may be hurt by sitting here. This is called "pramarjana". He (she) may also execute great prostrations called "pancanga pramana" whereby touching the ground with five parts of the body: the two knees, the two forearms and the head or adopt the "kayotsarga posture", while reciting the corresponding "mantra", recite the "sakrastava", softly sing the "uvasaggahara-stotra" that removes obstacles, recite the "Jayaviyaraya" with the hands joined in front of the forehead, etc. For more details look, for example, at the web site www.jainuniversity.org/rituals in Jain temple. Before leaving the temple, the adept may again do three "pancanga pramana" and bow in front of the statue of deities present near by in little recesses. Before going out he (she) says "avassihi (may I go out?). He may leave a small donation in the moneybox, ring the bell

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174: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD again to announce his (her) departure and as sign of rejoicing for having contemplated the Jina and performed meritorious "puja" for his (her) spiritual progress. Slowly, he (she) must walk away backwards so as not to turn his (her) back on the Jina in the "sanctum". His (her) "puja" made, the Jain laity remove his mouth cover, if he (she) had set one, puts again his town garments if a man and shoes if he (she) had not come to the temple bare foot, in India. He (she) may remain there for a moment under the entry or porch of the temple or outside to feel, as said in sacred Jain scriptures, a true benefit in himself (herself) after his (her) visit to the temple and his (her) various "puja". If it is possible, the adept returns to the temple in the evening to proceed to the "arati" with a special lamp for it or light the wicks of the cup of ghee on a tray (mangala-dipaka). He (she) ascends the lamp or the tray on the left side and brings it down on the right side two or three times. During this rite, other adepts, if there are some, sing the specific hymn for the "arati", make ring the bell and clap their hands as signs of joy. There is still the possibility to cite numerous other kinds of Jain "puja" like those called "panca-kalyanaka-puja" that recall the five great auspicious events in the life of a Tirthankara (his conceiving, birth, renouncement to the world, omniscience and liberation), the "antaraya karma puja" that includes a series of prayers to remove the "karma" that obscures the power of the soul to progress spiritually, the "Arihanta puja" constituted of meditations in the temple on the "siddhacakra" that represents the five valorous beings: the Arhat, the liberated soul, the spiritual master, the religious teacher and the monk. The "Nandisvara puja" that commemorates the veneration of God "Indra" in the heaven called "Nandisvara". This "puja" is performed during an annual festival that takes place every year and lasts eight days. There also is the "sthapana-puja" concerning the representation of a Jina, the "nama-puja" for the recitation of the names of the Tirthankara. Vilas Sangave adds the "ksetra-puja" for the veneration

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 175 of sacred places, the "kala-puja" to celebrate the beauty of a statue or the life of an Arhat, the "agra-puja" when offerings are put in front of the statue, the "anga-puja" when they are placed on the statue, specific "puja" like the "santi snatra puja" in favour of peace in the world, and so on. Digambara proceed like the Svetambara but do not use flowers, Fighted lamps or fruits during their "puja" they usually sprinkle yellow rice grains in all directions to purify the surroundings. As mentioned earlier, some Jain communities resort to a "pujari" to practice these cults and to keep watch over their temples. For a "pujari" it is not necessary to be a Jain. In South India Digambara often have their "paja "performed by an officiant and devotees take part to it by religious songs, hymns and recitations of "mantra ". Those in North India generally prefer to perform their "paja" themselves. Concerning Svetambara, both methods are used. In the evening, it is often a "pujari" who does the "arati" in the temple and burns some incense sticks. Sthanakavasi practice, at home or in their "sthanaka ", a specific cult that comprises, in the morning, the recitation of the "Namokara Mantra" with a rosary of 108 beans and the "karemi bhante "which is a promise not to commit sins during the day in thoughts, words or acts. Next, they praise the 24 Tirthankara (caturvimsatistava), greet the gurus (vandana) and ask forgiveness for their sins of the day before and of the night. After the recitation of the "Tassottari patha" to purify their body, they decide to undergo various austerities during that day to expiate their sins and they say another praising of the Tirthankara. In the evening, they confess their sins of the day, and sing hymns of praise. They must furthermore read sacred books acknowledged as valuable by their obedience. They are also recommended to fast regularly and to meditate for the elevation of their soul. b) "Mantra", "sutra", prayers, religious songs and hymns: Jains recite and sing, as we have seen, numerous appropriate "mantra"

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176: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD and "sutra" during their rites and their "puja". We will see these practices in detail in the next chapter on Jain symbols. They say also prayers to heavenly beings, especially to gods and goddesses who are supposed to bestow favours to humans. During their "puja" they like as well sing various religious songs and hymns specifically praising the Tirthankara. We will see in a more detailed mood such types of cults in the next chapter. Now, we will have a look at their religious festivals that are for them the opportunity to do "paja", to practice austerities, like fasts, to undertake pilgrimages, etc. 3. Their religious festivals Jain festivals (mahotsava) are very numerous. It is impossible to find one month during the year when there are none. We may class them roughly in five categories: periodical, historical, local, commemorative and special. In the periodical festivals we find fasts (prosadha) of the eighth and fourteenth days of each fortnight of the month, of the eight last days (astahnika) of the Indian months of "kartika" (October November), "phalguna " (February March), "asadha " (June/July) and of the ten last days (dasalaksani) of "bhadra " (August/September), "magha" (January February) and "caitra" (March/April). The days of new moon (amavasya) and of full moon (purnima) are considered by the Jains as sacred. So, fasts and particular devotions are also the rule on these occasions. All these fasts are only practiced by the most pious Jains; many of them limit their effective number or sometimes practice only semi-fasts consisting of only a meal a day with bland food (ayambila). Historical festivals honour the anniversaries of important religious events. Local ones are limited to specific regions. Commemorative festivals recall the five great auspicious events in the life of a Tirthankara. There are also great festivals, lasting several days, like consecrations of temples, installations of statues in a sanctuary, etc. For the Jain laity all these celebrations are the occasion to break the daily monotony and to sustain their faith. The places where they are

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Religious meeting with music and songs in the presence of one Digambara and four Svetambara monks

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BLAN magavAnasRSabhadevasamavasaraNazrIvihAra. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpai, former Prime Minister of India taking part to "Mahavira Jayanti festival" in Delhi

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 177 celebrated are repaired, cleaned, and decorated. The adepts put on their most beautiful garments and meet to exchange news, to sing, dance, listen to sacred music, see edifying drama, do processions, take frugal meals together, etc. The stricter obediences prefer, on these occasions, fast, take vows, listen to religious lectures and make generous donations. As always, we must make a distinction between the Svetambara and the Digambara festivals and cite those observed by both sections. We will keep as references the calendar published every year, since 2000, by "JAINA" and the summary made by Dr Jyoti Prasad Jain in his book "Religion and culture of the Jains" published in 1983 by Bharatiya Jnanpith Publications, New Delhi. We must add that calendars, in India, are somewhat different according to one is in the South or in the North and that a lunar calendar is normally used for religious festivals. So the dates (tithi) of Jain festivals change from one year to another. We will begin with the Indian lunar month of "magha" (January/February) to be relatively in accordance with the Gregorian calendar used in Western world, noting that the "Jain New Year'' falls in October/November the day after the celebration of the anniversary of Mahavira's liberation. We will follow also the Jain tradition along which each month begins the day that follows full moon (purnima) and is divided into two halves (paksa) of 14 or 15 days (fortnights) of dark moon (krsna) and of bright moon (sukla) separated by new moon (amavasya). To the twelve lunar months is added, every 30 or 32 months, a supplementary month (adhikamasa), to be in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Lunar month of "Magha" (January/February) The 11th day of the dark fortnight of this month, Jains celebrate the anniversary of Sitala's birth (Sitala-janma) and the 14th day the anniversary of Rsabha's liberation on Mount Astapada. *

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178: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD The 4th day of the bright fortnight, they commemorate Vimala's birth (Vimala-janma). The 5th day it is the festival to announce the spring called "Vasanta Pancami. On this day also "Magha Dasalaksana-parva" begins marked by fasts, meditations on religious law, forgiveness and humility. The 9th day is the anniversary of Ajita's birth (Ajita-janma), the 12'" the commemoration of Abhinandana's birth, the 13th that of Dharma and the 14th the end of Dasalaksana. * Lunar month of "Phalguna" (February March) The 4th day of the dark fortnight it is the celebration of Padmaprabha's liberation (Padmaprabha-moksa). On the 7th day the liberations of Suparsva and Candraprabha are commemorated. On the 11th day the memory of Sreyamsa's birth is celebrated. The 12th is the festival of Munisuvrata's liberation and the 14th that of Vasupujya's birth. The 5th day of the bright fortnight is the anniversary of Malli's liberation. From the gch to the 15ch day a fast is practiced. It is "Phalguni Astahnika". The 15th day is for the Svetambara the fourmonthly "Caturdasi": (an elaborated "pratikramana)". * Lunar month of "Caitra" (March/April) The 4th day of the dark fortnight "Rajacandra samadhi" is commemorated. The gch begins height days of penance called "varsitapas". The 9th day commemorates the anniversary of Lord Rsabha's birth. The 15th day it is the new moon (amavasya) when the liberations of Ara and Ananta are celebrated.

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. Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 179 The 5th day of the bright fortnight commemorates the liberation of Ajita and the 7th that of Sambhava. From the 7th to the 15th day a fast of ten days called "Caitra dasalaksana-parva" or "Ayambila oli" is kept. The 11th day Sumati's birth and liberation are commemorated. The 13th day is the anniversary of Mahavira's birth (Mahavira-janma or jayanti). The adepts perform a "paja"after the procession of his statue in a cradle. It is one of the most joyous Jain celebrations of the year. The 15th day it is the full moon and the festival called "Caitra parnima" with a pilgrimage to Satrunjaya for some Jains. * Lunar month of "Vaisakha" (April/May) On the 10th day of the dark fortnight of this month, Jains celebrate the anniversary of Munisuvrata's birth. The 13" is the anniversary from some obedience of santi's birth and liberation. The 14th is the anniversary of santi's renunciation or of Nemi's liberation, according to the obedience. The 1st day of the bright fortnight, Kunthu's birth and liberation are celebrated. The 3'day is "Aksaya-titiya" the anniversary of the day when Rsabha broke his first one-year fast at Hastinapur by drinking some sugar-cane juice offered to him by Princess Sreyamsa. All the adepts who have undergone a series of fasts during the year receive sugar-cane juice to drink on this day. A great religious ceremony takes place at Hastinapur in the chapel erected in 1978 with the statues of Rsabha and Sreyamsa and dedicated to the end of fasts. On the same day the Svetambara undertake a pilgrimage to Satrunjaya to render homage to the Yaksi of Rsabha, the goddess Cakresvari who is thought to help women with their fasts. A temple is dedicated to her for this reason. The 6h day Jains commemorate Abhinandana's

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180: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD. liberation and the 10h day is celebrated the illumination of Lord Mahavira (Mahavira's kevala-jnana). * Lunar month of "Jyestha" (May/April) The 12 h day of the dark fortnight of this month Jains commemorate Ananta's birth, the 14th day Nami's birth and liberation and santi's nirvana. The 4th day of the bright fortnight it is the evocation of Dharma's liberation. The 5th day, the Digambara celebrate the anniversary of the final version of their canon. It is "Sruta-pancami". Their sacred books are particularly venerated on this occasion, as well as their great authors, especially Puspadanta, Bhutabali and Kundakunda. The 12h day Jains commemorate Suparsva's birth. * Lunar month of "Asadha" (June / July) The 8th day of the dark fortnight of this month Jains celebrate Vimala's liberation and the 10 day the anniversary of Nami's birth. The 6th day of the bright fortnight it is the anniversary of Lord Mahavira's conception. From the 8ch to the 15th day of this fortnight Jains keep fast. It is "Asadha-astahnika" or "Asadhi-atthai". The 14th day is for the Svetambara the four-monthly "Caturdasi". The 15" day takes place the festival called "Guru Purnima" in memory of Lord Mahavira's choice of a first main desciple in the person of Indrabhuti Gautama. During that celebration Jains honour especially their "Guru", their "Acarya" and their "Upadhyaya". This 15" day is also the day of full moon and the "caturmasa caudasa", the beginning of the rainy season. The ascetics are welcomed by the laity with joy; they meet them again, receive their blessings, listen to their preachings in their "upasraya", etc.

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* Lunar month of "Sravana" (July/August) The 1st day of the dark fortnight of this month, Jains commemorate the first sermon that Mahavira gave in 557 BC on Mount Vipala, near Rajgriha. It is the festival called "Vira sasana-jayanti". Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 181 The 6th day of the bright fortnight is the anniversary of Nemi's birth. The 7th day is "Moksa-saptami", the anniversary of "Parsva's nirvana" on Mount Parasnath. On the 15th day it is full moon and also the celebration called "Raksa-bandhana" in memory of the rescue, by the saint Visnu Kumara, of 700 ascetics that the tyrant Bali wanted to kill. This day symbolizes for the Jains the protection of religion and ascetics. It is also the commemoration of Sreyamsa's liberation. * Lunar month of "Bhadra" (August/September) The 1st day of the dark fortnight of this month begins with "Sodasakarana-vrata" that lasts all the month and celebrates the sixteen Jain aspirations engaged in good works towards all living beings. From the 12th day of this fortnight to the 4th day of the bright fortnight, Svetambara celebrate "Paryusana parva" the most important festival of the year marked by fasts, veneration of the Jina and the public reading of Mahavira's life in the Kalpasutra. From the 1st day to the 3rd day of the bright fortnight "labdhividhana vrata" heralds three days of composure and fast. On the 3rd day young girls do a special fast called "Trailokya vrata"". The 4th day statues are washed and bathed, temples cleaned and decorated par those who practice that cult. The 5th day it is the end of Svetambara's "Paryusana" and the great day of repentance and forgiveness called "Samvatsari pratikramana". The adepts reflect on the sins they have committed during the year, confess them and ask for absolution. They do penances and write to their relatives, friends and acquaintances to pardon them for the evil they might have done

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182: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD them to the year. On this day begins also for the Digambara the 10 days festival called "Dasalaksana parva" which is similar to the Svetambara "Paryusana parva". They celebrate on this occasion the ten basic virtues of the laity. The 7th day is "Sila saptami" or "Nirdosa saptami" that includes also a fast. The 8th day is the commemoration of Puspadanta's liberation. The 10th day is "Sugandha dasami" that consists of fast and burning incense in front of statues of the Jina. The 11h day is a fast called "Ananta vrata", the 12ch day is called "dugdha rasa" and, on the 13th day "Ratnatraya vrata "begins. It lasts three days and is marked by venerations and meditations on the "three jewels". The 14" day is "Ananta caturdasi" the most sacred of these ten days for the Digambara when men and women, young and old, fast, confess their sins and worship the Jina. It is also the commemoration of Vasupujya's liberation. * Lunar month of "Asvina" (September / October) The 1st day of the dark fortnight of this month, it is for the Digambara the day of universal forgiveness called "Ksamavani". They practice the same ritual as the Svetambara for their "Samvatsaripratikramana". From the 7th to the 15th day of the bright fortnight of "Asvina" it is "Ayambila oli" with bland foods. The 8th day is the commemoration of Sitala's liberation. The 15th day is full moon and the big festival of "Asvina purnima" with fasts. * Lunar month of "Kartika" (October / November) The 10h day of the dark fortnight of this month some Jains celebrate Mahavira's renunciation to the world. The 13h day Jains celebrate "Dhanaterasa" the anniversary of the travelling of Mahavira to Pava where he attained liberation. Jains send cards to their relativess, friends and acquaintances wishing to them the days coming a "Happy Divali and a prosperous New Year!" It is also the anniversary of Padmaprabha's birth. Next day, it is "Rupa-caturdasi" or "choti-divali" that commemorates the day when devotees have

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 183 seen Mahavira for the last time. During the night, Jains celebrate joyously Lord Mahavira's liberation called "Divali or "Dipavali " (the feast of lamps) that coincides with Hindu "Divali". A multitude of lamps are lighted to honour he who, according to Jain tradition, "has granted light to the world". It is also the commemoration of the illumination of Indrabhuti Gautama, one of his chief disciples. Next day, the 1st of the bright fortnight, it is the "New Year of the era of Lord Mahavira's liberation "Vira Nirvana Samvat". Jains who are in business begin a new commercial year and start their new books of counts. The 2nd day is the festival called "Bhai Bija" and the 5th "jnana pancami" when right knowledge is especially honoured by the Jains. From the 84 to the 15th day it is "kartika astahnika" during which there are fasts and worshipping of the "siddhacakra". The 14th day, it is the four-monthly "caturdasi", the Svetambara perform an elaborated "pratikramana". The 15th day (day of the full moon)) it is "kartika parnima" when the end of the rainy season (caturmasa) is celebrated. Ascetics go on the roads again and some Jains in pilgrimage to Satrunjaya. A procession is organised in Calcutta. It is also the anniversary of the birth of the great Acarya Hemacandra. or "Agrahayana Lunar month of "Margasirsa" (November/December) The 1'st day of the bright fortnight of this month is the anniversary of Puspadanta's birth. The 11"' day is the festival called "Mauna ekadasi". Jains spend this day to fast in silence (mauna) and to practice meditation during twelve or twenty-four hours. They commemorate also the anniversary of Malli's birth and on the 14" day that of Ara. * Lunar month of "Pausa" (December / January) On the 11th day of the bright fortnight of this month Jains celebrate the anniversary of Lord Parsva's birth. They fast for three days. It is

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184: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD "Pausa dasami". Some go in pilgrimage to Sammet Shikhar, in Bihar, on the hill where Parsva and numerous other Tirthankaras have attained liberation. It is also the anniversary of Candraprabha's birth. Festivals for the consecration of temples or for the installation of statues last several days. They are specific religious manifestations with the presence of an Acarya or (and) of Bhattaraka and of numerous devotees, who sing hymns, do "puja ", lead processions, read sacred books, perform edifying plays, recite "mantra ", burn incense and attend special rites for these events. The biannual conventions in North America organised by JAINA are also festivals. They attract numerous adepts that listen to numerous religious discourses and comments. They attend spiritual concerts, evoke the life of the Tirthankara or some aspects of doctrine, play drama, sing, share meals, forge relationships or meet again friends, etc. Similar meetings take place also for the "Young Jains" who constitute a specific movement within the community. At the beginning of October, on the anniversary of Gandhi's birth every year, since 1992, Jains living in North America celebrate "Ahimsa day". On this occasion, they write articles in newspapers to promote non-violence, organise debates for young generations, hold conferences on the matter, etc. The 14 Biennial JAINA Convention organised at Edison (New Jersey) USA on the 5 to 8 July 2007 had as theme "Peace through dialogue". Every twelve years onwards, the great ablution of Bahubali, of which we have already spoken, takes place at Shravana Belgola. This festival, essentially Digambara, is truly exceptional for its mood, the number and fervour of the participants. It has a joyous and folkloric character and is one of the strongest moments of Jain tradition.

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Their Rites, Cults and Religious Festivals : 185 Numerous are the written, photographic and televised reports worldwide on this very spectacular event. . At last, we must mention the numerous Jain "Mela " all along the year that are joyous meetings of devotees at different sacred places in India like; Ayodhya, Ahicchatra, Mel-Sittamur, Kundalpur, Mahavirji, Gajapantha, Padmapuri, Tijara, Champapuri, Khajuraho, Ranila, Pavapuri, Lonkashah, Shatrunjaya, Kolkata, Muktagiri, Kumbhoj, Mangi-Tungi, Nakoda, Surat, Nainagiri, Ahar, Mumbai, Sammet Shikhar, Bavan Gaja, Kesaria, Pavagarh, Badani, Dronagiri, Sonagiri, etc.

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Chapter 8 THEIR RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS, DRAWINGS AND EXPRESSIONS In the first part of this chapter, we will see quite an important number of Jain symbols. They concern beings, objects and practices it is essential to know the meaning of which, often not very easy to perceive at first sight. In the second part, we will speak of drawings Jains use with almost magic effects to support their meditation and to receive protective results. In the third part, we will see their various religious expressions, like "mantra", "sutra", prayers, songs, hymns and their signification. 1. Their religious symbols Jains give a symbolic character to an important number of beings and things. We will try to bring their meanings to light. * Their symbol-beings For the Jains, the "Arhat" (Tirthankara, Jina) and "Siddha" depicted in Chapter 3 are the highest symbols of perfection, courage, detachment, self-realization and liberation they aspire after. They are, like them, human beings who have lived in this world and who succeeded, by their endeavours, to conquer their passions and to wipe out from their soul all traces of matter or impurity (karma). To their eyes, these beings have obtained absolute knowledge and final liberation of the "samsara" they fear so much; they enjoy forever the eternal bliss of equanimity and peace in the "world of perfect souls" (Siddha-loka) that they place above the universe. These beings have no more connections with our world. They are without worries, without any desire, in absolute bliss.

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 187 If Jains worship so much these eminent beings it is because they are sure they have shown the right way to obtain liberation. They think that in imitating them and in taking them as models, they have the power to gain their same strength, courage and valour. By seeing and contemplating them under various forms, like images or statues, they feel themselves quasi magically pervaded with their benefice influence. They consider they may so already enjoy a tiny part of their own future bliss. In praising and honouring them, they have the feeling that their own efforts and sacrifices will be likewise rewarded. They feel as transported to their future "Paradise". The influence of these "Conquerors" on their life, on their behaviour and their state of mind, is boundless. They are hallowed, purified by their contemplation (darsana), by their meditation on them and by following their example. These beings are the symbols of those each Jain aspires to be after his (her) life. It is nearly the same for the celestial beings, who dwell, according to the Jain tradition, in the upper world, for variable times. Sure, these ones do not enjoy liberation yet, but they will obtain it after a rebirth as human beings, more quickly if they are in one of the highest heavens. These are the symbols of souls who have nearly attained the so wished aim. Jains regard them as having an existence that is neither totally happy nor absolutely free of worldly worries, but already better than on earth. They also think that these beings have benefice powers. It is why they devote to them a sort of cult, including prayers, to receive various favours just, like Christians from some of their saints. On the other hand, they fear the evil influences of beings they think dwelling in the underworld (or hell), those who, during their lives on earth have been slaves of their passions and have so accumulated bad "karma "in their soul. These are more inauspicious they are suffering for a long time severe pains in a dark and lowest hell.

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188: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Jains show also a great respect and a large admiration for all their spiritual Masters (Acarya, Upadhyaya) and for their ascetics (monks and nuns) to whom they give the title of "saints". This is easy to understand. They are the living symbols of their religious ideal. They are human beings like them who are making meritorious efforts and great restraints to attain their liberation more rapidly. Jains have also a friendly, kind and compassionate attitude towards all that lives, that is to say: humans, animals, plants or minute souls being in the earth, air, water and fire. They consider that all lives have a soul, like them, and if they do not succeed to cleanse all the "karma" from their own, they may reborn after their death as one or another of these forms. Their great respect and permanent care to them are the actual demonstrations of their belief in a possible transmigration of their soul into these various forms, if they do not attain their own liberation, after their death or after their next births and deaths. * Their symbol-objects Jains worship an abundance of things and objects whose the meanings are interesting to know. Temples are, for those who construct and worship them, the most perceptible symbols of their faith and of their immense artistic talent. Their location evokes quietude and peace. Their architectural structure, at the same time massive and very finely carved, is the sign of the strength of their tenets and the shrewdness of their comprehension of the world. Their form calls to mind the assembly (samavasarana) of the Tirthankara when they preach or the "cosmic man" we will speak a little later. In the choir (gharbagsha) of their temples, they install one or more Jina who represent the conquerors of their passions; in the nave (mandapa) numerous pillars symbolize the trees of forests where ascetics like to stay to withdraw from the world.

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 189 Carved arches (torana) suggest the foliages of these forests; ceilings wonderfully chiselled show a piece of the abode of the liberated souls. The high spire (sikhara) or the pyramidal shape (vimana) are symbols of Mount Meru which is, at the same time, the axis and the highest spot of the world from where souls may soar up towards the summits of spirituality, perfection and endless bliss. Some temples have their entrances in the four directions to show the universality of Jainism. Others are arranged in groups like real cities, to display the impressive and multiform Jain community. Noble materials are used to build these splendid constructions. They show the holy and pure character of temples where devotees can only enter with clean vesture and composure and where women are not a on days of their menstrual cycle. In their sanctuaries, the Digambara have adopted a more restrained and simple style than the Svetambara to point out by comparison the greater harshness and austerity of their obedience. Most Jain temples are built on a square foundation slab (kurmasila) with carvings of stout marine beings that live long. They manifest the wish of builders and followers that these constructions be solid and resistant to time and destruction. On the threshold of the main entrance, a pair of dragon's faces (makaramukha virali) is often depicted. They are set to remind those who enter the necessity to crush passions and to trample attachment and aversion under foot, two chief reasons of bondage to the world. When the inaugural ceremony of a Jain temple takes place, an "Acarya" raises at its top a white and saffron coloured flag (dhvaja) on a long pole. It is the symbol of his wish that the sanctuary sustains the faith of devotees. Every year, on the anniversary of this rite, the flag is changed for a new one in a ceremony called "dhvajarohana", so that this holy place never hoists a dirty or faded symbol.

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190: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD One may sometimes see planets carved on the porches of Jain temples. For devotees, these heavenly bodies are supposedly sending benefic waves. Dancers, musicians and animals are sculpted on the walls and (or) on the pillars to praise the Tirthankara honoured inside the temple. Jain sanctuaries often feature paintings and adornings that recall the five auspicious events (panca-kalyanaka) in the live of a Tirthankara. Similarly, dreams that his mother had before his birth are often painted or depicted in temples. We will see the meaning of these dreams later. As Pramoda Chitrabhanu says in her booklet "Jain symbols, ceremonies and practices" these temples are "on sculptural and architectural level, the symbols of ingeniousness and of creativity of men and of the highest degree of their spirituality". Statues also have a high symbolic value for Jains who worship "murti". They remind that those they represent have obtained liberation and show how to model themselves. The Svetambara put on them rich garments, crowns, jewels, etc. to emphasise their majesty. They have very expressive eyes often colourfully painted to seem alive. Those of the Digambara are nude, eyes cast down, without any jewels, to show the detachment and composure necessary to attain liberation. All the statues of Tirthankara are cut from noble materials, like good quality stone, white marble or alabaster. Some are in silver and even in gold, to manifest their spiritual value. Those of Suparsva and Parsva have a hood of snakes above the head to recall legends concerning them. For some, these snakes are salient features of immortality. Most Jain statues show the Tirthankara either standing in posture of abandonment of the body (kayotsarga), which is also a mark of penance or in lotus posture (padmasana) that symbolizes meditation and self-control. In North India, some statues of Tirtharikara or Jina

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 191 have a special feature called "pravacana mudra", with one leg hanging and the other folded, one hand open on one foot and the other raised above the chest. Such a posture was, according to Jain tradition, that of the Jina when they were speaking to the assembly of living beings. Though the Tirthankara images are also put in the samavasarana (the assembly hall) in pravacana posture, their statues are always in lotus-posture (padmasana). It would be worth to mention that in South India, the Tirthankara images are generally found in half-lotus-posture (ardha-padmasana). Jains sometimes place the wheel of the law (dharma cakra), with an ascetic and a deer on each side, on the pedestals of Tirthankara's statues. This symbolizes the rules of living that must be permanently observed with compassion and respect towards religion. One can also frequently see a special mark on Tirthankara's chests. Such a mark, called " srivatsa", is a kind of tuft of hair or a stylised flower that recalls that perfect knowledge has appeared in their heart. Very often an animal or an object is depicted under the Tirthankara's statues. It is their distinctive mark (larchana). A bull under Rsabha symbolizes the strength of his will, Ajita's elephant his faithfulness, Sambhava's horse the running time, Abhinandana's monkey his wisdom, Sumati's curlew or pink flamingo the expert in the world of light, Padmaprabha's lotus his purity, Suparsva's Indian "swastika" the four kinds of existence, Candraprabha's moon the transformations of the soul, Puspadanta's crocodile or crab regeneration, Sitala's "swastika" the purity of his heart, Sreyamsa's rhinoceros his strength, Vasupujya's buffalo his perseverance, Vimala's boar the triumph over impediments, Ananta's hawk the light, Dharma's flash of lightning action, santi's deer inner peace, Kunthu's billy-goat eternity, Ara's fishes the renewal of cosmic cycles, Malli's jar fecundity, Munisuvrata's tortoise the regulation of

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192: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD time, Nami's blue lotus the intellectual blooming, Nemi's conch the purity of primordial waters, Parsva's snakes immortality, Mahavira's lion his courage and heroism. The sacred books have also a highly symbolic character for all Jains and more especially for the "Sthanakavasi". They contain the religious law (dharma) to be observed in order to attain liberation and they represent the teachings of the Tirthankara, especially of Mahavira, who established the definitive tenets of Jainism. There are two lamps that play a role in Jainism: first, the "arati" waved in front of the Tirthankara's statues recalls the light they have afforded to the world, and second the "dipaka" or "divo" when lit represents the wish of devotees to see their heart radiate with compassion like that of the enlightened Jina. The small bell (gharta), at the entrance of temples, adepts ring when arriving and departing, is according to some, to show the joy they are filled with before and after their visit to the Jina. The two shallow dishes (vardhamanaka), one on top of the other, with a light inside, are the symbols of wealth, merit and fame. The throne with two lions and a parasol over it (simhasana) expresses the kingship of the Jina. Sometimes there are three parasols (trichatra) above the throne of the statue of the Jina. The great sacred pitcher (kalasa), made of copper, steel or silver, filled with boiled water, used during some ceremonies, like marriages and monastic initiations, is the emblem of purity. The "sthapanacarya", we have mentioned before, represents the "Acarya" when he cannot be present to a religious ceremony. The three low tables placed on top of each other, from the biggest to the smallest, called "bajotha" represent the already cited "samavasarana". They are used during "snatra-puja" and "santi-puja"

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 193 with the statue of a Tirthankara and set also when an ascetic delivers his discourses to show that he (or she) has studied the sacred books. The small broom (charavali), moved by the Jain laity during their meditation and confession, is to be related by thoughts with the ascetics. . The "muhapatti", that the Svetambara laity put in front of the mouth during their "puja", "samayika" and "pratikramana", and that some Jain ascetics permanently wear, shows their wish not to commit violence even towards minute beings and to control their thoughts, words and activities. The coconut (sriphala), literally " the fruit of prosperity", is used as an emblem of happiness or of good luck, at the occasion of some ceremonies, like marriage. Employed as offering during a "puja" it means detachment from worldly pleasures. We could still cite numerous other symbol-objects. We have seen already a lot of them, especially concerning offerings made by devotees during their "paja", and thus we will limit ourselves to this short summary that does not claim to be an exhaustive report. * Their symbol-signs Since ancient times Jains have eight auspicious signs (astamangala). They use them to decorate their temples, to adorn their homes or the outer walls. We have already seen some of them like: the "srivatsa", the Indian "swastika" the "vardhamanaka", the "kalasa" the "simhasana". We may add: the design of two fishes (mina-yugala) that means the liveliness of souls, the "swastika" with nine corners (nandyavarta) that symbolizes the nine kinds of material, mental, physical and spiritual wealth and the mirror (darpana) that reflects one's true self.

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194: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD To these eight auspicious signs, Jains add the happy dreams that the mother of a Tirthankara had, before the birth of her child. There are fourteen dreams for the Svetambara, sixteen for the Digambara. So, Trisala, Mahavira's mother, saw a white elephant symbolizing his strength, a white bull his endurance and power, a lion his courage and heroism, goddess Laksmi the prosperity he would afford on material and spiritual levels, a garland of fragrant flowers the beauty of his soul, the sun his radiance, the moon the luminosity of his teachings, a flag his inspiration for the erection of temples, a golden vessel full of boiled water his great purity, a lake covered with lotuses that the harvests will be good, an ocean of milk his immense goodness, a celestial vehicle the descent to earth of a good soul, a heap of jewels his large contribution to the wealth of the country and a glittering fire that he will burn all his impurities and bad "karma". The Digambara add to these dreams that of a throne covered with diamonds and rubies and that of a great king to symbolize his majesty. They also replace the flag with two fishes and assert that there were two vessels of pure water instead of one. We may cite also, among Jain symbols, the eight signs of veneration (asta-pratiharya) that celestial beings create when a Tirthankara attains omniscience. Those signs are manifested by: a big tree to shadow celestial beings, human beings and all animal kingdom when they are assembled on the "samavasarana" for hearing the discourses of the Jina, a shower of fragrant flowers to flavour the area, a divine sound to accompany his discourses, the company of two gods on each side waving fans in gratitude and honour for him and to refresh the atmosphere, a throne made of gold and embedded with precious jewels to enable him to sit down, a divine halo surrounding him so that his face be visible to all and celestial drums to play joyous melodies in the sky. Another very important symbol-sign for the Jains is the representation of the universe in the form of what they call a "cosmic man" (lokapurusa). It has the shape of a man standing, legs apart and

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Painting showing the "Jain cosmic man"

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bhAvikaenayatuma title hatAe 222 tvAmahA SM320 JEET NO sa 9 TONER3 Illustrated colour picture of Jain mantra Hrim

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 195 hands on the hips. The section from the feet to the waist represents the hells (urdhva-loka), the waist corresponds to the middle-world, our world, (madhya-loka), and the section from the waist to the neck to the celestial abode (adho-loka). His forehead bears a crescent of moon for the world of the Siddha (siddha-loka) and above it a point for the liberated soul. The adepts have taken this "cosmic man" as symbol of the Jainism. They draw, in the part of this man from the waist to the feet, an open hand, the thumb on the right, and inside the palm the "wheel of religious law" (dharma cakra) with, in its centre, the word "Ahimsa" stylised. The Jains living in India put the traditional "swastika" above the wheel, in the part from the waist to the neck to depict the four kinds of worldly existence (human, animal and plant, celestial and infernal beings), three dots are set for the three jewels" and a moon which represents the "Siddhasila" with, in its centre another dot evoking the liberated soul. In order to avoid confusion with the nazi "swastika", this Indian symbol is replaced in the West by the mantra "Aum" in a stylised form, called "Omkara", that includes the five first letters of "Arhat", "Asariri," "Acarya", "Upadhyaya" and "Muni". Written underneath is the motto "parasparopagraho-jivanam" (living beings are interdependent and have to manifest between them a muiual support). Note that the word "asariri" means "without body" i.e. "Siddha" and that in the West another Jain motto is "Live and let live". Sometimes, one may see also in Jain temples a human form as a hollow in a metallic holder. It symbolizes the perfect soul without any tie. This invites devotees to meditate on the abandonment of the 'body and on the liberation of karmic matter of the soul. * Their symbol - practices We have already seen it is necessary to avoid taking a great number of Jain religious practices on first sight. So, for instance, the offerings

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196: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD done by devotees during their "paja" are not various marks of worship towards the Tirthankara but demonstrations of their detachment from these objects. In the same way, the many fasts and austerities that Jains undergo are not penances prescribed by a religious authority to punish them for their sins but means proposed to them by sacred scriptures to cleanse their soul of bad "karma" and to subdue world attractiveness. We have also seen, in the previous chapters, numerous prohibitions related to Jain non-violence (ahimsa). To those who know their meanings, like not to eat meat and fish, not to drink wine and alcohol, not to wear natural leather or silk, not to pursue various professional activities, etc. these are concrete actions to avoid violence (himsa). 2. Their religious drawings We will speak now of two specific kinds of drawings used by the Jain laity as well as the ascetics, although the latter use them more frequently. They concern "mandala" and "yantra". A "mandala" is a figure that contains one or several subjects with drawings, diagrams, and colours. It serves as support for meditation. Jains have completed so important number and artistic ones that some authors label them "The mandala heralds". They are precursors in doing them. The figures can be simple, with or without a Tirthankara inside, or complex, with manifold pictures. The most common "mandala" is one that the devotee draws himself during his "paja" in a temple, with some grains of rice, on a little table. We have given already its description. Its aim is to recall four kinds of worldly existence, the "three jewels" of Jainism and the necessary efforts to do to attain liberation. It symbolizes also devotees's wish to never be born again in this world.

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 197 A "mandala" very often made by the Jains is the "cosmic man". They draw or paint him to meditate on the fundamental concepts and tenets of their faith. Another "mandala" that Jains realize often is the "wheel of perfection" (siddha-cakra) also called "nine petals" (navapada) they regard as one of the most propitious for meditating. According to Pramoda Chitrabhanu "the nine points of energy are harmonised in this figure". It contains in the centre an "Arhat", in the North a "Siddha", in the East an "Acarya", in the South an "Upadhyaya" and in the West a "Sadhu". Between the "Siddha" and the "Acarya" the word "darsana" (vision) is mentioned, between the "Acarya" and the "Upadhyaya" is the word "jnana" (knowledge), between the "Upadhyaya" and the "Sadhu" is the word "tapa" (penances). These words are replaced, for the Digambara, by a Jina, a temple, the wheel of the religious law and a sacred book. Jains especially honour this "mandala" at the end of winter, during a great religious festival. We may see among others a splendid one, carved in the stone of the temple dedicated to Adinatha, at Taranga in Gujarat State. A "mandala" has the great advantage to permit adepts to see, in one general picture, several important components of their faith and to meditate by turn on each of them. Jain cosmology uses numerous "mandala" to represent the universe and its components.'' Some "mandala", more especially for meditations of Jain ascetics, have an esoterical or tantric appearance. They comprise a circle, or another geometric shape, with inside of it, various forms (squares, rounds, triangles, etc), some pointing up and some down. One may perceive herein the earth, the sky, lotuses representing universal harmony, virility of mind, transcendental essence and so on. In

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198: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD meditating on them, the ascetics calm their thoughts and their senses and experience altogether true plenitude and bliss. Often, Jains make also "yantra". These are various sorts of pentacles with esoteric signs for non-initiated. They would have magic effects. They are intended in particular to protect from various evils those who view them during a long time. During some festivals, Jains draw also on the ground "mandala" and "yantra", with coloured powder or grains of rice. One can find too a great deal of them on palm-leaves, sheets of paper, textile and various supports like walls, rocks, pilgrimage panels, and so on. Sometimes, they adorn their manuscripts and sacred books with them as colourings. Many constitute true masterpieces. They make also splendid "rangoli" with flowers of different colours, 3. Their religious expressions Like Hindus and Buddhists, Jains have various sacred words and formulae called "mantra" whose effects are regarded as supernatural. For the same reason, they repeat certain "sutra", made up of aphorisms or longer texts, to set forth their philosophy and their tenets in a synthetic or more detailed manner and to obtain benefice results. Lastly, some have songs, hymns of praise and prayers that are very impressive to hear. * Their "mantra" First, we will mention their "mantra" formed by syllables or a certain number of words like: "Aum", "Hrim", "Arham", "Aum Hrim Arham" etc. Our attention must be especially focused on one of them most employed by the Jains and called "Maha-mantra" (Great Mantra) or "Namokara Mantra" (Mantra of greetings). It is sometimes also said "Panca-namaskara-mantra" (mantra of the fivefold respectful salutation) to the "Paramesthin".

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 199 The mantra "Aum" has the same sound that the Hindu "Om". It comprises three A (Arhat, Asariri, Acarya), one U (Upadhyaya), and one M (Muni) i.e. "Aaum". It is a mark of respect toward the "venerated beings". It is also called "divine sound" for, according to some "Acarya", it permits those who say it to feel in their heart the presence of the five "Paramesthin" and indirectly represents perfection, eternity, infinite. The mantra "Hrim" is a mystical symbol. According to some adepts, it contains the energy of the 24 Tirthankara who are represented in its diagram. The mantra" Arham" contains the first vowel and the last consonant of the Sanskrit alphabet. In meditating on this word, the devotee is supposed to do it on all the letters. It is to a certain extent the "Alpha and Omega" of their religion. The mantra "Aum Hrim Arham" is a very ancient one. It awakens the energy called "kundalini" that sleeps in every living being. This phenomenon is well known by Yogis. According to some "Acarya", after a long meditation on this "mantra", its vibrations allow those who pronounce it with a firm belief to be liberated of the "samsara". It has an obviously tantric character. All rites, all religious ceremonies, involve for the Jains recitations of appropriate "mantra" and often of suitable "sutra". That is the case, for instance, with the rite of marriage, when the officiant says, at the most important moment, "Aum Arham! You are today assembled for a noble reason. May you remain so joined for the eternity Arham Aum!" The process that consists in repeating many times with devotion the same "mantra" is called "japayoga". It involves three stages: oral, whispered and mental. In doing so with the "Great Mantra" numerous

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200: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD "Acarya" claim that one can obtain miraculous results. This litany is sometimes said in using a rosary (mala) of 108 beans that represent the 108 qualities of the "Arhat(12)", "Siddha(8), "Acaryal36)", "Upadhyaya25)" and "Sadhu (27)>>. For the "Arhat", the adepts must concentrate their mind on the centre of knowledge at the top of the head, visualize the whiteness of the moon and say "Aum Hrim Namo Arahantanam" (Aum Hrim, I greet with respect the "Arhat"!). For the "Siddha", they must focus their mind in the centre of the intuition, between the eyes, visualize the red colour of the rising sun and say "Aum Hrim Namo Siddhanan" (Aum Hris, I greet with respect the "Siddha"!). For the "Acarya", they must focus their mind on the centre of purity in the middle of the throat, visualize the colour yellow and say "Aum Hrim Namo Ayariyanan" (Aum Hrim, I greet with respect the "Acarya"!). For the "Upadhyaya", they must focus their mind on the centre of bliss, in the middle of the chest, visualize the green of the leaves of trees, and say "Aum Hris Namo Uvajjhayanam" (Aum Hrim, I greet with respect the "Upadhyaya"!). And for the "Sadhu", they must focus their mind on the centre of energy, in the navel, visualize the colour black or dark blue and say "Aum Hrim Namo Loe Savva Sahunam" (Aum Hrim, I greet with respect all the "Sadhus" in the universe!). This kind of repetition is usual among Jain ascetics. They say it to obtain its effects when they arrive at their destination or the locality of their stay during the monsoon. Such effects pass from the oral to the mental level and then to telepathic and pure thought. According to

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 201 Jain ascetics, this "mantra" has the power to protect from bad influences, awaken the highest consciousness, conquer passions, purify the soul, strengthen the body, give a true well being, avoid transgressions and be the most auspicious of all "mantra". For some, its recitation leads to a state of mystical ecstasy whose length varies according to what day it is. Among the "Sthanakavasi", the "Great Mantra" is called "Navakara Mantra" (Mantra of the nine respectful greetings). To the five usual greetings they add: praise of right knowledge, right vision, right conduct and austerities. Jain laypeople also recite the "Great Mantra" one or more time, for instance: the morning when they get up, the evening at bedtime, when going to the temple or beginning a work, at a meeting of adepts, when wishing a project to be realised, when going on a pilgrimage, when visiting a dying person, at night in case of insomnia, etc. * Their "sutra" Jains also use numerous aphorisms (sutra) that summarise their tenets. The Tattvartha-sutra contains hundreds of such especially selected statements, for example: 1.1 "Right vision, right knowledge, right conduct are the path to liberation", 7.10" Taking anything that is not given is stealing", 9.8 Enduring hardships prevents deviation from the spiritual path and wears off binding "karma", 10.3 "The elimination of all types of "karma" is " liberation", 10. 5 "When all karmic bondage is removed, the soul soars upwards to the border of cosmic space", etc. Jains also recite "sutra" and "mantra" during their daily "samayika" like the "Pancindiya sutra" (praising the religious teacher), the "Khamasamana sutra" (venerating the monk who suffers with equanimity), the "Tassauttari karanenam sutra" (to purify the

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202: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD soul), the "Annattha usasiena sutra" (to take the vow to remain without moving the body for a certain period of time), the "Karemi bhante sutra" (to avoid harmful activities), the "Logassa (namastava) sutra" (to praise each Tirtharkara) etc. During their "pratikramana" they recite the "Iryapathiki sutra", the "Aticaralocana-sutra", the "Pratikramana bija sutra", the "Khamemi sutra "(to confess and repent their faults). They also recite special "sutra "during their "pratyakhyana" (to renounce for example to eat a kind of food for a certain period of time), etc. One finds also, as we have seen, the word "sutra" in numerous sacred books for they display important points of Jain tenets like, for example, the "Kalpa-sutra", the "Acaranga-sutra", etc. Jains also frequently use formulae like "Live and let live" as their motto and the expression "Jai Jinendra!" (Hurrah for the Jina!) as traditional greeting between adepts. * Their songs, hymns and prayers Like in all traditions, Jains have religious songs, hymns and prayers that voice their faith, hopes and praises. Their ceremonies are always enhanced with music (bhajana), dances and sacred songs. Some of these spiritual or joyous expressions are now recorded on tapes and C.D. It is easy to obtain them and to discover the value and depth of their messages. Some are recorded by Jain web sites. Devotees also have beautiful hymns of praise (stava or stuti) glorifying their Tirthankara or their "canon" like the "Jina namastava", the "Sakrastava", the "Srutastava" etc. In doing this, they honour their victories and they are pervaded by their teachings. Sometimes, Jains also form a procession during their ceremonies, like that to commemorate the anniversary of Mahavira's birth. A large

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Their Religious Symbols, Drawings and Expressions : 203 richly decorated cradle containing a statue of him is pulled and escorted by adepts chanting songs and hymns of praise. Those who have made donations for charities have the privilege to pull the cradle and to accompany it along the road. Others look, bow, do the "anjali' or applaud, as the procession proceeds. Some Jains like to say hymns of praise (stotra). These are incantations to receive supernatural influences and to grow stronger along the way. They can be also requests to celestial beings (gods and goddesses) like the "Vajra panjara stotra" to be protected from diseases, mental disorders and bad influences. One may cite too the "Kalyanamandira-stotra" and the "Bhaktamara stotra" of the same nature to Parsva and Rsabha. Some perform devotional rituals (bhavana) to the Tirthankara even though Jain tenets assert that the latter are in a separate place above the universe where they have nothing to do with worldly problems. The Navakara Mantra' is well said and sung on the web site: http:/www.jainworld.com. On the same web site, one may too read and hear the 48 verses (sloka) of the "Bhaktamara-stotra" of Acarya Manatunga (VIII" century) and various other religious songs. The most spectacular moments of hymns, songs, prayers, dances, rituals, are surely those when Jains consecrate a new temple, install statues in it, undertake pilgrimages, attend initiations of ascetics or ordination of new "Acarya" and also for the Digambara the great periodical ablutions of Bahubali's statues in India, etc.

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Chapter 9 THEIR ASCETICS The main division of the Jains into Svetambara (white clad) and Digambara (sky clad) may lead to believe these two sections are easily recognized by their outer appearance. However, this is not at all the case with the laity. No one of them goes nude or wears special clothing. Concerning Jain ascetics we may, in principle, identity them that way but it is not always so clear. In fact, no Digambara nun (ariyka) goes nude (sky clad). There are only some monks of this obedience who practice absolute detachment who live permanently so and only in India, where the custom of naked "sadhus" exists also among Hindus. Nevertheless, if among Hindus there are nude ascetics who cover their body with ashes, wear long hair, put coloured signs on the forehead, adopt strange postures (arms raised up, finger nails extremely long, standing on one leg for long periods, etc.) this is never the case with Digambara monks. The nude ones are always in their natural nakedness, without any particular sign or mark on the forehead or elsewhere, neither in spectacular postures or manifestations. A large majority of Digambara monks are nude; they have their hair periodically pulled and bear as only possessions a peacock feather broom and a pail for their ablutions. One can see them now and then wandering the roads alone, sometimes with another nude monk or accompanied by others wearing one or two pieces of cloth or just a loincloth. Jain "Bhattaraka", who are few in number, make themselves conspicuous by wearing orange coloured robes and wooden clogs whereas all other Jain ascetics go barefoot. These Bhattaraka remain attached to the monasteries (matha) they manage and are rarely wandering. Digambara nuns always wear white robes and a white veil surrounding the head. Like Digambara monks they have the hair

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Their Ascetics: 205 plucked and as only possessions a peacock feathers broom and a pail. Contrary to Digambara monks, they generally wear also a shawl and a modest white linen bundle on their shoulder or hooked to their belt. They rarely wander alone. Most of the time, they walk in pairs or in groups with a rod (danda) as support and to drive away snakes or intruders. Svetambara monks (sadhu, muni, bhiksu, samana) and Svetambara nuns (sadhvi, sati, bhiksuni, samani) always wear white robes. Most of them have a "muhapatti" in front of the mouth. They have also a broom, a pail, a bundle containing various objects like bowl, to collect food and drink, paper, pencil, sacred book, etc. and a stick to help them to walk if they are old. During the four months of the monsoon (caturmasa) in India, Jain ascetics fearing to hurt or kill in walking small animals and numerous insects on the roads during that period, rest in special shelters (upasraya), different according to the obedience, where monks and nuns live totally separate. Outside monsoon period, Jain monks and nuns practice wandering (vihara), from place to place, according to instructions received from their "guru" or their "Acarya", to show they are not attached to a fixed site and they try to never call somebody's attention to them. Likewise, one never sees any Jain ascetic taking part in the great Hindu gatherings, like "kumbha mela" or other exhibitions. Now we have seen how to identify Jain ascetics, we will look at their main reasons for entering in an order of monks or nuns, the conditions they need to fulfil and their rite of initiation or ordination (diksa). Next, we will try to resume the hard rules they have to observe, harsher yet for the Digambara than for the Svetambara. Lastly, we will report briefly their timetable and how they face death.

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206: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 1. Reasons to enter a Jain monastic order Though ascetic life is regarded by the Jains as the most effective mean to attain liberation and though the stages of spiritual progress prepare the laity to monastic life, there are few of them who ask their admission as monk or nun. Now, they are about thirteen thousands, of which about one thousand are Digambara and twelve thousand are Svetambara monks. Some Jains enters in ascetic life at a young age as novices (brahmacarin), a thing that creates a bit of controversy. To be a Jain ascetic requires a great faith and a great deal of courage. Such a decision involves leaving parents, relatives and friends for a life completely out of touch with the modern world, its comforts, its attractions, its ease. To be a Jain ascetic implies to wander, to beg food and drink from house to house, to endure extreme temperatures, to walk barefoot and for the Digambara to observe an extremely hard discipline quite unknown to other religions. For a young boy or girl, who has not yet developed fondness for existence, such a thing seems relatively easy, but it is much harder for a man or a woman who has experienced family life and often a lucrative professional activity. It is the same for young men and women who have obtained a high level occupation, after long studies. Nevertheless, as we will see a little later, some of them have yet recently taken the way of Digambara monks. The reasons that induce a young boy or girl to enter such a difficult mode of living are generally the result of family contexts. Often, they concern children brought up with Jain ethic and religious principles, whose parents encourage to follow the example of Mahavira and his predecessors to attain more quickly their liberation of the "samsara". Sometimes, it may be the case of young orphans who are under pressure, from those who have taken them, to enter an order where they will be educated and they have a second family. For an adult (man or woman), the entry in a Jain ascetic order is often due to the desire to be detached from the world, to live in

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Their Ascetics : 207 meditation and self-restraint, to realize the Self according to various vows. This is the case in particular in India for young widows who will have so a better life this way than if they remained despised. It may also be the wish of a young girl who does not want to marry and who prefers to devote herself to religious activities. It may be perhaps also the case for some "dalita" who have the desire to not remain in India in so bad conditions. It may be too the wish to follow the way already followed by a father, a mother, a brother, a sister, a relative, a friend, etc. For a lay Jain who has reached the last step of spiritual progress, it is the crowning of a life devoted to purify the soul, in order to be soon liberated. It may be also the desire to improve one's knowledge of Jain sacred books, to rise up the mind, to give a valuable goal to that life on earth, to share the teachings of the Tirthankara with other people, to preach non-violence, compassion, tolerance, peace, etc. Like religion, spiritual appeal has numerous causes we do not have the intention to sum up. They are specific motives whose valour and sincerity must be judged by the "Acarya" in charge to accept or to reject candidate monks or nuns. 2. Conditions to fulfil for the admission in an order To be accepted as a member of a Jain religious order, numerous conditions must be fulfilled. First, it is necessary to be of a minimum of age. It is, as we have said, generally eight years for a boy and thirteen to fifteen years for a girl. In "Ahimsa Times" of January 2004, it was mentioned that late "sadhvi "Bhikaji from the "Terapantha" branch had undergone "diksa" at the tender age of thirteen. If the candidate is a younger, his (her) parents must give their consent. Likewise, for a married man or woman the consent of the husband or of the wife is required. The candidate must be of the same obedience (sampradaya) as the order to be admitted. It is also

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208: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD imperative to have a good health and to be not physically or mentally handicapped. In an order, the living conditions are very hard to bear. Novices and monks or nuns should not be later a burden to the group (gaccha) or an embarrassment for the others to perform their daily religious duties (avasyaka), meditations, penances, etc. For the same reason, an adult must not to be too old when asking for admission. Some conditions concern the status and the intellectual level of the candidate. Irreproachable conduct and character are required. Any fault on these matters would be an immediate cause for nonadmission. Likewise, it is worthwhile nowadays that the candidate be able to read, understand and learn the contents of the most important sacred books and possibly to teach them later to novices or to read and interpret them to the laity. 3. Life of the Jain novices If a candidate monk or nun is admitted by the "Acarya" who leads the obedience or group of ascetics, he (she) must learn what the fitting conduct is, to be in accordance with the religious rules laid in Jain sacred scriptures. For that, a boy or a man is immediately placed after his admission under the authority and guidance of a "guru", a monk who has been assigned such a task by the "Acarya" on account of his knowledge and zeal. The same for a young girl or a woman with a "guruni" This "guru" is at the same time the master and the leader of conscience of the "brahmacarin". He gives him all instructions needed and is in charge of his perfect development and education. The novice will always need the agreement of his "guru", have great respect for him, greet him with the "guruvandana" and report to him all he has done, thought or said, in accordance with his instructions and orders. The novice must, in particular, confess to his "guru' all the sins or mistakes committed in daytime or during the night and undergo penances ordered by him. It is the same for a female (brahmacarini) with a "guruni" in the identical role.

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Their Ascetics: 209 A novice receives a provisional initiation that comprises six promises or daily duties (avasyaka): renounce sinful activities (samayika), praise the 24 "Tirthankara", salute with respect the "acarya", "upadhyaya", "guru or "guruni" and ascetics of the same sex, according to their seniority (vandana), repent of conscious or unconscious transgressions and carelessness, and take part in the general ritual confession (pratikramana), make the promise of a defined renouncement for a fixed time (pratyakhyana), renounce the body and proceed to mental concentration (dhyana). Novices ought to learn also various "sutra", "mantra" and the formulae of their definitive vows. They must practice absolute chastity and join in the begging for food. Some obedience asks the novices to take a new name so as to break away from their former lives. They may also perfect their training during one year or more with learned monks in a "gurukula" or a "pathasala". The more gifted monks who are judged able to become "Acarya" may later continue their religious studies in colleges, called "vidyapitha", like that, near Mumbai, mostly attended by "Sthanakavasi" or in a special Institute of education like at Ladnun in Rajasthan where "Terapanthi" are prepared to the great initiation (diksa). They may even pursue further studies after. Some ones may go to a University. For instance, Acharya Shivmuni obtained a Ph.D. in 1978 and a "sadhvi" was recently graduated from Oxford University. When novices have completed their training, they may accompany their "guru" or "guruni"" in the wandering life, beg with them food and drink, etc. If they are judged apt, by their "guru"" or their "guruni", they are nominated for their great consecration or initiation. When the "Acarya" gives his consent, the rite is carried according rules that differ for "Svetambara" and "Digambara" as well as for the monks than for the nuns. 4. The rites of initiation The rite of initiation or consecration (diksa-vidhi or bhagavati diksa) of one or of several monks, like that of one or of several nuns,

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210: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD is extremely important in Jainism. Its execution must observe traditional rules fixed in the sacred scriptures and it is considered a great ceremony. Generally, an astrologer is asked for an auspicious date. Very often, invitations are printed with a photo of the future monk or nun and some details on him (or her) are given, so that other adepts be informed and may attend the event in great number. "Diksa" is generally performed under a great rectangular tent "mandapa" to protect participants from sun, rain or wind. As the rite is long, carpets are laid on the ground so that people sit down more comfortably. A little platform is erected at the bottom of the tent on which the "Acarya" who will conduct the ritual will seat, accompanied by some assistant ascetics. The day before the ceremony, the novice may keep absolute fast. We will speak of the proceeding for one future monk or nun but the same rite is performed several times in a row if there are more. On the date fixed, the young novice or the man arrives in procession dressed like a king with a crown on the head. If it is a young girl or a woman she is dressed like a queen with all her jewels and fine array and also a crown on the head. Members of the family, friends and acquaintances accompany the future monk or nun. A pious woman follows, bringing a sacred vase (kalasa) of copper, filled with pure water, and with the auspicious Indian sign (swastika) carved or painted upon it. If the ceremony concerns a future Svetambara monk or nun, or a Digambara nun, two ascetics bring on a tray one a white monastic robe (vastra) the other a broom and a pail that will be the only possessions of the future monk or nun. For the nuns there is also a white veil, a shawl and a white bundle. Sometimes, for the Svetambara there is too a rosary (mala), a book with sacred texts and bowls (patra) to beg food. The "Acarya" goes up the platform and sits down on a small stool in its centre with distinguished ascetics chosen to attend him by his sides. The future monk (the future nun) and his "guru" (her "guruni") go up the platform and stand in front of him. They perform the

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Their Ascetics: 211 respectful greeting to the "Acarya" and his assistants. The future monk or nun begs forgiveness for his (her) transgressions, recites the appropriate "mantra" and "sutra" and makes a small speech to the participants to show his (her) joy about his (her) consecration. If it is a future Svetambara nun, she goes backwards, with her "guruni", in a contiguous place or behind a curtain that hides them from the participants. She takes off her crown, jewels and fine array and covers herself with a great green texture. A barber proceeds to the clipping of her hair using the water from the vessel and leaves only a few locks. Then, the future nun puts on a white robe and presents herself to the "Acharya" and the assembly. The "Acarya" says some words to the future nun and pulls out the remaining locks of hair from her head, one after the other. She must pray during this hardship and not show any feeling of pain or suffering. If she belongs to an obedience that wears a "muhapatti", the "Acarya" places one of them in front of her mouth and fastens it to her ears. He gives her the broom and the other articles mentioned above. The attendants to the ceremony sing the "Great Mantra" and the "Acarya" asks the future nun to pronounce solemnly the "great vows" (mahavrata) of Jain ascetics. When the vows have been taken, the assembly sing the hymn of praise to the Tirthankara. The new nun says the auspicious "sutra" (mangalasutra) three times for the participants. The "Acarya" may give a new name to the nun concerned. He does it systematically for a "Murtipujaka". At the end of the ceremony, sweets are given to the participants and the new nun joins her group of ascetics. For a "Svetambara" monk, it is nearly the same, except that he abandons his crown in the open and retreats to remove his beautiful garments, to have his hair partly shaved and to put on the white robe he will wear henceforth.

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212: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD For a "Digambara" nun it is the same as for a "Svetambara" one, except that it is the "Acarya" who pulls out openly all her hair when she returns in front of him with her white robe anii while she recites the "Namaskara Mantra" without flinching. A powder is rubbed on her scull to help the scarring process and a white veil is given to her, which she covers the head and the neck with. She does not receive a "muhapatti" as her obedience does not wear any. A "Digambara" laity arrived at the last step of spiritual level and who has taken the vow to become a monk or a novice and has been judged apt to receive that rite takes off his crown and all his garments in public and immediately after has all his hair torn out by the "Acarya". He receives as only possessions a "picchika" and a "kamandalu". As one can imagine this is a very painful process. In September 2004, "Ahimsa Times" reported that a great "diksa" ceremony of Digambara nude ascetics, called "saints", had been performed at Jabalpur on the 14th of August. It included 25 young male celibates of whom five held engineering degrees. One was a charter accountant thirteen were graduates or post-graduates in commerce, art or science. They hailed from different places in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The "diksa" was managed by Acharya Vidya Sagar who has a number of disciples, totalling now 215, of which 89 are skyclad "saints". Recently too several Svetambara young and old received also "diksa" at Surat by the learned Acharya Gunaratna Suri. After the rite, if it is not monsoon time, monks and nuns are assigned by their "Acarya" their places of wandering. The admission in a Jain ascetic order may be put back into question either by a monk or a nun who wishes to leave or by the "Acarya" when various transgressions or handicaps motive a temporary or a permanent exclusion.

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Their Ascetics : 213 If a monk leads an exemplary life and has great knowledge of the sacred Jain scriptures, he may, after a certain time be initiated as "Yuvacarya" i.e. "Vice-acarya" or directly as "Acarya". Exceptionally, the former great "Terapanthi" leader, Acharya Tulsi, received his title when he was only 22. The consecrations of a "Yuvacarya" and of an "Acarya" constitute very important and solemn Jain religious events. For the Svetambara, these titles are only given to monks who have been in the order for a minimum of eight years, who have scrupulously studied the sacred books, especially the third and the fourth "Anga" and other religions as well, and who have distinguished themselves from the other monks by their conduct and piety. The same goes for the Digambara order. The cerer comparable to the consecration of a King in older times in India, because an "Acarya" is regarded as a successor of the "Ganadhara" the Mahavira's chief-disciples. For that reason, the "Surimantra" is imparted to each "Acarya" during the ceremony. According to Jain tradition, it is the sacred formula taught by Mahavira to Indrabhuti Gautama and to his ten other chief-disciples. After his consecration, a Jain " Acarya" becomes a religious leader and a spiritual master. He is the object of a great esteem. He receives, in particular, the respectful greetings from the ascetics and the laity as part of their daily duties and he has numerous religious powers, like to a or reject candidates for "diksa", to confess heavy transgressions of the ascetics of his group, to decide of their penances and even their exclusion. An "Acarya" is required to study and explain sacred texts, convey his teachings to other ascetics and to the laity, give instructions to the "guru" and "guruni" on the training of novices, decide destinations of monks and nuns of his group for their wanderings after monsoon and their place of stay during it, set the first stone of a new temple, to oversee its consecration, install statues in it, preside various religious ceremonies, perform various rites like those of "diksa," attend various religious meetings of adepts, represent Jain community at interfaith assemblies, bless adepts, and so on. Svetambara Terapanthi have only one "Acharya" at the head of their branch, of which they follow instructions and directives. He

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214: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD convenes every year an assembly of ascetics and laity of this branch on the 7th day of the bright moon of the Indian month of Magha, at the occasion of a great festival called "Maryada Mahotsava", to discuss the problems the obedience is facing and to practise cults and rites of the order. One of the most eminent and worshipped religious leaders of this branch was late Acharya Tulsi, a great organizer of this order and promoter of Jain tenets. As significant reform he has created a kind of ascetics, called "Samana" and "Samani" who may travel by modern modes of transport and who may prepare their meals without begging their food The other Svetambara branches have an "Acarya" at the head of every group of ascetics. Digambara "Bisapanthi" are different from other obedience by their specific religious leaders (dharma-guru or Bhattaraka) who head their monasteries (matha). They are not consecrated but they play a similar role as an "Acarya" in the other branches. 5. Main rules to be followed by Jain ascetics The Jain sacred books and various treatises, like Acaranga-sutra, Dasavaikalika-sutra, Uttaradhyayana-sutra, Dravya-samgraha, Pravacanasara, Samayasara, Yogasastra define in detail the rules that must be followed by ascetics. To stop the invasion of "karma" (samvara) they comprise: six daily duties, five great vows, three controls, five kind of carefulness, ten essential virtues, twelve kinds of meditations, five kinds of conduct, twenty-two victories over the hardships and, to remove the "karma" (nirjara): six external and six internal austerities. Let us have a look on these rules. * The daily religious duties (avasyaka) Jain sacred books traditionally mention daily religious duties (avasyaka) for the ascetics observed a little less strictly by the laity. These six duties are:

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Their Ascetics : 215 1) to renounce, during the day and the night that follows, all sinful thought, word and activity. That is called the "samayika", 2) to praise several times each day the 24 Tarthankara. That is called the "caturvimsatistava. 3) to greet with respect his "guru" for a monk, her "guruni" for a nun, the senior monks or nuns, the "Acarya", "Upadhyaya" and "Bhattaraka" according to the obedience. The greeting includes to ask forgiveness for the transgressions of the day or of the night according to the moment and to recite a specific "mantra". That is called the "guru vandana". 4) to proceed to self-examination (alocana), ritual confession and common repentance, with the recitation of long "sutra" on monastic obligations. That is called the "pratikramana", 5) to abstain from certain foods and beverages for a particular period of time. The "guru" or the "guruni" may add some other abstentions. This rite comprises the recitation of specific" sutra". It is called the "pratyakhyana." 6) to renounce the body, by remaining motionless while standing, sitting or lying down in case of health problems or old age, while reciting the "Namokara Mantra" and to do a profound concentration of mind (dhyana). This rite must be performed, every day, for at least one Indian "muhurta". Very harsh, it is to purify the body and to help the ascetic to be aware the body is distinct from the soul. Such rite must lead the ascetic to become more and more detached from the body and so to arrive to remove all the "karma" that drives the soul to imperfection, transgression, ignorance, etc. Such specific Jain posture may have a tantric character, in particular among the Svetambara. It is the "kayotsarga" (abandonment of the body).

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216: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD * The great vows (mahavrata) Jain ascetics take during their "diksa" five great vows (mahavrata) to purify their soul. They are the same as the small vows of the Jain laity but the difference is that monks and nuns ought to observe them totally, rigorously, without any exemption, save in very exceptional cases. These five great vows are: 1) the vow of absolute non-violence or non-harming (uttama ahimsa vrata) in thoughts, words and activities. At the same time, it is to practice permanent self-control and to avoid all that is at the origin of violence and suffering towards all that lives in the world, be it human, animal, plant, minute being in the air, water, fire or earth. This means not reciprocating attacks, insults and aggressions and also to never kill, hurt or neglect any living being. These have a soul in quest of liberation, like humans in the process of transmigration and they must not be hurt or killed, all lives been interdependent. In accordance with this vow, an ascetic must never light a fire, a lamp, a candle, etc. drink unfiltered water, crush the smallest insect even those invisible to naked eye. For this reason, an ascetic must sweep the ground in front of him with the broom when moving, sitting down, walking, laying and brush aside the little creatures, must too inspect regularly his clothes (if he wears some) on the morning when getting up and on the evening in going to bed to see if small animals are not hidden in them that might be hurt or killed. He also should never use any means of transport and always walk barefoot, never bear weapons or use them, not even to protect his life. A long stick is admitted for nuns and Svetambara monks to move aside their way reptiles or to protect them of ill-disposed people. One might cite many other examples, because most of life is somewhat violence (himsa) and an ascetic should never mentally, verbally, physically, directly or indirectly, knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or unintentionally, in any shape or form, practise violence.

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Their Ascetics : 217 2) the vow of absolute abstention from falsehood (uttama satya vrata). This is not only to never tell lies but also to not deceive, speak ill of somebody or use cutting remarks, to avoid exaggeration, conceit and vulgarity which are types of violence towards oneself and the others. It is always required to have friendly, kind, sincere, compassionate words for everyone, to pay heed to this vow and to avoid other people who may be vulgar, cutting, deceiving, by ones fault, 3) the vow of absolute honesty (uttama asteya vrata). It is for an ascetic to renounce any longing, temptation or desire for all that is not given. It is necessary to have no dishonest intent, to search solitude, to not cause other people trouble with demands or impatience. For Svetambara ascetics, this vow implies to always show the "guru' the collected food and ask his (her) permission to consume what is left after having given their portions to the others and to use nothing without his "guru's" or her "guruni's" consent, etc 4) the vow of absolute chastity and purity (uttama brahmacarya vrata). The Jain ascetics must abstain, during their life time, from the least sexual activity, from any thought, word, or act that would not respect directly or indirectly, voluntary or not, this vow. They must not listen to provocative stories, avoid hot food, never think about past pleasures, and abandon all exciting things, perfumes, and cosmetics all that might render one desirable to others. For some ascetics this even means to not wash the body and brush the teeth, so that to have no attractive aspect. 5) the vow of absolute renouncement to property, persons and goods (uttama aparigraha vrata). Digambara monks, who have perfected this, renounce every thing, including clothes, like Mahavira did. To have a liking for a person, a thing, a state, leads to passion, violence, love, hate, sexual gratification, all of which are deceptive and illusory. They give way to pride, jealousy, etc. This vow is

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218: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD regarded by Jains as the most effective to avoid the inflow of "karma" in the soul. * The controls (gupti) Jain monks and nuns must carry out three controls: of their thoughts, words and activities, to avoid causing violence. Hereto, they must pay attention to have only pure thoughts (mano-gupti), to observe silence for a particular period of time or to speak only when absolutely necessary (vak-gupti) and to practise a regulation of bodily activities (kaya-gupti). * The carefulnesses (samiti) Jain ascetics have also to observe five constant acts of carefulness: to avoid violence in walking (irya-samiti), speaking (bhasa-samiti), eating (esana-samiti), using objects (adana-niksepana-samiti) and complying with nature's calls (utsarga-samiti). * The essential virtues (uttama-dharma) To stop the inflow of "karma" Jain ascetics have to permanently and completely practice ten specific virtues (dharma) to stop the inflow of "karma". These virtues counteract passions: anger, pride, deception and greed that are the main causes of inflow of karmic matter. These ten virtues are: supreme forgiveness (uttama ksama), supreme humility (uttama-mardava), supreme honesty (uttamaarjava), supreme purity (uttama-sauca), supreme self-restraint (uttama-samyama), supreme truthfulness (uttama-satya), supreme austerities (uttama-tapa), supreme renouncement or to offer knowledge to other people (uttama-tyaga), supreme non-attachment (uttama-akincanya) and supreme chastity (uttama- brahmacarya).

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Their Ascetics : 219 * The meditations (anupreksa) To maintain their religious status, Jains ascetics must also practice twelve kinds of meditations (anupreksa). These concern: transitory character of earthly goods (anitya), lack of protection of the "jiva" in this world (asarana), mundaneness (samsara), loneliness (ekatva), separateness (anyatva), impurity of the body (asuci), inflow of "karma" (asrava), its stoppage (samvara), its elimination or shedding (nirjara), structure of the universe and its elements (loka), difficulty to obtain right knowledge, right conduct and right faith or vision (bodhidurlabha), benefits of Jain religious tenets for liberating the soul, and one's own responsibility for one's faults. (dharma). These meditations may be made with the help of a "mandala "or a "yantra". Among Digambara monks they also serve to sublimate their sexual energy and among some Svetambara to canalise it by worshipping Malli as a female Tirthankara or some other "yaksi" (goddesses) within the framework of symbolic tantric practices leading to ecstasy. Many Jain ascetics also use various "yantra" in their meditations, in order to impel favourable events and to fend the opposite. * The conduct (caritra) Jain monks and nuns must practice five kinds of conduct (caritra) to attain spiritual discipline and right behaviour. These are: equanimity (samayika), recovery of equanimity after a fall from it (chcdopasthapana), pure and absolute abstention of violence (parihara-visuddhi), absolute absence of passion (suksma-samparaya) and ideal and passionless conduct (yathakhyata-caritra). * The victories over hardships (parisaha-jaya) Jain ascetics to remain steady on the path of salvation and to destroy karmic matter, must conquer twenty-two kinds of hardships (parisaha-jaya): hunger (ksudha), thirst (pipasa), cold (sita), heat

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220: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD (usna), insects bites (damsa-masaka), nudity (nagnya), absence of pleasures (arati), sexual passion (stri), fatigue (carya), discomfort (nisadya), discomfort in sleeping (sayya), censure (akrosa), injuries (vadha), begging (yacana), failure to get food (alabha), disease (roga), thorn pricks (trna-sparsa), body impurities (mala), disrespect (satkarapuraskara), non appreciation of their knowledge (prajna), persistence of ignorance (ajnana), lack of faith or difficulties to obtain supernatural powers and doubt (adarsana). To try to shed their "karma" Jain ascetics must practice twelve kinds of austerities: six external and six internal. * The external austerities (bahya-tapa) The six external austerities (bahya tapa) of the Jain ascetics are: fasting (anasana), limitation of food for definite length of time (avamaudarya), acceptance of alms only if conditions they impose previously to them are fulfilled (vrtti-parisamkhyana), abstention from rich food like ghee, milk, sugar, oil (rasa-parityaga), retreating in a remote and solitary place for a specific period of time (viviktasayyasana), mortifications of the body like to remain in the bright sunshine or in the cold, maintaining long lasting in a painful and humiliating posture depending on the individual's physical condition and endurance (kayaklesa), always with the agreement of the "guru" or the "guruni". * The internal austerities (abhyantara-tapa) The six internal austerities (abhyantara tapa) for Jain ascetics are: confession and repentance of transgressions (prayascitta), modest behaviour (vinaya), helping other ascetics especially those who are ill or old (vaiyavrtya), study of sacred scriptures (svadhyaya), giving up attachment to the body (vyutsarga) and concentration of mind (dhyana).

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The basic qualities Lastly, mention the 28 basic qualities that a "sadhu" must possess according to the sacred texts. Without them, he cannot acquire other virtues. These qualities, called "mulaguna", are: the five great vows, the five acts of carefulness, the control of the five senses, the six daily essential duties, the periodical removal of hair with one's hands, permanent nudity (for some monks), non-bathing, sleeping shortly and on bare ground, refraining from cleaning the teeth, taking food in the hollow of the hands standing and eating no more than once a day. All that shows the extreme rigour of that life which they have to lead without falling sick or else their progress will be halted. 6. Time-table of the Jain ascetics Following their vow of non-attachment, Jain ascetics lead in India a wandering life all the year, except during the rainy season that lasts four months. Their Ascetics: 221 While unceasingly changing of place in a sector defined by their "Acarya" Jain ascetics have to endure sun, sometimes overpowering heat, rain, humidity, storms, insects, aunts, etc. They always walk silently, reciting "mantra" or singing religious hymns. They start early in the morning and must see to not crush small beasts on their way, to brush the ground with their broom and if they have not a "muhapatti" to pay attention to not swallow flying insects. On their way, Jain ascetics beg for their food and drink (gocari) at the houses of laypersons. If there are no adepts in a place, they beg at other houses. They gather their alms in bowls, if they are Svetambara, and share their meal if they are several ones. The Digambara ascetics collect food in their joined hands and eat it immediately while standing. Often, people who see an ascetic approaching on the road tell the inhabitants of the village. As soon as informed, several adepts go to meet him (her), to welcome him (her) at the entry and if he (she) asks for food or a place to sleep, they greet him (her) like a saint and escort him (her) to the home of one adept. They kiss his (her) feet and

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222: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD wash them if he (she) asks. Adepts offering food or drink are careful to never give things that are especially prepared for ascetics as they would refuse, according to the requirements of sacred scriptures. Digambara monks, when eating what is given to them may let fall all or part of it on the ground, without saying anything, if it is not in accordance with their secret vow. Svetambara ascetics collect food and drink in bowls (patra) and the leader of the group distributes it. They eat together and have permission to speak during the meal. When they finish to eat, the bowls are washed and put in bundles for the next quest. Sometimes ascetics fast and drink only boiled water that is considered a successful mean to wipe out transgressions and to clear away a part of the "karma" in the soul. In the evening, the ascetic or the group must seek a place to sleep, avoiding all that is propitious to violence or noisy and ask authorization of the owner of the shelter to stay there overnight. It is usually a temporary shelter, for an ascetic has not the right to have good accommodation or to loge in an inn during his wandering existence. The Acaranga-sutra lists the requirements for the shelter: not too near a noisy street, a shop, an intersection, etc. The bed may be made of hard wood, straw, dry grass or constructions whose lay out must be very limited and in accordance with established rules. No monk can sleep in a place or a shelter where nuns are staying and vice versa. Likewise, a monk and a nun should never spend time alone together. The stay of any ascetics in the same place must also be very short. When an ascetic does not wander, his time is usually divided in five periods: from dawn to sunrise, from sunrise to the end of the morning, from the end of the morning to the beginning of the afternoon, from the beginning of the afternoon to sunset and from sunset to the next dawn. Samacari is according to 4 prahara of the day and 4 prahara of the night. The duties prescribed for first 4 prahara are study (svadhyaya), meditation (dhyana), begging alms (bhikshacarya) and

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Nude Digambara monk showing with the hand he wishes to receive food

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Svetambara nun making her "vihara" on Indian roads

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Their Ascetics : 223 study. Similarly, for the second 4 prahara the duties prescribed for an ascetic are study, meditation, sleep (nidra ) and study. From dawn to sunrise, the ascetic (monk or nun) does his (her) morning ablutions with the water of his (her) pail and proceeds meditated repetition (japa) of the "Great Mantra" or another one. After this, he (she) examines his (her) transgressions of the night, greets his "guru" (her "guruni"), respectfully asks after his (her) health, confesses his (her) possible sins and reflects on the penances he (she) will impose at himself (herself) during the coming day. From sunrise to the end of the morning, he (she) devotes time to the inspection of his (her) garment, if he wears some; to be sure no insect has hid in them during the night. Afterwards, he (she) performs an inner "puja" (bhava-puja) that is a spiritual burst towards the Jina, either in the place where it is, in the "upasraya" or in a temple. As we have said, because of their non-attachment, ascetics never practice "dravya-puja with offerings of flowers, fruits, rice, saffron, etc. If their obedience is opposed to the worship of statues, this kind of "puja" is replaced by a deep meditation, a contemplation of the Jina or a purification of the soul. It may be performed silently or with songs and hymns of praise expressed spontaneously throughout the day. Ascetics may take a light meal afterwards, proceed to the study of sacred books and continue to wander or deliver a public teaching on the Jain tenets. From the end of the morning to the beginning of the afternoon, Jain monks and nuns collect their food and beverage and eat a frugal meal. They then have a period of rest during which they wash and mend their clothes (if they wear some), varnish the bowls (if they have), make new brooms or whisks, etc. From the beginning of the afternoon to sunset, ascetics devote anew their time to elaborated and meditated study of the sacred books, to some teaching, to another inspection of their clothes (if they wear some), possibly to a new quest for food and to a small meal before sunset. Often, they do not beg or eat in the evening.

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224: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD From sunset to total darkness, ascetics perform their compulsory duty of mental concentration (dhyana) and recite with the rosary various "mantra" or "sutra". They confess by a new alocana their sins of the day to their "guru" or "guruni" repent them and undergo the ordered penances. These penances defined in the 'Cheda-sutra'and the Jitakalpa-sutra' vary from the "kayotsarga" to temporary isolation, from the loss of their seniority to a temporary or definitive eviction (pararcika) according to the gravity of the transgressions, incompatibility or bad-tempered character. The decisions for major sanctions are taken by the "Acarya". A fast may complement the penance. After dark, ascetics are obliged to remain in partial or total obscurity depending on moon and clouds. During the night, they are strictly forbidden to light a candle or any uncovered flame that might attract insects and injure or burn them and so cause violence towards " jiva". The sleep of the ascetics must be short. If they wake during the night, they must occupy their mind with meditation or internal recitation of "mantra" and "sutra". Two times a year, at the beginning of the great religious Jain festival of "paryusana" and in spring, ascetics have to suffer the pulling out of the hair (kesa-luncana). In spring this is not absolutely compulsory. The rite is performed as a sign of renouncement to vanity and to all body cares. If an ascetic has been temporarily banned from of his (her) group, if he (she) cannot adjust to the rigorous way of life or if it does not meet his (her) expectations, then he (she) may ask to be permitted to leave and be possibly readmitted later, after an apology and a new "diksa". Numerous monks, nuns, Acarya, Bhattaraka, Pandita and scholars write well-informed books and articles in Hindi, Gujarati, English and even French, like Shanta's book La Voie jaina on the life of Jain nuns, that are very useful for deepening ones knowledge on the matter.

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Their Ascetics: 225 Until recently Jain ascetics never left India. Since the middle of the XXth century some have adopted modern means of transport like cars, trains, boats, planes. As we have said, two ascetics have decided to stay in the USA, (one of them is dead now), others go and study at Oxford University. Some take part in religious conventions outside India, in meetings of the "Parliament of Religions" like the last at Barcelona in Spain. It is for them a mean to make better know Jainism and to promote its great tenets of peace and non-violence. 7. Illness and death of Jain ascetics When a Jain ascetic falls sick, he (she) must endure suffering with courage. In case of serious illness a doctor can be called who may order admission to a hospital and for an operation. "Terapanthi" are not in favour of operations. The other obediences permit them, if they are absolutely necessary for the survival of the patient. If an ascetic can no longer walk, he (or she) is temporary or definitely exempted from the practice of wandering. In that case he (she) stays in an "upasraya" where he (she) meditates, recites "mantra", reads sacred books or spiritual works and does small occupations. He (she) is put under observation of other ascetics who help him (her), look after his (her) needs and afford him (her) moral and religious support. He (she) must do atonements for his (her) violation of religious rule till death occurs. In India, "Terapanthi" have a hospice at Ladnun for their ill and old "sadhu" and "sadhvi" where they can stay and be cared while waiting for the great departure (mahaprasthana). When an ascetic is close to death, some others surround and support him (her) so that he (she) makes the passing through a new life in the best of conditions. The dying must say "mantra" especially the "Great Mantra" which, according its content is able to erase all sins and to permit the soul to be purified. If the dying ascetic cannot do this because of bad physical or mental conditions, the "mantra' and "sutra" are whispered in his (her) ear, so that his (her) soul remain open to auspicious influences until his (her) new life.

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226: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Ascetics who are very old or have an incurable illness may, with the agreement of their "Acarya", practice the rite of "sallekhana". For that he (she) confesses his (her) sins and goes to either a remote place or is transported to a place where other ascetics have already performed the rite. He (she) sits directly on the ground, a bed of straw or dry leaves. Then he (she) recites the hymn of praise to the "Arhat" and to the "Siddha" called the "Pranipata sutra" or someone recites these for him (her). He (she) performs the respectful greeting to the "Acarya", if he is present, and progressively reduces, day after day, his (her) food intake and then his (her) beverage until the fast is complete and waits for death in saying or meditating the "Great Mantra". After a Jain ascetic is dead, the corpse is washed and dressed again in its monastic robe. In the case of a Digambara monk who has practised the rite of nudity it remains naked. The corpse is exposed on a stretcher or in a special wooden recess where adepts can see it. They come to pay their respects to it and to sing specific "mantra". The corpse is then carried in a procession to the cremation site. After the performance of the traditional ritual it is burned. The day after, the ashes are collected and the site is cleaned. These ashes are put in a wooden urn and then buried. Often, a commemorative slab is set at the place of the "sallekhana". Adepts and pilgrims will come here to meditate. If the ascetic who died was known for his (her) special holiness or was a great "Acarya", a little chapel, called "samadhi mandira", is erected in his (her) memory with his (her) statue or footprints (caranapaduka). Often, adepts on a pilgrimage stop a moment to do a "puja" in remembrance of this holy monk or nun and to recall his (her) example for attaining liberation. Jain ascetics practice their faith like this, in India, since many centuries. One can understand why their number has decreased in time with the hard life they lead. It becomes ever more difficult in our

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Their Ascetics : 227 modern world to find places where one can wander and meditate like this, even in India. It is totally impossible to follow these rules outside, except to abandon some practices like nudity, walking only barefoot, begging food from house to house, etc. An important change has occurred among Jain ascetics with the travelling of several "Acarya", "Bhattaraka" and "Muni" by planes to support communities in Africa, North America and elsewhere, to inaugurate temples, install statues, give conferences and preachings. These trips have been very criticized by some Indian orthodox religious leaders but would it be better to see one of the oldest religion in the world disappear in these countries as a result of total isolation? Should the Jain laity who migrated from India for various reasons, but who does not wish to be cut of their roots, be abandoned by those who are the successors of the Tirthankara? The Jain Meditation International Centre, created in New York by monk Gurudev Chitrabhanu, has provided the aspiration of communities in the to not see their religion disappear. It was the same with the foundation by late Acharya Sushil Kumar, of the International Mahavira Mission and in 1983 the "asrama" called "Siddhacalam" at Blairstown (New Jersey). It is also the same in United Kingdom with the presence of some nuns who study at University. They have been and they are not only religious supporters for adepts living outside India but also links with their mother land and those who continue to live according to the same tradition. It also shows the Western world that Jainism is not a religion of the past limited to India.

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Chapter 10 THEIR PROMINENT FEATURES IN INDIA AND ABROAD As we have said, Jains consider their religion as the oldest in India. They assure that, like the world, it has always existed and will always exist. They assert that several Tirthankara appear, at various periods, to promulgate the right law according to the era. Concerning the present time, they acknowledge 24 of these Tirthankara of whom the first, Rsabha started the "karma-bhumi' (the age of action, and thus is "the promoter of human civilization". Vilas Sangave writes in his book "Aspects of Jaina Religion": "Lord Rsabha founded the social institutions of marriage, family, law, justice, state, etc. taught mankind the tilling of the soil, different arts and crafts, reading, writing and arithmetic, to built villages, towns and cities, etc. and to provide a new social order for increasing the welfare of human beings". Rsabha is not only cited in various Jain documents but also in Vedic literature and Hindu "Purana". His son, Bharata, who conquered the country of the Dasyu (Dravidians) in the South of India, was an Emperor who gave his name to India (Bharata or Bharatavarsa). The problem is that we have different versions about the inhabitants of that period and historians have no absolute proof they were Jains. Hindus assert they were living during the Vedic period and they practised Vedic religion. So, it is possible that, in ancient times, several great sovereigns existed in India called "Rsabha", word meaning "bull" in Sanskrit, and that the name "Bharata" has another origin... Some historians regard most of the Tirthankara as mythical beings. They admit only the reality of the 23'd and of the 24" who lived between the VII and the Vih-vth centuries BC. This does not mean that the others never existed but we have no authentic evidence they did. On the other hand, some scientists and scholars think that Jainism

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 229 already existed in India during the "Indus Valley Civilisation" and perhaps even before. So, it is difficult to confirm with certainty what was the actual influence of the Jains many centuries before our era. It is easier since Parsva and Mahavira. In the first part of this chapter, we will see the influence of Jains in India since these two last Tirtharkara. The second part will be devoted to their impact in various other countries in the world. Such overview will touch different levels: philosophical and religious, social and political, scientific and economic, literary, artistical and architectural 1. Their influence in India Since long, Indians have shared numerous common customs, practices, ways of living and thinking they inherited from traditions whose origins are not well defined. Jains like to say that other religions have included or adopted concepts from their culture, so appeared a great confusion and a long misunderstanding on the matter, in the Western world. What is sure it is that the influence of the Jains has been great in India since the prehistoric era and must not be neglected? They have been very active in their motherland since a long period of time, even though their traces on archaeological level are not very numerous. The great scholar A. N. Upadhye has written in his book "A Cultural History of India", published by Oxford University Press in 1975, that "their heritage is much more important than their present numerical weakness might lead to believe. They have had a deep impact on the people who lived in the area before the Aryan invasion. Their example and their tenets had incontestable effects on the later occupants of the country".

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230: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Let us see what their main imprint has been, on the different domains we have mentioned above, and what remains of it today. 1) On philosophy and religion Jains have always been great philosophers. Numerous are those whose treatises and commentaries expose their ideas about our world. They insist on their creed that the universe has never been created that it is eternal and experiences successive periods. Some scientists agree such an idea but a large majority continue to speak of a "big bang" without having definite proof of its cause and origin. Jains say also that the world contains different substances divided in beings with a soul (jiva) and things without a soul (ajiva). For them, all that lives has an eternal soul with innate qualities of absolute purity, knowledge and perfection but, due to the activities of body, speech and mind (yoga), it is obscured, deceived and veiled by minute particles of matter (karma) that stick to it and bind it to a cycle of transmigrations (samsara) if nothing is done to remove that matter. All Indians admit the laws of consequences of actions and of transmigrations of souls, but their opinions differ about the world. Hindus think that a God has created it and it passes trough successive periods of destructions and revivals. Regarding the soul, they assert that it may obtain liberation after various transmigrations and unites with the "Atman" or "Supreme Brahman" Yoga philosophy proposes various means of liberation from material links (prakrti). Many of these are the same as those used by the Jains or some of their branches. So, a common origin appears, but it is difficult to say which theory was the initial one. Archaeological discoveries from the Indus Valley reveal a kind of Yogi that the Jains claim as one of them. Buddhists, for their own part, are dubitative on the existence of a God creator but many of them consider Buddha as a God. They also

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 231 assert that all existence is temporary. Concerning the soul, they believe that beings on earth suffer essentially due to their desires. In order to avoid such pain, they claim one must have no desires and practice different virtues and ways of living to attain "nirvana". Jains, on the contrary, assert that all is, at the same time, permanent and moving: permanent as substance and moving in its moods. They consider that substances transform themselves without ever being destroyed. From these statements they deduce that all has many appearances (theory of anekantavada) and there are also numerous points of view (theory of syadvada). They believe that the reason of changes is time (kala) and that all is based on various interactions between "jiva" and "ajiva" with the help of motion (dharma) and of rest (adharma). They divide souls in four kinds of living beings (human, animal or plant, celestial and infernal) and say that to be delivered from the cycle of transmigrations they suffer, it is necessary to practice moral virtues, like ahimsa, discipline, rigorous austerities, etc. These principles have had a profound impact on Indian thought. Jains are also great logicians and experts in psychology. They have written numerous treatises on related topics. Readers interested in Jain philosophy may enrich their knowledge through Narendra Bhattacharya's book "Jain Philosophy-Historical outline" published by Munshiram Manoharalal in New Delhi and Heinrich Zimmer's "Philosophies of India" published by Joseph Campbell in New York. On religious matter itself, with their principles of consequences of actions, of bondage and liberation of souls, non-violence, right knowledge, right conduct, right vision, Jains have had an incontestable impact on other creeds in India. Their principles of equality, compassion towards all kinds of life, tolerance, self-control, honesty, chastity and limited possessions have had a less important but not negligible effect until now. Their concept of "karma" as particles of matter that stick to the soul is specifically Jain. In

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232: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Hinduism, like in Buddhism, this word means a kind of power linked to actions. Likewise, the idea that human beings can attain liberation without any recourse to a "Supreme Atman" is a concept that Hindus don't share. In his book "Histoire de l'Inde", Alain Danielou writes that "the most profound influence of Jainism has been on Buddhism". Nevertheless, if Gautama the Buddha, at the beginning of his renouncement to the world, would have practiced, like Jain ascetics, rigorous austerities for a period of six years, he turned to a milder method called "the middle way". However, like the Jains, the Buddhists have never acknowledged the authority of the Veda and Brahmana with their animal sacrifices. The Buddha organized also his "Sargha" after the Jain mood and adopted many similar rules for the ascetics. But, after having experienced a period of relative standing in India, Buddhists were obliged to leave their motherland for various other countries, whereas Jains succeeded to resist until today, In spite of their inner divisions and their feeble number, Jains remain in India faithful to their philosophical and religious tenets. Their "Acarya" are always regarded as spiritual masters and their ascetics (monks and nuns) as saints who lead exemplary lives. Their prestige remains great. 2) On social issues and politics In accordance with their principles, Jains declare strongly that all humans are equal without any distinction of colour, race, nationality or creed. They have always preached what we call "human rights". On this matter their influence has been very important. They are at the origin of a mention in the Constitution of Indian Union on the abolition of Hindu "castes", even if these are still a fact of daily life

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Acarya Mahaprajna welcoming Pope Jean-Paul II in Delhi on the 7th of November 1999

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A delegation of Jains from Delhi presenting the Momento of Lord Mahavira to the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil (September 2007)

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 233 for many people. But a great progress was made on the matter. For examples, the former President of India late K. R. Narayana was by his birth an "untouchable" and the Government of India decided, some years ago, measures favouring the access of "untouchables" to public administration. Jains also insist on the principle of equality between men and women, even if some passages of their sacred scriptures are not very kind towards the latter. Some of their obediences say even that they need to be reborn as men to attain liberation. Nevertheless, one can see actual progress in India regarding the education and rights of women. They may now practice the same professions, vote and create associations to defend their rights as the men. However, quite an important number of Indian women of "low castes" and of widows continue to convert to Jainism or to Christianity and enter into their religious orders so as to not remain single or to escape matrimonial servitude or contempt which is still alive in India. Others, preferring to remain independent, work in the social sector, like doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. Note at political level that India had, before many other countries, a woman as Prime Minister in the person of Indira Gandhi, from 1966 to 1977 and 1980 to 1984. Some women also have been or are Ministers, Members of Parliament of Indian Union, and of various state governments. To note too that the new President of the Indian Union is a woman named Smt. Pratibha Patil. In the same way, the Jain tenet of regard towards all life has promoted non-violent practices in India concerning humans, plants, animals and nature. After having succeeded in putting an end to animal sacrifices by Brahmins, Jains are today the ardent propagandists of vegetarianism. This way of life is progressing, even if it is not yet the general rule. In social domain, Jains manage too in

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234 : JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD India in several dispensaries, clinics and refuges not only for human beings but also for wounded, old and sick animals and birds. Jains are also in India in the vanguard of social measures and limitation of individual possessions. They have played a part in the decision of the Government to abolish the feudal system that existed before the independence of India. They also give money in favour of all that may help the needy or disabled whose number unfortunately remains very high, especially in rural regions and in the suburbs of big cities. Jains also assert that abortion and sterilization are not acceptable to fight over-population in India. They preach the principle of chastity to married couples after the birth of one or two children. Until now, their success on the matter remains limited, but their efforts might become more effective with the growing of diseases like AIDS in India. On political level we have seen the great influence the Jains had on many Indian ruling dynasties during their "Golden Age". Their influence has decreased but never ceased. It remained great, even under the Mogul Emperor Akbar, who forbade killing of animals during some religious Jain festivals. Mahatma Gandhi, who was taught by Jain teachers when he was young and who befriended the great Jain ascetic Srimad Rajacandra and Acharya Vijaya Dharma Suri, adopted non-violence and practised fasts to obtain British concessions and the independence of India. Jains are in excellent terms with the Indian Prime Ministers and the Presidents of the Indian Union, like the past-President, Abdul Kalam, who shown his interest for Jain activities at various occasions. In a spiritual declaration, he stressed "the need to bring about religious amity and cooperation, to promote common unity and mutual

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 235 understanding". Acharya Mahaprajna himself has been honoured with the Indra Gandhi Ekta Award in 2002 for his continuous efforts to establish peace, goodwill, and respect for each other and to promote non-violence. He had previously been honoured with the National Ethics Award. The Indian Government also issued special postage stamps at the occasion of the 2600th anniversary of Mahavira's birth and in memory of various great Jain leaders of the past. We also recall that late Dr. L. M. Singhvi, former High Commissioner of India to United Kingdom, was a very devout and active Jain. 3) On science and economy In the history of India, numerous very learned Jains have written treatises on scientific matters. As French Professor Allegre has written in one of his recent books, Jains are the first to have discovered the atom. They have been too the first to assert that several solar, lunar and stellar systems exist in the universe. Jain scientists are also masters in astronomy and astrology. Stars, moon and planets have a great influence in their festivals and religious ceremonies or rites. They always ask astrologers auspicious dates for important events. On scientific level, Jains are ardent upholders of progress in every domain that favours well-being of humanity. They are absolute defenders of peace and unconditional opponents to wars and production of weapons for individual or massive destructions. On mathematics, Walter Schubring has depicted the Jains as "Indians whose system is ruled by numbers". They count, enumerate and classify everything that plays a role in their life and their religion. For instance: they identify five kinds of "jiva", those having only one sense, and those with two, three, four or five senses. They believe

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236: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD there are seven ways to say things, five types of knowledge, eight kinds of main "karma" and one hundred and forty-eight"karma" of minor importance, etc. In the Tattvartha-sutra, they define specific units of time; give a particular table of numbers and special measures of space, they determine with very precise methods. They identify four kinds of celestial beings of the empyrean, eight kinds of luminous, of the forests, of the mansions, thirty-six or thirty-nine heavens, seven hells with their colours, etc. all with an almost disconcerting mathematical self-assurance that shows their attention to details and preciseness, even if sometimes they leaves room to a bit of imagination. Jain scholars have neglected no domain, be it physical, chemical, biological, cosmological, medical or other. Their works and researches have permitted science to greatly progress, but they are absolutely against the use of this knowledge for destruction of any life, and thus against the use of nuclear weapons that India possesses only to defend it against aggressions by the same way or by another one. At economical level, very numerous lay Jains are traders since a long time. They are shopkeepers, craftsmen, and merchants in various sectors in accordance with their main tenet of non-violence. Among them we find many sellers of ingredients for vegetarian meals and of non-alcoholic beverages. Some are bankers, estate agents, accountants, reporters; others are jewellers, barristers, civil servants, doctors, writers, teachers, etc. They are active in all domains where it is possible to work honestly, to live in respecting their religious principles. Some are even farmers, as we have said, mostly in South India; others are in the manufacturing industry, especially electronics and informatics where they manage the field in Bangalore city.

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 237 Many lay Jains have acquired a handsome fortune and have coveted positions in Indian society. This may seem in opposition with their principles of detachment and austerity, but they are of the opinion that money permits them to do good actions, for acquiring positive "karma" and promoting their liberation. Effectively, rich Jains (there are also poor ones) devote part of their money to finance charitable institutions, schools, hospitals, lodgings, publication of books with ethical or religious character, restorations of temples, monasteries, etc. So, this way, they support the Indian economy and social activity. 4) On literature Jains are, as we have said, the authors of numerous religious publications (canonical and non-canonical). They have also written numerous treatises, commentaries and books on their tenets and on many subjects related to Jainism. Jain libraries contain a wealth of information relevant not only to philosophy and religion but also to various aspects of Jain studies like history, grammer, poetry, prosody, mathematics, science, astrology, cosmology, etc. They are written in Sanskrit, Hindi, English and some of their "sutra" and "mantra" are in ancient Indian languages like Ardhamagadhi (in which Mahavira delivered his sermons), in Sauraseni used by Digambara for their sacred books and in Apabhramsa used by Svetambara. They have also writtings in the various Indian regional languages, like Gujarati, Telugu, Maharashtri, Kannada, Tamil, etc. For many centuries, Jain authors have displayed their talent in all literary styles. They have written in prose and poetry on innumerable topics. We have a Jain "Ramayana" by Abhinava Pampa, dating from the XIIth century, in which the characters are more human than in the Hindu story. There is also a Jain "Mahabharata" whose heroes proclaim non-violence and brotherhood.

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238: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Vilas Sangave has written: "Perhaps, the most creditable contribution of Jains is in the field of languages and literature". Effectively the works of Jains on grammar, geography, astronomy, medicine, mathematics, policy, etc. are countless. We have a Jain Purana dealing with various matters like biographies of the 24 Tirthankaras, of the 12 "Cakravartins "and of 27 other ancient and mythical heroes. There are several Jain "katha", tales in prose about adventures bold by heroes, "prabandha", selections of stories, treatises on grammar, ethics and poetry, poems called "kavya" and "mahakavya". We can add many more texts in prose like popular narrations, myths, legends and fables. All of them insist on "samsara", "ahimsa", compassion, peace, etc. Among their main authors may be cited: Umasvati, Kundakunda, Puspadanta, Bhutabali, Virasena, Jinasena, Vattakera, Kartikeya, Siddhasena Divakara, Samantabhadra, Akalanka, Haribhadra, Vidyananda, Nemicandra, Hemacandra, Prabhacandra, Asadhara, Yasovijaya, Pujyapada, Gunabhadra, Amrtacandra, Jayadeva, Ravisena, Harisena, Pandit Todarmal and many, many others for more recent periods like: Srimad Rajacandra, Rajendra Suri, Jinendra Varni etc. We must not forget the numerous precious Jain manuscripts, with beautiful painted illuminations that for centuries have been made by Acarya and very learned ascetics. Jains were also exceptional copyists who have conveyed very interesting non-Jain literary works to posterity. 5) On art and architecture If there is a domain in which Jains identify themselves it is without any doubt in art and architecture. They can take credit, in India, for a lot of extraordinary masterpieces in architecture, sculpture and paintings. These works are for them the demonstration of their love

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 239 for perfection and purity, the expression of their spirituality and of their incredible talent. Pratapaditya Pal, curator of the "County Museum of Art" of Los Angeles discerns three great periods in Jain art. In the first period (from the II"d century BC to the III'd century AD) he notes, among others, the great centre of Mathura, at 150 kms South of Delhi with its "stupa", the remains of two temples, of a great number of statues and inscriptions very important for the history of Jainism. He also cites several tokens of respect that are considered as the predecessors of later tantric yantra. For the second period (from the IVth to the VIIIth century AD) Pratapaditya Pal mentions Jain cave-temples, especially at Ellora (nos 30 to 34) with wonderful sculptures and paintings. From the same period, he cites numerous splendid steles in metal of Jina that may have been used by devotees for worship and contemplation. Unfortunately, very few temples dating from that time have survived havoc and destruction. From the Vih century AD he reports semi-nude female deities and fascinating statues of Jina with young, athletic and well-proportioned bodies that are the symbols of victory over passion, desire and sensual pleasures During the third period (from the 1xch to the XIVch century), regarded as "The Golden Age" of Jain art, rich and influent adepts have built the most polished and refined temples (Mount Abu, Khajuraho, Girnar hill, Palitana, etc.). Some of them have been destroyed, rebuilt or changed into mosques. Pratapaditya Pal mentions in the xh century, the huge and splendid statue of Bahubali at Shravana Belgola in South India and, in North of India, the splendid temple of Ranakpur where one can see, among others, beautiful refined sculptures of dancers and musicians who exalt perfection, liberation and eternal bliss of the souls. This is also the period of Jain

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240: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD manuscripts, with naives miniature paintings in bright colourings, "yantra" used during rituals of atonement, invitations to ascetics to come for their supplies or advices for ordinations. There are paintings on wood or on linen showing places of pilgrimage, with rich colourings, displayed at the occasion of great religious festivals to devotees that cannot travel, "stambha","mana-stambha", towers like the "kirti-stambha" at Chittor, embellished by Tirthankara, dating from the XIIIth century and restored in the XVth. It is also the period of exquisite paintings on rock-sides, walls of buildings, palm-leaves, wood or woven materials, of many monuments, sanctuaries and temple-cities of which we have given a detailed but not exhaustive summary in chapter 5. There is the artistic work of Jain nuns embroidering in a very naive and colourful manner the broomsticks of Svetambara ascetics. Are mentioned too the numerous typical Jain "mandala" and the somewhat tantric paintings on cotton, called "citrapata" or "pata", with diagrams containing "mantra" and images of Tirthankara or deities regarded as a direct way to omniscience and illumination. There are also tantric "pata", called "Suri mantra pata", made by specialists and offered to ascetics to help them in their meditations when they are initiated as "Acarya". One can also witness the construction of new Jain temples in India, the restoration of decayed ones, the unearthing of ruins of old ones and of ancient statues showing the efforts displayed on the matter we are speaking. Unfortunately, there are also today people who damage Jain sculptures and statues or steal them to sell to antique dealers. This is a scandal but a new proof of the great interest these works have for specialists in the world. During the four exhibitions on "Jain art" held in 1994 at the "County Museum of Art' in Los Angeles, in 1995 at the "Art Museum" in Kimbell and the "Museum of Art" in New-Orleans, as well as in 1995-1996 at the "Victoria and Albert Museum" in

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 241 London, works brought from Indian museums and private collections have been exposed to wonder-struck visitors. A richly illustrated catalogue with erudite commentaries was published on these occasions. Entitled "Jain Art from India" it contains nearly 150 photos. With this, substantial work one can satisfy one's love for beauty and one's spiritual craving. Noteworthy to cite, among the museums in India that present to visitors beautiful Jain statues, bronzes, paintings, "mandala", etc., those in: Delhi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Chennai, Mathura, (Uttar Pradesh) Baroda (Gujarat) Bhubaneshwar (Orissa), Mumbai, Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kolkata (West Bengal) Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Shravana Belgola, (Karnataka), Patna (Bihar), etc. To mention also the influence Jains have had on Buddhists for the design of their statues. Such influence is so deep that people who are not specialists sometimes have great difficulties to see the differences between a Buddha or a Bodhisattva and a Tirthankara, especially when these are in "padmasana" posture. 2. Their prominent features outside India As we know little about Indian history in very ancient time, it is difficult to say if Jains travelled outside the borders. We know only what they say in their books or what is written in Buddhist or Hindu ones. The latter two groups speak of Jains as "Nirgrantha" that is to say "without links or ties to the world ". This word concern mostly ascetics who as a rule renounce the world, travel barefoot, some naked, who do not cover long distances. So, we can be quite sure they did not leave India like, for example, Buddhist monks did. Concerning lay Jains no specific mention is made of them living outside India apart from Nepal before the XXth century. As their religion dates from

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242: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD long ago, they surely existed. Jain sovereigns are often mentioned in Mahavira's histories with their kingdoms, inhabitants, castes, etc. Among these inhabitants there were surely traders who joined caravans travelling outside India but we have no specific mention of them. They were like other Indians, without particular signs, and, as laid out in their sacred texts, they not proselytised. On the other hand, we know that India was the object of numerous invasions of intruders, like Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Parthians, Scythians, Khushans, Hunas, Arabs, Afghans, Turks said Moguls, etc. Some of them were interested in Indian religions like Alexander the Great in 326 BC, Emperor Asoka (273-232 BC), Mogul Emperor Akbar (1556-1605). Some others had only as aim to impose their own faith be they invaders or Indians. After a period of great impact, Jains saw their number and influence decreasing. Vedists, seeing they were also on the decline, implemented various changes with Vaisnavism and Saivism. They converted very numerous people to their faith. Buddhists after a great influence from the VIth century to the XIIth century AD decided to leave India. They created communities in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Tibet, Mongolia, Korea, China, Japan, etc. Jains remained in India; they tried to avoid prosecutions, in doing changes in some of their obedience borrowed from Hindu or Islamic practices, in cancelling their manuscripts, not saying they were Jains, and so on. They retreated to their communities, abandoned their temples, let their statues be destroyed or buried, leaving their legacy to be rediscovered centuries later. Nevertheless, even if some of their ascetics were killed and their monasteries burnt, they survived. Some Jain laymen and women converted to other cults, others practised their rites at home or adopted various divergent practices and Hindu deities without abjuring their own faith.

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 243 During that long period, Jainism succeeded, as we will see, to get part of their faith acknowledged by some great philosophers, especially in Greece and by travellers from China. As concern other countries, we lack news. Since the middle of the XIXth century serious progress has been made and Jain communities have flourished abroad. Let us see now the influence of Jains outside India in different domains. 1) On philosophy and religion CC Alain Danielou writes in his Histoire de l'Inde, published in 1971 by the Editions Fayard, that: "historians of Alexander the Great's epoch (IVth century BC) afforded the first trustworthy news from India to Western world". So, we know that Alexander himself or one of his captains met nude monks and spoke with them. We also know that Megasthenes, ambassador to India for the king of Syria, Seleucos, between 322 and 297 BC, has given details about these ascetics. Danielou writes also: It is probable that the nude wise men that Greece and the ancient world have known were Jain monks" and: It seems too that Jain missionaries visited the Near East, Greece and Egypt before and after the beginning of our era and that Jain beliefs have played a role in Essenians and in the first Christian concepts". This undoubtedly concerns non-violence, compassion, tolerance, chastity, purity, etc. Some even say that Jesus went to India before preaching his message of compassion, love and peace between humans (see Holger Kersten's book "Jesus lived in India "published in 1991 by Element Book Ltd. in Shaftsbury, England). We know that some Greek philosophers were most impressed by Jain ideas on God and on the world. Heraclitus (550-480 BC) asserted that: "world has neither been made by a God or by a human; it has always existed, it is and it will be". Empedocles from Agrigentum (Vth century BC) is of

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244: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD the same opinion. Democritus (460 to 360 BC) in his theory of the world affirms the existence of atoms that combine, according to various movements, to give shape to living and non-living things. This theory may have come from Jains, but the latter are not materialists, they believe in the existence of innumerable and eternal souls. For their part, some scholars think that Jains have also inspired the Greek school?' of scepticism and the Christian apostle Thomas who went to India to convert people after he had the formal proof of Jesus's resurrection, influenced by Jain theories of non absolutism (anekantavada) and (syadvada). Concerning Christianity, we find in the IVth century, semi nude monks retreated in deserts and caves of Egypt and Syria, practicing hard austerities. Contrary to Jains they worshiped a God creator but their sense of renouncement to the world and of sanctity were quite the same as those of the Jains. We have by a Buddhist Chinese monk, Fa-Hsien, reports on his stay in India from 399 to 414 AD, and by a Chinese traveller, Huien Tsang, who visited the country from 629 to 645 AD, a very interesting book of what he saw. These two Chinese travellers have mentioned clearly the position of the Nirgrantha, earlier name of the Jains. Some other Chinese and Tibetan visitors have also published writings about India, but we do not know if what they said about Jains had any influence on the inhabitants of their home countries as these were cut off the outer world for a long time. What we have mentioned has taken place in the distant past. Let us speak now of more recent periods. It was not until the middle of the XIX century that several Western scholars started to think that Jainism is a great religion. The decision of some great Jain Acarya to open their libraries to foreigners and to answer their questions are at the beginning of more extensive and correct knowledge of that tradition. It was Hermann Jacobi and various others who proved that

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 245 Jainism is not a branch of Hinduism or of Buddhism but a specific Indian philosophy and a religion that is dating from many centuries. As we have said, Acharya Vijaya Dharma Suri sent in 1893 Virchand Raghav Gandhi as delegate in Chicago to the Parliament of World Religions, This one made a wonderful speech on what is exactly Jainism. Attendants, extremely impressed, wished to have more knowledge about such tradition. Unfortunately, Gandhi died in 1901 at the age of 37 years and could not pursue his dream to spread the Jain message. Nevertheless, the impetus was given and various scholars made researches on the matter and published their results. Several Jain delegates also get into the habit to take part in philosophical and inter-faith conferences throughout the world, but their influence remained somewhat limited. Margaret Stevenson seems to have only written what she had learned about the followers of this faith to make an unfair critic of them at the end of her book "The Heart of Jainism". Many others tried, more objectively, to render the rather intricate concepts and practices of Jainism more accessible to searchers and scholars. The "discovery" of Jainism by learned people progressed afterwards by the readiness of mind of several ascetics and great lay leaders. This event was followed by the immigration, in successive waves, of lay Jains to countries where the economical prospects were far better than in India. From the middle of the XX century they created communities in South and East Africa, especially in Kenya and in Tanzania. Some of those who first were in East Africa later went to live and work in Great Britain where they were welcomed. They work, pursue their religious activities and promote their great tenets there, without any problem,

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246: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Today, several Jain communities flourish in London, Leicester and other cities. One of them is very active in Leicester. It has built a religious complex under the leadership of "Jain Samaja Europe" managed by Dr Nathubai Shah. Smaller Jain temples have been also created in the outskirts of London and a bigger one has been recently consecrated. A Jain temple has been open in Manchester and another is shared with Hindus at Leeds. In London are now several flourishing Jain associations like: an Oshwals branch, an "Institute of Jainology", sections of "Young Jains" and the "International Mahavira Jain Mission". All of them have since their origin experienced an intense activity but with a little withdrawn into themselves. This is partly due to the fact that Indian Jains are not numerous in Europe outside the United Kingdom where people speak a language that Indians know quite well. The "De Montfort University" in Leicester provides studies in English on Jainism especially for young adepts. In the USA and Canada, Jain activity has now spread to the heart of about one hundred important Indian communities whose members work in many big cities. In chapter 5 we have listed their locations in these two countries. Since 1981, these communities decided to unite with the blessings of late Acharya Sushil Kumar in a big federation called "Jain Associations in North America" (JAINA). The same Acharya has also created a religious Jain complex "Siddhacalam" in Blairstown (New Jersey). For his own part, a Jain monk, Gurudev Chitrabhanu, has settled a 'Jain Meditation International Centre' in New York. JAINA works actively to sustain and develop faith among Jain adepts. It has seven main aims: "to promote religious and educative activities, to spread its charitable and humanitarian action in North America and all over the world, to propagate vegetarianism and nonviolence, to organise cultural exchanges, to help communities

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 247 members, to afford support to the construction of temples and to increase links with governmental authorities". Every two years it organizes a large convention that assembles thousands of delegates and several Acarya travelling especially from India. Each year since 1998, JAINA organizes a pilgrimage to India to visit temples and sacred places and gives its charitable support to social activities. It publishes a magazine "Jain Digest" that contains articles on various aspects of Jainism and reports on each of its communities. Since 2000, it also publishes a yearly well-illustrated calendar citing the Jain festivals of which dates change in accordance with the Indian lunar months. JAINA also sponsors seminars for young Jains and publishes matrimonial advertisements for its adherents' grooms and brides. It nationally broadcasts TV programs about "ahimsa" and consideration for fauna and flora. Its delegates take part to inter-religious meetings like "the Parliament of religions" and others. Its hopes that every year, on "Paryusana" and "Dasalaksana" festivals, one day will be devoted to "universal forgiveness" and one another to "ahissa" on the first Sunday of October, when Mahatma Gandhi's birth is commemorated. All these activities and many others are entirely paid by the generous donations of the members of JAINA. In North America a section of "Young Jains " works to improve their knowledge of Jainism and to manage contacts with other young people around the world. An "International Summer University was created in 2005 to increase knowledge of Jainism by learned scholars all over the world. There are also active Jain communities in Kathmandu and Biratnagar in Nepal, in Kobe in Japan, in South Africa, in Malaya, in Australia, etc.

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248: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD In Belgium there is a lively Jain community with a temple in Antwerp. In France, the few Jain families mostly living in Paris have not formed an association and practice their cult at home. French movements in favour of vegetarianism and protection of nature and animals have taken some interest in Jain philosophy. 2) On social issues and politics In all the countries where Jains live outside India they have identified themselves with aid and assistance to not only the same adepts but to other people as well. We have seen the social activities of JAINA in the USA and Canada. It lends its support to national and international humanitarian causes. We mention especially their financial and material aids to victims of earthquakes in India, California and Japan. The political relationship between Jains and American authorities is a positive one. In April 2001, at the occasion of the 2600h Anniversary of Mahavira's birth, the Congress welcomed a delegation of Jain lay leaders in Washington. They also received a special audience at the Senate by Mrs Hilary Clinton. In the United Kingdom we have mentioned the great social activity of late Dr. L. M. Singhvi during his stay from 1990 to 1997 as formal representative of India. In 1990, Dr Singvhi together with other delegates presented to Prince Philip the " Jain declaration on nature" that constitutes a formal engagement in favour of principles supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) of which Prince Philip was then the International President. Jains living in U.K. also have excellent relations with the British Government and local authorities.

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Introduction to Prince Philip of the "Jain declaration on nature" On the 23 of October 1990, at Buckingham Palace, London

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Pilgrims of JAINA (USA) visiting a Research Institute (Parshwanath Vidyaeeth, Varanasi) in INDIA

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 249 The association "Ahimsa International in New Delhi, whose the Senior Vice-President is Shri Satish Kumar Jain, has organised several successful "Jain worldly conferences" since 1981 in New York, London, New Delhi and Blairstown that had a great impact. Their themes were: non-violence, peace, vegetarianism, care for the disabled, animals, nature, etc. On these occasions motions have been adopted and sent to the Secretary General of UNO. In France, the relations that Jains have in Paris, with the Embassy of India, French University, (Institut de France, Sorbonne, Ecole francaise des langues orientales), UNESCO and the "Tourism Office of India", are also excellent. 3) On economy and science In the countries where they have immigrated, Jains practice activities with the respect of their philosophical and religious principles. They are often working on a high level as managers, contractors, researchers, scientists, scholars, doctors, informaticians, jewellers, traders, etc. Those who are rich use their wealth partly to help others in need, partly to support social progress. 4) On literature The influence of Jainism in the literary domain outside India began with the publication by Max Muller of Hermann Jacobi's four translations of the Svetambara canon in 1884 and 1894. They had been preceded by reports of Colebrook, Mackinzie, Buchanan, Delamain, Hamilton, Francklin, by translations of the Abhidhanacintamani written by Hemacandra, and of various manuscripts by Stevenson, Weber, Pavie, and Lassen. Hoernle, Leumann, and Brown made other works. Research was pursued with books from various Jain libraries in India, like those in Mudabidri,

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250: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Karanja, Poona, Jaisalmer, and from several temples of Gujarat. We recall the important works of Armand Guerinot and the edition of many documents on Jainism by various authors like Walter Schubring, Muni Punuyavijaya, H. Battacharya, B.C. Law, S. R. Sharma, Bool Chand, J. C. Jain, etc. This abundance of studies allowed scholars to discover and understand a world that was relatively unknown to them. Information and publications were spread in academic and scientific circles and highly praised for their interest and novelty. Readers of this book will find at its end some bibliographical complements. Padmanabh S. Jaini's book The Jaina Path of Purification first published in 1979 and reprinted in 1990 by Motilal Banarsidass Publishers in Delhi, contains interesting features, especially an important glossary of Sanskrit and Prakrit words used in Jainism. We also recommend Louis Renou and Jean Filliozat's Inde classique (volume 2) reissued in 1996 by "L' Ecole francaise d'Extreme-Orient" in Paris, and Louis Frederic's "Dictionnaire de la Civilisation Indienne" published in 1987 by Robert Laffont in Paris in "Bouquins" series. Many books have been written in different languages, the majority in English, but also in German, French, Italian, Japanese, etc. showing the universality of this great religion that remains nevertheless too much a topic for scholars and specialists, particularly in French speaking circles. JAINA contributes also to the publications of books on Jainism. It has opened a library in Los Angeles with 8000 books and a section in Canada. The "Jain Academy" in London is also preparing an "Encyclopaedia" on Jainism. We must mention too the numerous web sites on Jainism in different languages in particular: www.jainworld.com and various

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Their Prominent Features in India and Abroad : 251 others. They show the great vitality of Jainism on a literary level in and outside India. 5) On art and architecture We have previously mentioned, after numerous Jain sanctuaries in India, those built more recently throughout the world, mostly in the USA. These modern temples have been built with as much talent and artistic research than in India, even recently in England with white sandstone coming directly form there. We have also cited the wonderful exhibitions on Jain art held in the USA and UK that had a great success. We should also mention museums that outside India possess Jain specific pieces of art, like: the British Museum in London, the museum of Zurich in Switzerland, museums in Berlin (Germany), New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, Los Angeles and San Francisco (USA). In France, in the "Musee des Arts Asiatiques" (Asian Arts Museum) in Paris also called "Musee Guimet" after the name of its founder, one can admire two nice statues of Rsabha dating from the xth-Xih centuries. There is also a departmental "Asian Arts Museum" in Nice in South of France, that has no works showing Jain art till now, but we hope it will be someday possible. As one can see, Jain influence spreads progressively outside India in countries where devotees of that old Indian faith have been welcomed and are now well integrated. This situation can only be extremely positive as it increases the spread of the Jain message of non-violence, tolerance, brotherhood and peace.

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CONCLUSION We have tried in these ten chapters to depict Jains today in India and outside with their diversity, traditions and practices. We have briefly exposed their great principles referring back to Vilas Sangave's excellent work "Aspects of Jaina Religion" we translated into French in 1999 under the title "Le Jainisme Philosophie et Religion de l'Inde". In writing the present book in French and in making it translated into English, our aim was not to relate in details their theories about the universe and its changes, about space, time, relativity of points of view, "karma", "ahimsa" and numerous other interesting themes that influenced the Indian thought in different ways. We have only tried to present, as clearly as possible, Jains with their long history, their doctrinal differences, their sacred literature, their worships, etc. We have listed for the first time in a methodical mood their main beautiful temples throughout the world and their sacred places in India to help travellers to identify and visit them. We have summed up the essential rules of life of Jain laity and ascetics to not confound them with Hindus or Buddhists. We have exposed some of their typical rituals, festivals and religious ceremonies. We have seen how, after a great success in India, they are now very few but desirous to survive and to promote their tenets. Those who have leaved India try to unite and to preserve their faith, to make efforts to be known and their values be preserved by their children. They try to preach in a world of wars, of violence what is their most precious heritage: non-violence, self-control, peace, equality, etc. But they remain always too discreet and concerned by the future of their individual soul in a world that needs more audience, more public debates, more active and visible actions. They should also extend various practices of some of their sections more in tune with the modern mood of living. We hope all that we have written will permit to better know them and to consider their ideas about the destiny of humanity, in a period of great tumult and disorder in so many domains. -

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Conclusion : 253 Like all humans beings living in this world, Jains hope to enjoy perfect and eternal bliss after death, as their sacred scriptures claim. To reach the "Siddhaloka", their "Paradise", they trust in the teachings of their Tirtharkara, the "ford makers" to cross the vast ocean of transmigrations of souls. They take vows, practice penances and fast, follow a strict non-violence, a permanent control of what they think, say and do. They have an extreme regard for all life. What an example for our XXI century! Jains harsh rules to never be reborn in a world more and more difficult and painful. They wish to attain, as soon as possible after their death, the infinite bliss of their soul, telling themselves that what the Jina, the "conquerors", have obtained will be theirs, too. Jains do not expect favours, rewards, punishments or salvation by a God or by some fate. Their Tirthankara have said them they may attain infinite bliss of their soul through individual efforts. Some ones will think it is quite presumptuous, but Jains are convinced they know " the way ", the way taught by their spiritual Masters, and they stay assured they will succeed. Their progress on that path is not fixed in time; they are free to proceed at their own rhythm. Nevertheless, their Masters have drawn their attention on two great unchanging laws of nature that are the same for all Indians: the law of the unceasing cycle of transmigrations of souls and the law of the consequences of activities in this world for their future life or lives. Jains have been taught that every activity of mind, body and speech attracts imperceptible particles of matter (karma) that stick to the soul of its doer and so bind its purity, knowledge and sanctity. This implies that to obtain liberation of this world it is absolutely necessary to shed the "karma" already existing by practices of austerities, and to prevent the influx of new karmic matter by observing self-control and getting good achievements. In short, it is not possible to reach the "Paradise, as long as the soul remains tainted by matter. If the soul of a being is not pure it will die and be reborn one or many times in one of the three worlds of existence under one

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254: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD of the four possible forms (human, animal or plant, celestial or hellish being) till its "karma" be totally cleansed by conquering passions, attachment, hatred, etc. All devotees firmly agree with such a creed and act or try to act accordingly Further, Jains practice a very comforting religion because it does not sentence them to a possible everlasting hell and it bears witness of an obvious mercy toward all living beings. It depends on them and of them alone to act correctly and to follow the recommended path, step by step, to avoid remaining in our world of suffering, ignorance, misfortune or going in those of heavenly or infernal beings that are not of absolute happiness and perfection, far from! Jains have been taught they can so be liberated sooner or later, according to their personal will and activities. They have moreover a religion that preaches great virtues of nonviolence, kindness, compassion, tolerance, equanimity and peace towards all living beings a thing acknowledged by more and more people face to wars and bad treatments of all kinds. Nevertheless, some critics may say it is a religion that does not believe in a God creator and judge. It is a fact, but they are not materialists, they believe in the existence of souls, an infinity of souls, and in the possibility to all to attain, rapidly or not, according to their merits or demerits, purity, omniscience, and to become themselves Gods. Jains have found an answer to the question everybody asks in this world. It is as it is, but it gives satisfaction to them! There is a great interrogation about life and death and that is their answer! In writing this book, we wanted neither to defend this faith nor to convert anybody to it. Our only desire was to have a digest on the adepts of one of the great Indian religions and philosophies of which very few people know precisely what it is and even its existence for

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Conclusion : 255 many people especially in Europe, (at the exception of United Kingdom) in South America, in Africa and some parts of Asia too. Our account is really too brief for such an extensive subject but we did not want to go into tedious details and therefore, it is by definition incomplete. We may also have made some little mistakes into this account. We pray Jains to forgive us. This work has required much time and efforts but we claim it gives up-to-date and reliable information on Jains living today in India and, for the first time, on those living in other countries in the world. The topic merits more extended chapters! Without any doubt, other searchers will devote themselves to such an attractive task with the help of fervent adepts and learned scholars, as those who have kindly assisted us, and to whom we want to pay a large tribute. It is our wish at the end this book!

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NOTES 1. See: Vilas Sangave's book Aspects of Jaina religion, Henri Zimmer's The philosophies of India, Alain Danielou's History of India and many others 2. See translation into English by R. Fynes published by "Oxford University Press" in 1996 under the title The Lives of Jain Elders 3. See: Aspects of Jaina Religion by Vilas Sangave, Religion and culture of the Jains by Dr Jyoti Prasad Jain (3rd edition) published in 1983 by "Bharatiya Jnanpith Publication" in New Delhi, Jain Temples in India and around the world by Dr. L.M. Singhvi, published in 2002 by "Himalayan Books and Luxor Foundation" in New Delhi See Jainism in Tamil Nadu by Dr. A. Ekambaranathan, published in 1996 by "Jain Humanities Press" at Mississauga (Canada) 5. This was the case, at the Xih century with the hordes of Mahmud of Ghazni, at the Xir" century with those of Muhammad of Ghur, at the XIVh century with those of Muhammad Tughluq and of some Moghul Emperors, from the Xvih to the Xviiih centuries. The Huns had already invaded the North of India from 500 to 540 B.C. and Alexander the Great in 326 B.C. 6. The Buddhists expelled from Tibet by the Chinese returned to India in the middle of the XX century with their Dalai-Lama 7. See on that matter a large bibliography in P.S. Jaini's book The Jaina Path of Purification, published in 1990 by "Motilal Banarsidass" in Delhi 8. Note also the creation of the Jain Academy in 1992 in London to develop researches on Jainism, to promote it and to diffuse its values at schools and Universities at cultural and spiritual levels.

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Notes : 257 9. Information published in 1994 in an annexe to the English translation of the Tattvartha Sutra by late Nathmal Tatia 10. For more details on him see Lord Mahavira and his times by Kailash Chand Jain or Lord Mahavira by Bool Chand 11. Extract of Digambara Jaina Iconography by J. Burgess published by "Bombay Educational Society Press" 1901 12. See Narendra Bhattacharya's book Jain Philosophy-historical outline published in 1976 by "Munshiram Manoharlal" in New Delhi 13. See Lord Mahavira by Bool Chand, P. V. Research Institute, Varanasi, 2nd edition, 1987 14. See P.J Jaini's book The Jaina Path of Purification reprinted in 1990 by "Motilal Banarasidass" in Delhi 15. For details, see Marie-Claude Mahias's book Delivrance et convivialite-Le systeme culinaire des Jains published in 1985 by " Editions de la Maison des Sciences de l'Homme" in Paris 16. See Vilas Sangave's book Aspects of Jaina Religion published in 1990 by" Bharatiya Jnanpith" in Delhi 17. For more information about the "Jain tantra" see Philip Rawson's book The Art of Tantrism published in 1973 by "Thames and Hudson" and reedited in 1995 18. The different steps of the Digambara weeding are reported here as mentioned in the booklet entitled "Vardhaman-A book on Jainism" published in April 2001, at the occasion of the 2600th anniversary of Mahavira's birth, by "Bennett Coleman" in Mumbai

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258: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 19. See the large book La Cosmologie Jaina by late Colette Caillat and Ravi Kumar, published in 1981 by "Chene Hachette", and now translated in English in what are figuring splendid "mandala" like one of the "Middle World" with the Jambudvipa and the Lavanasamudra with their continents, mountains and seas, in a marvellous harmony of drawings and colours. One may also find a beautiful Jain "mandala" in John Bowker's book World Religions published in 1997 by "Dorling Kindersley" in London 20. See Louis Renou's book L'Inde classique, tome II, page 628, re edited in 1996 by "Press of the Ecole Francaise d'ExtremeOrient" 21. See Alain Danielou's Histoire de l'Inde, page 106, in the re editing published in 1983 by "Editions Fayard" in Paris

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Examples of Jain religious expressions In this annexe, firstly we will give the formulae of the minor vows (anu-vrata) used by Sthanakavasi lay Jains, as they are reported in the book of Sinclair Stevenson "The Heart of Jainism" (2nd edition) published in 1984 by Munshiram Manoharlal in Delhi. Secondly, we will give translations of two Jain "mantra" including the "Great Mantra", as well as religious "stotra", hymns and prayers published in various books and publications by Jain communities living in the UK or in the USA, leaving the Sanskrit words and the ancient dialects (Prakrit) to scholarly books. 1. Formulae for the "little vows" of Jain laymen and women a) Vow to never intentionally destroy a life (Pranatipataviramana vrata) Annexe 1 "I will desist from destroying all great lives such as "trasa jiva" (i.e. lives with two, three, four and five senses), either knowingly or intentionally, excepting offending lives living in my body which give pain, but I will not with evil intent destroy vermines and minute onesensed lives. As long as I live I will not myself kill, nor cause others to kill, nor will make some other people to kill by mind, speech or body. Thus, I have taken the first vow and I know the five faults (aticara) concerning it, I must not commit. I repeat them in their usual order: binding, killing, mutilating, overloading, wrong feeding". b) Vow directed against falsehood (Mrsavada-viramana vrata) "I take the vow not to utter great falsehoods such as lies concerning brides, cattle, estates, etc. and not to bear false witness. I will abstain from * Formulae for the "great vows" of Jain ascetics are in the "Acarangasutra", Book II, and lectures 15, called "the clauses".

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260: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD all such lies. As long as I live, I will not tell myself lies, and so on (like the first vow). Thus, I have taken this vow and I know the five faults I will not commit concerning it which are: harsh speech, revealing secrets, speaking ill of my spouse, giving bad advice, falsifying accounts or forging documents". c) Vow to not take what is not given (Adattadana viramana vrata) "I take the vow not to thieve, especially from a house, a bundle, on the highway, not to open another's lock, not to appropriate lost property. I will abstain from such forms of thieving. As long as I live I will not myself thieve, and so on (like in the first vow). Thus, I have taken this vow and I know the five main faults I will not commit concerning it: encouraging others to thieve, committing offences against Government, using false weights and measures, adultering or selling goods false to sample". d) Vow of chastity (Maithuna-viramana vrata) "I take the vow to be chaste and faithful to my wife (my husband). As long as I live, I will not myself be unchaste and so on (like in the first vow). Thus, I have taken this vow and I know its five main faults I will not commit concerning it: to fail to be chaste before marriage, to consume marriage with a too young girl, to frequent prostitutes, to indulge in excessive sexual activity and to have evil talks". e) Vow to not possess to much goods (Parigraha-parimana vrata) "I take the vow not to possess more of the following things than I consider as enough: a certain fixed quantity of houses and fields, of money and grain, of creatures, of furniture and useless objects. Beyond this limit I will regard nothing as my own possession. As long as I live, I will not have things beyond these as my own... and so on (like in the first vow). I know the five main faults concerning it: transgressing the limits fixed in houses and fields, money and grains, two-footed or four-footed creatures, furniture and useless objects".

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Annexe : 261 2. The Jain "Great Mantra' also called "Maha Mantra" or "Namaskara Mantra" Namo Arahantanam (I bow to the worthy of worship, the Arhat), Namo Siddhanam (I bow to the perfect beings, the Siddha), Namo Ayariyanam (I bow to the spiritual Masters, the Acarya), Namo Uvajjhayanam (I bow to the teachers, the Upadhyaya), Namo loe savva Sahunam (I bow to all the ascetics in the world, the Sadhu), eso panca namokkaro savva pavappanasano/ mangalanam ca savvesim padhamar havai mangalam/ (This fivefold greeting, which destroys all sin, is pre-eminent as the most auspicious of all auspicious ones). 3. Jain "mantra" for peace and well-being "Let the whole universe be blessed! "Let all beings be engaged in one another's well-being! "Let all weaknesses, sickness and faults be diminished and vanish! "Let everyone, everywhere be blissful and at peace! 4. Jain formulae abandonment: concerning equanimity and body a) Formula concerning equanimity (samayika): "Equanimity towards all beings, self-control and pure aspirations, abandonment of every thought which is tainted by desire or aversion, that, truly, is considered as "samayika". Friendship towards all beings, delight of the qualities of virtuous ones, utmost compassion for afflicted beings, equanimity towards those who are not welldisposed towards me, may my soul have such dispositions as these forever!"

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262: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD b) Formula concerning body abandonment (kayotsarga): "As long I am in this meditation, I shall patiently suffer all calamities that may befall me, are they caused by an animal, a human being or a god. I renounce, for the duration of it, my body, all food and all passions. I abandon, with my body, mind and speech, attachment, aversion, fear, sorrow, joy, anxiety, self-pity... I further renounce all delight and all repulsion of sexual nature. Whether it is life or death, whether gain or loss, whether defeat or victory, whether meeting or separation, whether friend or enemy, whether pleasure or pain, I have equanimity towards all. "In the attainment of knowledge, insight and proper conduct, the cause is invariably nothing but my own soul; similarly, my soul is the cause for both the influx and the stopping of "karma". "One and eternal is my soul, characterized by intuition and knowledge; all other states that I undergo are external to me, for they are formed by associations. Because of these associations my soul has suffered the chains of misery; therefore I renounce with body, mind and speech, all relationships based on such associations "Thus have I attained equanimity and my true self? May this state of equanimity be with me until I attain salvation?" 5. Formulae for self-examination and request for forgiveness a) Formula for self-examination (alocana) "I wish to make "alocana" for whatever fault has been committed by me during the day in body, speech or mind, in contravention of the sacred scriptures and of right conduct, unfitting and improper to done, ill meditated and ill conceived, immoral and undesirable, unbecoming for a layman, in regard to knowledge, philosophy, lay life, "samayika" and transgression or infraction I may have committed in respect of the three "gupti", the four "kasaya", the five "anuvrata",

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Annexe : 263 the three "gunavrata" and the four "siksavrata", that is to say, the layman's twelve fold rule of conduct. May that evil have been done in vain!". b) Formula to ask forgiveness (khamemi savva jive) "I forgive all living beings, Let all living beings forgive me! All in this world are my friends, I have no enemies! 99 c) Other formula to ask forgiveness used at "Paryusana "festival "Micchami dukkadam!" (I repent and ask pardon!) 6. Jain hymns of praise a) Praise of the 24 Tirthankara (Caturvimsatistava or Logassa sutra or stotra) "My reverence to the 24 Tirthankara who have described the true nature of all the elements constituting the universe, who have initiated the "Samgha", the four orders of religion, who have conquered their attachment and aversion and who are revered by all beings in the three worlds (upper-middle-lower). "I bow to Sri Rsabhadeva, Sri Ajitanatha, Sri Sambhavanatha, Sri Abhinandana Svami, Sri Sumatinatha, Sri Padmaprabha, Sri Suparsvanatha and Sri Candraprabha Jina". "My humble respect to Sri Suvidhinatha (Puspadanta), Sri Sitalanatha, Sri Sreyamsanatha, Sri Vasupujya, Sri Vimalanatha, Sri Anantanatha, Sri Dharmanatha and Sri Santinatha Jina,

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264: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD My obeisance to Sri Kunthunatha, Sri Aranatha, Sri Mallinatha, Sri Munisuvrata Svami, Sri Naminatha, Sri Aristanemi (Neminatha), Sri Parsvanatha and Sri Vardhamana Jina (Sri Mahavira Svami)", "In this way revered by me, those who have burnt all karma, who have brought an end to birth, old age and death, these 24 Tirthankara shower blessings on me". "Those who are supreme in the universe, and are perfect, are worshipped with mind, body and heart so that their blessing presence can bring health, right vision and dignified peaceful departure." "Those who are purer than the moon, brighter than the sun and are profound as the ocean, grant me the state of completion." b) Praise to the Arhat, Jina and Siddha (Sakrastava) "Praise to the Arhat, the blessed ones, who are the cause of the beginnings of the Holy Law, who provide the path, who have themselves attained enlightenment, the best among men, the lights of the world, those who give the right direction, who give refuge, who give enlightenment, who give the sacred doctrine, those who are endowed with unobstructed knowledge and insight, the Jina, who have crossed over, who help others to cross, the enlightened and the enlighteners, the liberated and the liberators, the omniscient, the allseeing, those who have reached the place that is called "Siddhaloka", that from which there is no return and which is bliss immutable, inviolable, endless, imperishable, and undisturbed; praise to the Jina who have overcome fear. In the threefold way I worship all the Siddha, those who have been, and those who in future time will be!" c) Praise to the sacred scriptures (Srutastava) "May the eternal sacred doctrine bring prosperity. May it be victorious and may it enhance the primacy of the "dharma"!

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Annexe : 265 d) Universal prayer of the Jains "Cessation of sorrow, cessation of "karma", death while in meditation, attainment of enlightenment; Oh holy Jina! Friend of the entire Universe let these be mine, for I have taken refuge at your feet." 7. The immortal hymn of fraternity "Let the flood of friendship flow always from my heart! Let the Universe be prosperous, so is my dearest desire! Let my heart sing with ecstasy at the view of the virtuous! Let my life be an offering to their feet! Let my heart bleed at the view of the disabled, the cruel and the poor! Let tears of compassion flow from my eyes! May I be here, always, to show the way to those who wander about in their life! May I wait them patiently, if they do not follow me! May the spirit of good will enter in their heart! May we sing all, together, the immortal hymn of fraternity!

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Annexe 2 Extracts from some Jain sacred books We give here some short extracts from Jain sacred books interesting to be read. So, we will first see some extracts from the "Acarangasutra", from the "Uttaradhyayana-sutra" and from the "Kalpasutra" translated in English by Hermann Jacobi and edited, for the first time, in 1884 and 1895 by "Oxford University Press "in the series "The sacred books of the East "(volumes 22 and 45). Next we will report some "sutra" from the "Tattvarthadhigama-sutra" translated in English by late Nathmal Tatia and edited in 1994 by "Harper Collins Publishers"in New York Extracts from the "Acaranga-sutra" In this book, only acknowledged as valuable by the Svetambara, Sudharma, one of the "Ganadhara", conveys various teachings he got from Mahavira to one of his own disciples Jambu. The book comprises numerous lessons of which we give the following short sentences: "The man (the liberated) conquers wrath, pride, deceit and greed. This is the doctrine of the Seer who does not injure living beings and has put an end to acts and to "samsara". "He who is careless in all respects is in danger, he who is not careless in all respects is free from danger". "He who conquers one passion conquers many and he who conquers many conquers one". "He who avoids one passion avoids them all separately and he who avoids them separately avoids one. Faithful according to the

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Annexe : 267 commandment of the Tirthankara, wise and understanding the world according to their commandment, such a man is without danger from anywhere". "He who knows wrath, knows pride; he who knows pride, knows deceit: he who knows deceit, knows greed; he who knows greed, knows love; he who knows love, knows hate; he who knows hate, knows delusion; he who knows delusion, knows conception; he who knows conception, knows birth; he who knows birth, knows death; he who knows death, knows hell; he who knows hell, knows animal existence; he who knows animal existence, knows pain. So the wise avoids wrath, pride, deceit, greed, love, hate, delusion, conception, birth, death, hell, animal existence and pain. This is the doctrine of the Seer who does not injure living beings and has put an end to acts and to "samsara". "Preventing the propensity to sin destroys the effect of former activities". "The Arhat and Bhagavata of the past, present and future all say thus, speak thus, declare thus, explain thus: all breathing, existing, living sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away. This is the pure, unchangeable, eternal law which the clever ones, who understand the world, have declared". "Day and night exerting thyself, steadfast, always having ready wisdom, perceive that the careless stand outside of salvation. If careful thou wilt always conquer. This I say!" Extracts from the "Uttaradhyayana-sutra" Like the former, the Svetambara only acknowledge this book. It contains lessons from Sudharma to Jambu.

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268: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD "By giving up all desires, by disconnecting oneself from the bondage of worldly pleasures and by avoiding temptations, one frees oneself from sins and rebirth". "Birth is misery, old age is misery and so are disease and death and nothing but misery is the "samsara" in which men suffer distress". "Fight with your conflicting wavering thoughts". "One can obtain happiness by conquering bad thoughts with the help of good ones". "If there were numerous mountains of gold and silver as high as Mount Kailasa they would not satisfy a greedy man because his avidity is boundless like space". "As a dew-drop dangling on the top of a blade of kusa-grass lasts but a short time, even so the life of men; Gautama, be careful all the while! "As a lotus flourishing in water manages to stay clear above the surface and remains comparatively dry; so should you stay clear of materialistic desires!" "Time does fly, pleasures are not eternal and will leave you as birds leave the tree after all the fruits are eaten". "There is no right conduct without right vision and to obtain it, it must be cultivated". "Without right faith there is not right knowledge, without right knowledge there is not virtuous conduct, without virtue there is no liberation and without liberation there is not perfection". "By knowledge one knows things, by faith one creeds in them. By conduct one delivers oneself from "karma" and by austerities one reaches purity".

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Annexe : 269 "By getting rid of "karma", by exercising self-control and by practicing austerities, great wise men, whose aim is to be liberated of all suffering, have access to perfection". Extract from the "Kalpasutra" This sacred book, especially worshipped by the Svetambara is ascribed to Bhadrabahu. It comprises three parts. The first one tells the lives of Mahavira, Parsva, Aristanemi and Rsabha. The second lists the "Sthavira (the successors of the "Ganadhara" and of their disciples until Arya Skandila who presided the Council of Mathura). The third gives rules to be observed by Jain ascetics (yati). We reproduce here parts of the report on Parsva's life, the 23rd Tirthankara. Life of Parsva "In that period, in that age lived Arhat Parsva, the people's favourite, the five most important moments of whose life happened when the moon was in conjunction with the asterism Visakha: in Visakha he descended from heaven and having descended thence, entered the womb of his mother; in Visakha he was born; in Visakha; tearing out his hair, he left the house and entered the state of houselessness; in Visakha he obtained the highest knowledge and intuition, called "kevala", which is infinite, supreme, unobstructed, unimpeded, complete, and full; in Visakha he obtained final liberation. "In that period, in that age, in the first month of summer, in the first fortnight, the dark fortnight of "Caitra" (March/April), on its fourth day, the Arhat Parsva, the people's favourite, descended from the Pranata Kalpa (the tenth world of the gods), where he had lived for twenty "sagaropama" (an extremely long time), here on the continent Jambudvipa (Isle of the rose apple-tree) in Bharatavarsa (India), in

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270: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD the town of Benaras; and in the middle of the night, when the moon was in conjunction with the asterism Visakha, after the termination of his allotted length of life, divine nature, and existence (among the gods), he took the form of an embryo in the womb of the queen Vama, wife of Asvasena, king (of Benaras)... "The knowledge of the Arhat Parsva, the people's favourite, after the lapse of nine months and seven and a half days, in the second month of winter, in the third fortnight, the dark fortnight of "Pausa" (December/January), on its tenth day, in the middle of the night when the moon was in conjunction with the asterism Visakha, Vama, perfectly healthy herself, gave birth to a perfectly healthy boy. (A long description follows that is the same as that for Mahavira's life and ends in saying the boy was called Parsva"). "The Arhat Parsva, the people's favourite, clever, with the aspirations of a clever man, of great beauty, controlling his senses, lucky and modest, lived thirty years as a householder. Then the Laukantika gods (those who are near liberation), following the established custom, addressed him with these kind, pleasing, sweet and soft words: "Victory, victory to thee, gladdener of the world! Victory to thee lucky one... establish the religion of the law that benefits to all living beings in the whole universe! Thus they raised the shout of victory. (The story continues by depicting the great knowledge and intuition that made Parsva renounce the world and distribute all he possessed as riches to the needy). "In the second month of winter, in the third fortnight, the dark fortnight of Pausa (December/ January), on its eleventh day, in the middle of the night, riding in his palanquin called Visala, followed on his way by a train of gods, men and "Asura" (divine spirits), he went right through the town of Benaras to the park called Asramapada, and proceeded to the excellent tree "asoka". There he caused his

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palanquin to stop, descended from it, took off his ornaments, garlands and finery with his own hands and plucked out his hair in five handfuls. Annexe:271 "When the moon was in conjunction with the asterism Visakha, after fasting three and a half days without drinking water, put on a divine robe, and together with three hundred men he entered the state of houselessness. "The Arhat Parsva, the people's favourite, for eighty-three days neglected his body and abandoned the care of it. With equanimity he bore, underwent, and suffered all pleasant or unpleasant occurrences arising from divine powers, men or animals. He was circumspect in his walking, begging, thoughts, words, acts guarding his senses, his chastity; without wrath, pride, deceit, greed, calm, tranquil, composed, liberated, free from temptations, without egoism, property; he had cut off all earthly ties and was not stained by any worldliness... "Except in the rainy season, the Venerable One lived in villages only a single night, in towns only five nights indifferent alike to all...desiring neither life nor death, he exerted himself to the suppression of the defilement of "karma"; the Venerable One meditated on himself for eighty-three days. The eighty-fourth, it was in the first month of summer, in the first fortnight, the dark fortnight of Caitra (March/April), on its fourth day, in the early part of the day, when the moon was in conjunction with Visakha, under a "dhataki" tree, after fasting two and a half days without drinking water, being engaged in a deep meditation, he reached the infinite, supreme, unobstructed, unimpeded, complete and highest knowledge and intuition, called "kevala". (Then, follows a long development on Parsva as "kevalin"). "The Arhat Parsva, the people's favourite, had eight "gana" and eight "Ganadhara" (of which the names are mentioned).

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272: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD "The Arhat Parsva had an excellent community of sixteen thousand "sramana" with Aryadatta at their head; thirty-eight thousand nuns with Puspacula at their head; one hundred and sixty-four thousand lay votaries with Suvrata at their head; three hundred and twenty-seven thousand females lay votaries with Sunanda at their head; three hundred and fifty sages who knew the fourteen "Purva"; fourteen hundred sages who were possessed of the "avadhi" knowledge (clairvoyance); one thousand "kevalin"; eleven hundred sages who could transform themselves, six hundred sages of correct knowledge, one thousand male and two thousand female disciples who had reached perfection, seven hundred and fifty sages of vast intellect, six hundred professors, and twelve hundred sages in their last birth. "The Arhat Parsva, the people's favourite, instituted two epochs in his capacity of a Maker of and end: the epoch relating to generations and the epoch relating to psychical condition; the former ended in the fourth generation, the latter in the third year of his "kevaliship". "In that period, in that age, the Arhat Parsva, the people's favourite, lived thirty years as a householder, eighty-three days in a state inferior to perfection, a little less than seventy years as a "kevalin", a full seventy years as a "Sramana" and a hundred years on the whole. "When his fourfold "karma" was exhausted and in this "avasarpini" era the greater part of the "dusama-susama" period (of mixed sufferings and good luck) had elapsed, in the first month of the rainy season, in the second fortnight, the light fortnight, of "Sravana" (July/August), on its eighth day, in the early part of the day when the moon was in conjunction with the asterism Visakha, Parsva, after fasting a month without drinking water, on the summit of Mount Sammeta, in the company of eighty-three persons, stretching out his hands, died, freed of all pains".

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Annexe : 273 Extracts from the "Tattvarthadhigama-sutra" The "Tattvarthadhigama-sutra" or "Tattvartha-sutra", written by Umasvati or Umasvami, approximately during the first century A.D, is regarded as the Jain "Bible". Acknowledged by the two major sections of Jainism, it is a perfect summary, in ten great chapters, of their tenets. Here are mentioned some important "sutra" of this book. The first number corresponds to the chapter it is extracted from, the second to its place in the chapter. 1.1. Right vision, right knowledge and right conduct are the path to liberation. 2.11. The worldly souls fall into two groups: souls that possess a mind and souls that do not. 2.12. The worldly souls are further classified as mobile and immobile beings. 2.13. The earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air bodied and plant-bodied are immobile beings. 2.14. The souls with two and more senses are mobile beings. 3.1 The infernal beings live in seven lands, one below the other (with each lower land having a wider base than the above). From top to bottom these lands have more and more dark colours. 4.1. The gods (celestial beings) fall into four classes: mansion dwelling, forest, luminous and empyrean. 4.27. In the heaven "Vijaya" (Victory) the gods have only two more births as humans before attaining liberation. 5.21. Souls render service to one another. 5.27. An atom is produced by disintegration.

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274: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD 6.2. The threefold action (of body, speech and mind) is the cause of the inflow of "karma". 6.3. Good actions cause the inflow of beneficial "karma". 6.4. Evil actions cause the inflow of harmful "karma". 6.15. The inflow of conduct-deluding "karma" is caused by the highly-strung state of the soul due to the rise of passions. 6.16. Violent aggression and extreme possessiveness lead to birth in the infernal realm. 6.17. Deceitfulness leads to birth in animal realms. 6.23. The sixteen causes of body "karma" leading to life of a Jina are: 1) purity of vision, 2) humility, 3) obeying the mores and abstinences, 4) persistent cultivation of knowledge, 5) dread of worldly existence, 6) charity, 7) austerity according to one's capacity, 8) establishing harmony and peace in the monastic order, 9) rendering service to the nuns and monks, 10) pure devotion to the spiritual teacher, 12) pure devotion to learned monks, 13) pure devotion to the scriptures, 14) regard for compulsory duties, 15) proper practice and promotion of the spiritual path, 16) adoration of the learned ascetics in the scriptures. 7.1. Abstinence from violence, falsehood, stealing, carnality and possessiveness, these are the vows. 7.6. The observer of vows should cultivate friendliness towards all living beings, delight in the distinction and honour of others, compassion for miserable, lowly creatures and equanimity towards the vainglorious. 7.34. The worth of a charitable act is determined by the manner of giving, the nature of the alms offered, the disposition of the giver and the qualification of the recipient.

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8.1. Annexe : 275 The five causes of bondage are: deluded world-view, nonabstinence, laxity, passions and the actions of the body, speech and mind. 9.2. Inflow of "karma" is inhibited by guarding, careful movement, morality, reflection, conquering hardships and enlighten conduct. 9.26. Renunciation means abandoning the external articles and the internal passions including the body. 9.30. Analytic and white meditations lead to liberation, 9.37. Dwelling on investigating the essence of scriptural commandments, the nature of physical and mental suffering, the effects of "karma" and the shape of the universe and its contents is analytical meditation. People who are at the spiritual stage of complete self-restraint free of laxity are capable of it. 10.1. Omniscience arises when deluding "karma" is eliminated and, as a result, knowledge-covering, intuition-covering and obstructive "karma" are eliminated. 10.5. When all karmic bondage is eliminated, the soul soars upwards to the border of cosmic space. Note: Each "sutra" in the Tattvarthadhigama-sutra is followed by one or several commentaries of the author giving details and explanations on it.

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Annexe 3 Alphabetic index of Jain temples and sacred places mentioned in this book IN INDIA: A.P (Andhra Pradesh), AS (Assam), Bi (Bihar and Jharkhand), Gu (Gujarat), H.P. (Himanchal Pradesh), Ka (Karnataka), Kash (Kashmir), Ke (Kerala), Ma (Maharashtra), M.P. (Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh), Or (Orissa), Punj (Punjab and Haryana), Raj (Rajasthan), T.N. (Tamil Nadu), U.P. (Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal), W. Ben (West Bengal). ABALVADI (Ka) ABU MOUNT (Raj) ACHALGARH (Raj) ACHALPUR (Ma) AGALPUR (T.N.) AGASHI (Ma) AGLOD (Gu) AGRA (U.P.) AHAR (M.P.) AHIKSHETRA (U.P.) AHMEDABAD (Gu) AIHOLE (Ka) AJAHAR (Gu) AJANTA (Ma) AJARI (Raj) AJARI (T.N.) AJAYGARH (M.P.) AJMER (Raj) ALAGARMALAI (T.N.) ALANDA (Ka) ALAPPUZHA (Ke) ALLAHABAD (U.P.) ALWAR (Raj) AMALNER (Ma) AMARAVATI (Ma ) AMARKANTAK (M.P.) AMAROLI (Gu) AMARSAGAR (Raj) AMBAJI (Gu) AMIJARO (Gu) AMIZARA (M.P.) AMRITSAR (Punj) ANAIMALAI (T.N.) ANGADI (Ka.) ANJANERI (Ma.) ANKAI (Ma) ANKLESHWAR (Gu) ANTARIKSHA (Ma) ARA (BI) ARPAKAM (T.N.) ARSIKERE (Ka) ARUNGAKULAM (T.N.) ASHTA (Ma) ASTE (A.P.)

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Annexe : 277 AUR (Raj) AURANGABAD (Ma) AVANTI (M.P.) AVLOKIK (Gu) AYODHYA (U.P.) AZIMGANJ (W.Ben.) BADA (Raj) BADAGAON (Ha) BADAMI (Ka) BADNAVAR (M.P.) BADODA (Raj) BADONA (Ma) BADRI (H.P.) BADRIKAPURI (Bi) BADRINATH (U.P.) BAGALKOT (Ka) BAHUBALI (Ma) BALAMBEEDA (Ka) BALI (Raj) BAMANVAD (Raj) BANAKHAPUR (Ka) BANARAS (U.P) BANDHA (M.P.) BANGALORE (Ka) BANGARMANJESHWAR (Ke) BARABAR (Bi) BARAGAON (U.P.) BARAKET (Bi) BASAV (Ka) BATESHWAR (U.P.) BEDA (Ra) BELAGULI (Ka) BELGAUM (Ka) BELUR (Ka) BHADRAVATI (Ma) BHADRESHWAR (Gu) BHAGALPUR (Bi) BHAJA (Ma) BHANDAVPUR (Raj) BHARATPUR (Raj) BHARUCH (Gu) BHATKAL (Ka) BHATKULI (Ma) BHAVNAGAR (Gu) BHELUPUR (U.P.) BHILADIYA (Gu) BHILSA (M.P.) BHIMAL (Raj) BHOJPUR (M.P.) BHOPAL (M.P) BHOPAVAR (M.P.) BHOROL (Gu) BHOYANI (Gu) BHUBANESHWAR (Or) BHUJ (Gu) BIDADA (GU) BIDAR (Ka) BIJAPUR (Ka) BIJNOR (U.P.) BIJOLIA (Raj) BIKANER (Raj) BIMBADOD (M.P.) BINA (M.P.) BIRUDUR (T.M.) .

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278: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD BODELI (Gu) DEESA (Gu) BOMBAY( Ma) DELADAR (Raj) BRAHMASAR (Raj) DELHI (T. Del) BROACH-(Gu) DELVADA (Gu) BUHARIBAND (M.P.) DEOGARH (U.P.) CALCUTTA (W. Ben) DERANA (Raj) CANDRAGIRI (Ka.) DEVANHALLE (Ka) CANDRAPURI (U.P.) DHANARI (Raj) CHAMARAJNAGAR (Ka) DHARASHIV (Ma) CHAMARLENA (Ma) DHARMASTHALA ( Ka) CHAMATKAR (Raj) DHARWAD (Ka) CHAMPAPURI (Bi) DHOLKA (GU) CHANASMA (Gu) DIV (Gu) CHANDHERI (M.P.) DIYANA (Raj) CHANDIGARH (Punj) DOLIYA (GU) CHANDKHERI (Raj) DRONAGIRI (M.P.) CHANDWAD (Ma) DUNGARPUR (Raj) CHARUPA (GU) ELANGADU (T.N.) CHENNAI (T.N.) ELLORA (Ma) CHETTIPATTI (T.N.) ENNAYIARAMALAI (T.N.) CHHANI ( Gu) ERUVADI (T.N.) CHINTAMANI (Ma) FALVRUDHI (Raj) CHITARAL (T.N.) FIROZABAD (U.P.) CHITTAMUR (T.N.) GADAG (Ka) CHITTOR (Raj) GAJAPANTHA (Ma) CHULAGIRI (M.P.) GAMBHU (Gu) CUTTAK (Or) GANDHAR (Gu) DAHIGAON (Ma) GANGANI (Raj) DANTANI (Raj) GAYA (Bi) DANTAR (Bi) GHAZIABAD (UP) DARBHAVATI (Gu) GHANERAO (Raj) DATHA (Gu) GHOGA (Gu)

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Annexe : 279 GINGEE (T.N.) GIRIDIH (Bi) GIRNAR Hill (Gu) GODIJI (Ma) GOHILI (Raj) GOLAKOT (M.P.) GOMMATAGIRI (Ka) GUDIVADA (A.P.) GULBARGA (Ka) GUNAVA (Bi) GUNIYA (BI) GURGAON (Ha) GUWAHATI (As) GWALIOR (M.P.) GYARASPUR (M.P.) HALAR (Gu) HALEBID (Ka) HAMPI (Ka) HANSI (Pun) HASAMPURA (M.P.) HASTAGIRI (Gu) HASTINAPUR (U.P.) HATHUNDI (Raj) HORNADU (Ka) HOSEPET (Ka) HUBLI (Ka) HUMCHA (Ka) HYDERHABAD (A.P.) IDAR (Gu) INDORE (M.P.) INDRAGIRI (Ka) ISRI (Bi) JABALPUR (M.P.) JAIPUR (Raj) JAISALMER (Raj) JAKHODA (Raj) JAKHOU (Gu) JALARPATAN (Raj) JAMANPUR (Gu) JAMMU (Kash) JAVERGI (Ka) JHAGADIYA (Gu) JINAKANCHI (T.N.) JINANATHAPUR (Ka) JINGIRI (T.N.) JINTUR (Ma) JIRAVALA (Raj) JIYAGANJ (W.Ben) JODHPUR (Raj) JUNAGARH (Gu) KADAMBAGIRI (Gu) KAHAUM (U.P.) KAKANDI (Bi) KALIKUND (Ma) KALUGUMALAI (T.N.) KALUHA (Bi) KAMBADHALLI (Ka) KAMBOI (Gu) KAMPILYA (U.P.) KAMTHAN (Ka) KANAKAGIRI (Ka) KANCHIPURAM (T.N.) KANGADA (H.P.) KAPARADA (Raj)

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280: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD KARANJA (Ma) KORATA (Raj) KARED (Raj) KOTHALI (ka) KARKAL (Ka) KOTHARA (GU) KARUNGALAGUDI (T.N.) KSHATRIYAKUND (Bi) KARUPPANKUNRU (T.N.) KUHAPAHD (Bi) KASAN (Punj) KHUKKHUNDU (U.P.) KASHI (U.P.) KUKDESHVAR (M.P.) KASHINDRA (Raj) KULPAKA (A.P.) KATHGOLA (W. Ben) KUMBHARIYA (GU) KAUSHAMBI (U.P.) KUMBHOJGIRI (Ma) KAVI (Gu) KUNDAL (Ma) KESARIYA (Raj) KUNDALPUR (Bi) KHAJURAHO (M.P.) KUNDALPUR (M.P.) KHAMBHAT (Gu) KUNDAVAI (T.N.) KHANDAGIRI (Or) KUNIGAL (Ka) KHANIAGHAN (M.P.) KUNTHALGIRI (Ma) KHEDA (Gu) LACCHAVAD(Bi) KHEDBRAHMA (Gu) LADNUN (Raj) KHIMA (Gu) LAJ (Raj) KHIMEL (Raj) LAKHNADON (M.P.) KHIMVASAR (Raj) LAKKUNDI (Ka) KHUDALA (Raj) LAKSHMESHVAR (Ka) KIMVARLI (Raj) LALITPUR (U.P.) KIRTIDHAM (Gu) LAXMANI (M.P.) KOBA (Gu) LAYAJA (GU) KOJARA (Raj) LODRAVPUR (Raj) KOLARGADH (Raj) LODRUVA (Raj) KOLHAPUR (Ma) LONAVAL (Ma) KOLKATA (W.Ben) LOTANA (Raj) KOLLATHUR (T.N.) LUCKNOW (U.P.) KONIJI (M.P.) MADHUVAN (Bi) KOPPAL (Ka) MADOPUR (Raj)

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Annexe : 281 MADRAS (T.N.) MADURAI (T.N.) MAHALAKA (U.P.) MAHAVIRJI (Raj) MAHESHWAR (M.P.) MAHIMAPUR (W. Ben) MAHUDI (Gu) MAHUVA (GU) MAKSHI (M.P.) MALKHED (Ka) MANDAR (Raj) MANDARGIRI (Bi) MANDAVA (Raj) MANDAVGADH (M.P.) MANDAVI (Gu) MANDOLI (W. Ben) MADU (M.P.) MANGALORE ( Ka) MANGAULAM (T.N.) MANGI-TUNGI (Ma) MANNARGUDI (T.N.) MATAR (Gu) MATHURA (U.P.) MAYASANDRA (Ka) MEHSANA (Gu) MELSITHAMUR (T.N) METRANA (Gu) MINDASTHAL (Raj) MIRPUR (Raj) MODASAR (Gu) MODHERA (Gu) MODINAGAR (U.P) MOHANKHEDA (M.P.) MOHUA(Gu) MOTA POSINA (Gu) MUCCHALA (Raj) MUDABIDRI (Ka) MUDALUR (T.N.) MUKTAGIRI (M.P.) MUKTAGIRI (Ma) MULLIPATTU (T.N.) MUMBAI (Ma) MUMNABAD (Ka) MUNDASTHAL (Raj) MUNDAVA (Raj) MUNIGIRI (T.N.) MURSHIDABAD (W.Ben) MUTTUPATTI (T.N.) MYSORE (Ka) NADLAI (Raj) NADOL (Raj) NAGAHAD (Raj) NAGAPUR (Ma) NAGAUR (Raj) NAGERCOIL (T.N.) NAGESHVAR (Raj) NAGPUR (A.P.) NAINAGIRI (M.P.) NAKODA (Raj) NALANDA (Bi) NALIYA (Gu) NANA (Raj) NANA POSINA (Gu) NANDANI (Ma)

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282: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD NANDASAN (Gu) NANDIYA (Raj) NANIKHAKHAR (Gu) NARASIMHARAJPUR (Ka) NARLAI (Raj) NARODA (Gu) NASIK (Ma) NATHNAGAR (Bi) NAVAGARH (Ma) NELLIANGULAM (T.N.) NER (Ma) NITODA (raj) NITTUR (Ka) OOSMANABAD (Ma) OSIYA (Raj) PABHOSA (U.P.) PACHAR (Raj) PACHRAI (M.P.) PADMAPURA (Raj) PAITHNA (Ma) PAITHAN (Ma) PAJNARI (M.P.) PALAKAD (Ke) PALANPUR (Gu) PALI (Raj) PALITANA (Gu) PANAGAR (M.P.) PANASAR (Raj) PANCHAPANDAVAMALAI (T.N.) PANIHARBARAI (T.N.) PANSAR (Gu). PAPORA (M.P.) PARASALI (M.P.) PARASNATH Mount (Bi) PARODI (Raj) PAROLI (Raj) PATALIPUTRA (Bi) PATAN (Gu) PATANA (Ma) PATNA (Bi.) PATNA GANJ (M.P.) PATTADAKAI (Ka) PAVAGADH (Gu) PAVAGIRI (M.P) PAVAPURI (BI) PEDA AMIRAM (A.P.) PENUKONDA (A.P.) PERAMALAM (T.N.) PERAMANDUR (T.N.) PHALODI (Raj) PINDVADA (Raj) POKHARAN (Raj) POLAL (T.N.) PONNURMALAI (T.N.) POSALIYA (Raj) PRABHASPATAN (Gu) PUDAL (T.N.) PUDUKKOTAI (T.N.) PUGALUR (T.N.) PUJNARI (M.P) PUNE (Ma) PURI (Or) PURIMTAL (U.P.) PUSHPAGIRI (M.P.)

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PYDHUNI (Ma) RADBAR (Raj) RAJGIRI (Bi) RAJKOT (Gu) RAJNAGAR (Raj) RAMTEK (Ma) RANAKPUR (Raj) RANILA (Punj) RATANPUR (Gu) RATNAPUR (U.P.) RESANGIRI (M.P.) RISHABHADEV (Raj) RUJUVALUKA (Bi) RUNI (Gu) SACHORE (Raj) SADRI (Raj) SAGAR (M.P.) SAJOD (Gu) SALIGRAMA (Ka) SAMANARMALAI (T.N.) SAMAS GARH (M.D.) SAMINA KHEDA (Raj) SAMMET-SIKHAR (Bi) SANCHOR (Raj) SANDERAV (Raj) SANGANER (Raj) SARISKA (Raj) SARKHEJ (Gu) SARNATH (U.P.) SAURIPUR (U.P.) SAVATHI (Gu) SAWAIMADHOPUR (Raj) Annexe : 283 SESALI (Raj) SEVADI (Raj) SHAMLAJI (Gu) SHANKESHVAR (Gu) SHANTIGIRI (Ka) SHATRUNJAYA (Gu) SHAURIPUR (U.P.) SHERISA (Gu) SHIMOGA (Ka) SHIROHI (Raj) SHIRPUR (Ma) SHIVPURI (M.P.) SHIYANI (gu) SHRAVANA BELGOLA (Ka) SHRAVASTI (U.P.) SHRIDSAHAPUR (Ma) SIDDHARMALAI (T.N.) SIDDHAVARKUT (M.P.) SIHONIA (Ma) SIMAPURI (U.P.) SIMHABHUMI (Bi) SIRODI (Raj) SIRONJI (U.P.) SITTANAVASAL (T.N.) SIVERA (Raj) SIYANA (Raj) SOLAPUR (Ma) SOMNATH (Gu) SONAGIRI (M.P.) SONDA (Ka.) SONGARH (Gu) SRINAGAR (U.P.)

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284: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD SRIRANGAPATNA (Ka) STAVNIDI (Ka) SURAT (Gu) SUROHAR (W. Ben) SUTHARI (Gu) SVARNAGIRI (Raj) SWADI (Raj) TALAJA (Gu) TALANPUR (M.P.) TANJORE (T.N.) TARANGA (Gu) TER (Ma) TERA (Gu) THANA (Ma) THARAD (Gu) THAYANUR (T.M.) THELLAR (T.N.) THIRUNARUNKONDAI (T.N.) THUVANJI (M.P.) TIJARA (Raj) TIKANGARH (M.P) TINDIVANAM (T.N.) TINTOI (Gu) TIRAKKOL (T.N.) TIRUMALAI (T.N.) TIRUNATHARKUNRU (T.N.) TIRUNELVELI (T.N.) TIRUPARANKURAN (T.N.) TIRUPARUTHIKUNDRAM (T.N.) TIRUPATI (A.P.) TONDUR (T.N.) UDAIPUR Raj.) UDAYAGIRI (M.P.) UDAYAGIRI (Or) UJJAIN (M.P.) UNA (Gu) UNHEL (M.P.) UPARIYALA (Gu) UTTAMAPALAYAM (T.N.) UVASAGHAR (M.P.) VADALI (Gu) VAHALANA (U.P.) VAHI (M.P.) VAISHALI (Bi) VAKTAPUR (Gu) VALABHIPURI (Gu) VALAM (Gu) VALATHI (T.N.) VALLIMALAI (T.N.) VAMAJ (Gu) VANDAVASI (T.N.) VARANASI (U.P.) VARANGA (Ka) VARKANA (Raj) VARMAN (Raj) VATERA (Raj) VAV (Gu) VEEDUR (T.N.) VEERAYATAN (Bi) VELAR (Raj) VELLORE (T.N.) VEMBAKKAM (T.N.) VENGUNDRAM (T.N.) VENUR (Ma) VIDHYAGIRI (ka) VIDISHA (M.P.)

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VIJAPUR (Gu) VIJAYAMANGALAM (T.N.) VIJAYAPURI (A.P.) VIJAYAWAD (A.P.) VILLUPURAM (T.N.) VIRANAMUR (T.N.) VIRVADA (Raj) WARANGAL (A.P.) YANAIMALAI (T.N.) ZADOL (Raj) ZAGHADIYA (Gu) Annexe : 285 MILWAUKEE (Wi) U.S.A. NORWOOD (Ma) U.S.A. PENASUKAM (NJ) U.S.A. PHILADELPHIA (Pen) U.S.A. RICHARDSON (Te) U.S.A. SILVERSPRING (Mar) U.S.A. WINCHESTER (Oh) U.S.A. OUTSIDE INDIA ASIA HONG KONG (China) KOBE (Japan) IPOH (Malaya) KUALA LUMPUR (Malaya) PENANG (Malaya) SINGAPOUR (Malaya) KATHMANDU (Nepal) BANGKOK (Thailand) AFRICA DURBAN (South Africa) JOHANNESBURG (South Africa) PRETORIA (South Africa) MOMBASA (Kenya) NAIROBI (Kenya) AMERICA TORONTO (Canada) BARTLETT (111) U.S.A. BLAIRSTOWN (NJ) U.S.A. BUENA PARK (Cal) U.S.A. CINCINNATI (Oh) U.S.A. ELMHURST (NY) U.S.A. ESSEX FALLS (NJ) U.S.A. FARMINGTON (Mi) U.S.A. HOUSTON (Te) U.S.A. MILPITAS (Cal) U.S.A. EUROPE ANTWERPEN BIRMINGHAM HARROW HENDON KENTON LEEDS LEICESTER LONDON MANCHESTER POTTERS BAR (Belgium) (England) (England) (England) (England) (England) (England) (England) (England) (England) OCEANIA AUSTRALIA NEW ZELAND

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Annexe 4 Bibliography As complement to the bibliography published in 1999 in our French translation of Vilas SANGAVE's work "Aspects of Jaina Religion", we give here some books and reviews on the matter that have been published since or mentioned for the first time in the text. Books in French BOWKER (John) "Le Jainisme" in "Religions du Monde" published by Editions Larousse, Paris 1998. CAILLAT (Colette) "Le Jainisme" in "Histoire des religions" tome I (1970) reedited by Encyclopedie de La Pleiade- NRF, Paris 2000. DANIELOU (Alain) "Histoire de l'Inde" published in a new edition by Editions Fayard, Paris 1983. DUMARCET (Lionel) "Le Jainisme in "Les grandes religions de l'Asie" published by Editions De Vecchi, Paris 2001. FREDERIC (Louis) numerous passages on Jainism in his "Dictionnaire de la Civilisation indienne", published in the series "Bouquins", by Robert Laffont, Paris 1987. MAHIAS (Marie-Claude) "Delivrance et convivialite, le systeme culinaire jaina" edited by La Maison des Sciences de l'Homme, Paris 1985. RENOU (Louis) and FILLIOZAT (Jean) "Le Jainisme" in "L'Inde classique" tome II (1953) reprinted by Presses de l'Ecole Francaise d'Extreme-Orient, Paris 1996.

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Annexe : 287 SCHUBRING (Walther), translation into French of "Die Jainas", Tubingen 1927, in the "Religions de l'Inde" tome III by Editions Payot, Paris 1985. STIERLIN (Henri) passages with photos of various Jain temples of India in "L'Inde Hindoue" published by Editions Taschen, Koln (in Germany) 1998. VALLET (Odon) pages with photos on the Jains in "Les spiritualites indiennes" tome III in the series "Decouvertes" published by Editions Gallimard, Paris 1999. WATERSTONE (R.) several articles on Jainism, Jain temples, the Tirthankara, Jain "karma", Jain cosmology, Jain "tirtha", in "L'Inde eternelle" published in the series "Sagesse du monde" by Albin Michel, Paris 1995. YOGINDU "Lumiere de l'Absolu", translation by Mrs Nalini Balbir et Late Mrs Colette Caillat, published by Editions Rivages Poche / Petite Bibliotheque, Paris 1999. ZIMMER (Henrich) "Philosophies of India" (1953), French translation in "Les Philosophies de l'Inde" by Payot et Rivages, Paris 1997. 1. Books in English BHATTACHARYA (Narendra) "Jain Philosophy-Historical outline" published by Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi 1976. CHITRABHANU (Gurudev) "The Jain path to freedom" published by Jain Meditation International Centre, New-York 1980. CHITRABHANU (Pramoda) "Jain symbols, ceremonies and practices" published by "Jain Meditation International Centre", New-York 1996.

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288: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD CORT (John) "Jains in the World" published by Oxford University Press, New-York 2001. DUNDAS (Paul) "The Jains" published by "Routledge", London 1992. DWIVEDI (R.C.) "Contribution of Jainism to Indian culture" published by Motilal Banarasidass, Varanasi 1975. EKAMBARANATHAN (A.) "Jainism in Tamil Nadu, art and archaeology" published by Jain Humanities Press, Mississauga 1996. HEMACANDRA "The lives of the Jain elders" translation by Fynes (R.C.C) published by Oxford University Press, Oxford 1998. JAIN (Jyoti Prasad) "Religion and culture of the Jains" published by Bharatiya Jnanpith Publication, New Delhi 1983 JAIN (Satish Kumar) "Perspectives in Jaina philosophy and culture" published by Ahimsa International, New Delhi 1985. JAIN (Satish Kumar) Souvenir of the "Forth world Jain congress in New Delhi" published by Ahimsa International, New Delhi 1987. JAIN (Satish Kumar) Souvenir of the "Sixth world Jain conference in New Delhi" published by Ahimsa International, New Delhi 1995. KHADABADI (B.K.) "Sravakacara-Jaina code of conduct for householders" (Its significance and relevance to present times) published by Shri Rajakrishna Jain charitable trust, New Delhi 1992. KUMAR (Bhuvanendra) "Jainism in America" published by Jain Humanities Press, Mississauga 1996. LOPEZ (Jr) articles on Jain practices in "Religions of India in practice" published by Princeton University Press, Princeton 1995. MEHTA (Digish) "Shrimad Rajachandra - A life" published by Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas 1991.

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Annexe : 289 PAL (Pratapaditya) "Jain Art from India" published by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles 1994. RAJCHANDRA (Shrimad) "Atmasiddhi" (English translation by B.Govardhanadasa) printed by Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas 1985. SHAH (Natubhai) "Jainism- The World of Conquerors" (2 volumes) published by Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi 2004. SHARMA L.P. "History of Ancient India (Prehistoric Age to 1200 A.D.)"reprinted by Konark Publishers, Delhi 1992. SINGHVI (L.M.) "Jain Temples in India and around the world published by Himalayan Books, New Delhi 2002. TITZE (Kurt) "Jainism - A pictorial guide to the religion of non violence" published by Motilal Banarsidass, New Delhi 1998. UMASVATI "Tattvarthadhigama-sutra" (English translation by late Tatia (Nathmal) under the title "That which is" published by Harper Collins, London 1994. VARNI (Jinendra.) "Samana Suttam" compilation published by Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti and printed by Shree Vardhaman Press, Delhi 1999. 2. Reviews in English. "The Jain" published by Jain Samaj Europe, Leicester (U.K). "Jain Journal (Editor Satya R. Banerjee) published by Jain Bhavan, Kolkata (India). "Jain Digest published by JAINA, Getzville (U.S.A). "Jinamanjari" edited by Bhuvanendra Kumar and published by Bramhi Jain Society, Mississauga (Canada). Note: Many other books in French or in English are cited in the text with references.

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Annexe 5 Useful Jain addresses and Web sites To permit readers of this book interested in knowing more about Jains and possibly to establish contacts with them either in India or in other countries we list useful addresses below. Likewise, we mention Web sites that will provide more details about them and their religion. Addresses of various Jain organisations in India and in other countries India: "Jain Bhavan" P-25 Kalakar Street, Kolkata 700 007 (West Bengal) "Jain Friends" 201 Bombay-Pune Road, Chinchwad East, Pune 411 019 (Maharashtra) Kundakunda Jnanpith, 584 MG Road, Tukoganj, Indore 45 2001 (Madhya Pradesh) "Ahimsa International" C III/ 3129 Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110 067, "Jaina Vishva Bharati"Ladnun -341306 (Rajasthan) "Parshwanath Vidyapeeth" I.T.I. Road, Karaundi, Varanasi221005 "Kundakunda Bharati" 18 - B, Special Institutional Area, New Delhi 110067. "Shri Digambar Jain Samaj", Dilshad Garden, New Delhi 110095 United Kingdom "Jain Samaj Europe" Jain Centre, 32 Oxford Street, Leicester LEI 5SXV (England)

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Annexe : 291 "Young Jains", 199 Kenton Lane, Harrow (Middlesex) HA3 8TL (England) "Mahavir Foundation", 11 Lindsay Drive, Kenton, (Middlesex) HA3 OTA (England) "The Jain Academy", 49 Highfield Avenue, Golders Green, London NW11 9 EU (England) "Federation of Jain Organisations", 11 Lindsay Drive, Kenton, Harrow HA3 OTA (England) North America "Federation of Jain Associations in North America" (JAINA) PO Box 700 Getzville (NY) 14068-0700 (U.S.A.) "Jain Meditation International Centre", 244 Ansonia Station, New-York (NY) 10023-9998 (U.S.A.) "International Mahavira Mission", Siddhachalam, 65 Mud Pond Road, Blairstown (NJ) 07825. (U.S.A.) Trail, Mississauga "Brahmi Jain Society", 4665 Moccasin (Ontario) L4Z 2W5 (Canada) Belgium "Jain Cultural Centre Hoventerstraat 2, Antwerpen. * WEB sites (in French): http://www.membres.tripod.fr/axter/jinisme.html http://www.jainisme.com http://www.vegetarismus.ch http://www.india-tv.com.fr/jainisme.htm

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292: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD * WEB sites (in English): http://www.jaina.org http://www.jainsamaj.org http://www.jainworld.com http://www.jainism.org http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/jain http://www.wizard.net/ethan/ahimsa.htm http://www.sunsite.unc.edu/jainism http://www.jainheritage.com http://www.jainpilgrimages.com http://www.jainstudy.org http://www.jaindarshan.com http://www.terapanth.com http://www.jaintirth.org http://www.tripod.com/jain http://www.planet.net/darshan http://www.parshwanathvidyapeeth.org http://www.atmadharma.com http://www.jainism.free-online.co.uk http://www.indiaritual.com/jain http://www.sacred-texts.com/jain See also query results for "Jainism" on: Google, Alta Vista, Yahoo, etc.

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Annexe 6 Concise glossary of Jain terms This is only a concise glossary of some "Sanskrit" and "Hindi" words due the fact that practically all those used in the text have been already translated. For more details, see the glossaries of Jain terms in Vilas Sangave's book "Aspects of Jaina religion" or in Padmanabh S. Jaini's book "The Jaina Path of Purification". Acarya/Acharya Spiritual master, chief of a group of ascetics Adholoka The lower world (hell) Agama Sacred books of the Jain "canon" Ahimsa Non-violence, non-nuisance, kindness Ajiva Inanimate substance, without soul (Jiva) Ajivaka Name of a school of philosophy in ancient India Anekantavada Tenet of "manifold aspects of things" Anga Part of the Svetambara "canon" Anuvrata Minor or little vows of the Jain householders Anuyoga Part of the Digambara "canon" Apabhramsa Ancient Indian dialect Aparigraha Non-attachment to the world Arati Indian cultural practice of fire offering Ardhamagadhi Ancient Indian dialect used in the Svetambara "canon." Arhat Venerable being Asadha Indian lunar month (June/July) Asrava Inflow of "karma" into the soul Asteya Abstention of stealing

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294: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Avasarpini Period of progressive decline in the world Avasyaka Daily religious duties Basadi Name of some Jain temples Bhadra Indian lunar month (August/September) Bhandara Library Bharata India, also called "Bharatavarsa" Bhattaraka Digambara religious master Bisapantha Digambara religious branch Bhajana Religious song with music Brahmacarya Chastity Dana Gift, alms, charity Darpana Mirror Darsana View, world-vision, contemplation Dharmasala Inn for Jain pilgrims in India Deul Name of the "sikhara" in Orissa Dharma Law, right order, religion, principle of motion, virtue Dharmacakra Wheel of the law Dhupa Incense Dhvaja Flag Ordination of an ascetic Dikna Dravida Gaccha From South India Name of a group of Jain ascetics Group of ascetics Choir in Jain temples Gana Garbhagrha Gopura Tower of some temples in South India

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Annexe : 295 Grha Gumanapantha Guna Gunavrata Gupti Gurukula Janma Japa House, dwelling Digambara religious branch Quality, essential character Multiplicative vow Control, regulation House of the teacher, Jain study centre Birth Repetition of "mantra" to obtain concentration in meditation Conqueror (spiritual) Living substance, soul Indian lunar month (May/June) Vessel, jar, jug Gourd, pail for Digambara ascetics ablutions One of the most sacred book of the Svetambara "canon" Subtle particles of matter caused by activities of mind, speech and body Jina Jiva Jyestha Kalasa Kamandalu Kalpasutra Karma Kayotsarga Ksatriya Jain posture of abandonment of the body Second Indian "class" of kings and rulers Anger Krodha Lobha Greed Madhya-loka Magha Middle world, our world Indian lunar month (January/ February) Great vows of Jain ascetics Mahavrata Mala Rosary

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296: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Mana Pride Mandala Mandapa Mandira Mantra Mardava Margasirsa Mula-sutra Muni Murti Murtipujaka Nagara Namaskara Nirjara Nirgrantha Nisidika Paduka Panjarapola Patra Paramesthin Parisahajaya Paryaya Diagram used for meditation Hall with pillars in a temple Temple of North India Formula with sacred character Gentleness, modesty Indian lunar month (November/December) Part of the Svetambara "canon" Ascetic Statue, image Statue-worshipper. Major Svetambara branch Style of Jain temples in North India Reverent salutation to the five holy beings Gradual removal of karmic matter from the soul Ancient name of Jain ascetics Pillar erected in memory of a Jain ascetic having practiced "sallekhana" Sandal. More specifically footprints of an eminent Jain Gujarat name of a refuge for old, injured and sick animals Bowl (for collecting alms) Supreme Jain spiritual authorities Victory on afflictions Mood or shape of a substance

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Phalguna Phalapuja Picchi or Picchika Pradaksina Pratikramana Puja Pujari Pujera Puspapuja Rajoharana Ratna-traya Sadhu Sallekhana Samayika Samiti Samyama Samsara Samskara Samvara Samyak Satya Santi Sauca Indian lunar month (February/March) Offering of fruits during a puja Small broom of peacock feathers used by Digambara ascetics Rite of circumambulation in a Jain temple Ritualised Jain confession Cult, cultural Jain rite Priest officiating in some Jain obediences Name of a Svetambara branch Annexe : 297 Puja with an offering of flowers Small broom used by Svetambara ascetics The Jain "three jewels" Ascetic (feminine: sadhvi) Jain rite of abandonment of life through fast Meditation Care in thought, speech and body activities Self-control Cycle of transmigrations Sacred Jain rites Stoppage of karmic influx in the soul Right, correct Rectitude, sincerity Peace Purity

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298: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Sikhara Tower upon the choir of a temple in North India Siksa-vrata Sravaka Srivatsa Disciplinary vow of the lay Jains Jain layman (feminine: Sravika) Sacred sign on the chest of Jina's statues Siddha Liberated Siddhacakra Siddhanta Sthanaka Wheel of perfection Jain "canon" Hall for prayers and meetings of the Jain Sthanakavasi Tower, pillar often in front of a Jain temple Prayer, religious hymn of praise The sun Stambha Stotra Surya Stupa Sutra canonical Reliquary mound Aphorism or short text of scriptures Jain doctrine of qualified assertion Name of a Digambara branch Syadvada Terapantha Tapas Penance, austerity Tirtha Ford Tirthankara Tirthaksetra Torana Maker of the ford, synonym of Jina Sacred place of pilgrimage Monumental door or arch at entry of temples Gift including his (her) knowledge to others Preceptor, teacher Annexes to the canonical Svetambara texts Tyaga Upadhyaya Upanga

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Annexe : 299 Urdhva-loka Uttama Vandana Vasanta Vihara Upper world (heaven) Complete, total, absolute Respectful greeting, rite of regard Indian spring Wandering of Jain ascetics out of monsoon season Victory Stage of making the vows by the Jain laity Male celestial being that guards a Tirthankara Female celestial being that guards a Tirthankara Vijaya Vrata-pratima Yaksa Yaksi or Yaksini Yantra Mystical diagram to protect from bad influences Yati Yatra Category of ascetics Pilgrimage, walking Vice-acarya Yuvacarya

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Annexe 7 Some great Jain ancient authors As already said, Jains are great authors. Since many centuries they have written in prose or in verses an impressive number of works in numerous languages (Prakrit, Sanskrit, regional Indian languages) on a quantity of matters. We know that their sacred scriptures or Agama have been ordered by the Svetambara in various Assemblies at Pataliputra, Mathura and Valabhi from 320 BC to 520 AD. As concern the Digambara they have decided to have their own sacred canon constituted of various religious treaties written by some of their own great Acarya. Among the Jain sacred scriptures, the Svetambara venerates especially the Kalpasutra attributed to Bhadrabahu and the Uttaradhyayana-sutra they say to be the recension of Mahavira's last sermons. Both Jain sections acknowledge as valuable the Tattvartha-sutra by Umasvati or svami and the Samana Suttam compiled by Shri Jinendra Varni A part these sacred scriptures, there are an innumerable number of other works written by many ancient Jain authors in majority by great Acarya or by some other authors including numerous commentaries of the canons or books on religious subjects or different ones. The originals of these ancient books are carefully preserved in the Jain libraries (bhandara) set at Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Patan, Khambhat, Ahmedabad, etc. Manuscripts dating of many years ago are also available in these libraries some of them having never been translated till today. Scholars, research workers and students can make use of these books for acquiring knowledge and for teaching. We give below the names of some of these great Jain ancient writers and the tittles of one or more of their main works. They are cited in alphabetical order to be simple and without any detail on their dates and contents. Such details would need a whole book. Some of their works have already

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Annexe : 301 been translated in Hindi, in English and in other languages. We mention at the end of this annexe some of these works translated in English and in different other languages on the Web site "jainworld.com". Authors Works Gommatasara-tika (Sans.) Vadamaharnava Abhayacandra Ahayadeva Suri (Tarkapancanana) Abhayadeva Suri (Second) Akalanka Jayantavijya Astasahstri Laghiyastraya-tika Tattvartha-rajavartika Balabharata Amaracandra Padmananda Chakkammovacsa Amarakirti Gani Amitagati Pancasamgraha Yogasaraprabhrta Amrtacandra Suri Purusarthasiddhyupaya Tattvarthasara Asadhara Anagara-dharmamrta Sagara-dharmamrta Asaga Bhadrabahu Svami Bhadrabahu II Vardhamana-caritra Kalpasutra Avasyaka-niryukti Dasavaikalika-niryukti Sutrakrtanga-niryukti Silakinavabada Bhiksu

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302: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Sarkhandagama Bhutabali and Puspadanta Candraprabha Suri Darsanasuddhi Nyayavataravivitti Prameyaratnakosa Parsvanathacaritra Devabhadra Devacandra Santinathacaritra Devaprabha Suri Devasena Pandavacaritra Savayadharma-doha Deva Suri Pramana-nayatattvalokalankara Syadvadaratnakara Devendra Gani Mahavira-caritra Devendra Suri Karmagrantha Sudarsanacaritra Danadikulaka Dhanapala Dhanesvara Suri Dharma Dharmadasa Gani Dharmavardhana Padyalacchi Surasundaricaritra Jambusvami-cariya Uvaesamala Sadbhasa-nirmita-parsvajinastavana Gayasukumala-rasa Paumasiri-cariu Delhana Ghahila Atmanusasana Gunabhadra Gunacandra Suri Mahavira-caritra Gunaratna Tarkarahasyadipika-vstti Anekantajayapataka Haribhadra

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Annexe : 303 Astakaprakarana Dharmabindu Dharmasamgraha Dhurtopakhyana Lalitvistara Mallinathacaritra Nyayapravesa-Tika Saddarsana-samuccaya Sastravartasamuccaya Hemacandra (Purnatallagachcha) Shananga-sutra Yogabindhu Yogadsstisamuccaya Abhidhana-cintamani Kumarapala-caritra Parisistaparvan Pramanamimamsa Trisastisalakapurusa caritra Yogasastra-satika Bhavabhavana-satika Visesavasyakabhasya Bshadvstti Hemacandra (Maladhari) Upadesamla-satika Jayakirti Jinabhadra Gani Ksamasramana Silovaesamala Campaka-sresthi-kathanaka Jitakalpa-sutra Visesavasyaka-bhasya Navapaya Jinacandra Gani

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304: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Navatattvaprakarana Jinadatta Suri Kalasvarupakulaka Jinaprabha Suri Caturvimsati Jinastuti Jinasena Jayadhavala Parsvabhyudaya Tatparyavrtti Jinendra Varni Jainendra-siddhanta-kosa Jinesvara Yosodhara-caritra Kanakamara Karakanda cariu Kirtiraja Neminatha Mahakavya Kundakunda Astapahuda Niyamasara Pancastkaya Panastikayasara Pavayanasara Pravacanasara Rajaprasniya-sutra Samayasara Suttapahuda Laksmana Gani Supasanahacariarn Mahasena Pradyumma-caritra Mahaviracarya Ganitasara-sangraha Mahesvara Suri Mahapurusa-caritra Gathakosa Municandra Munisundara Suri Jina-stotra-ratna-kosa Nandisena Nemicandra Ajitasantistava Dravya Sangraha

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Annexe : 305 Gommatasara Ksapanasara Labdhisara Pratisthatilaka Pravacanasaroddhara Siddhantacandrika Trilokasara Padmakirti Pampa Parsvapurana Pasanaha-cariu Adipurana Campu Ramacandra-carita-purana santipurana Pampa II Ponna Prabhacandra Prabhavakacarita Prameya-kamala-martanda Nyayakumudacandra Isttopadesa Pujyapada Samadhitantra Sarvartha-siddhi Puspadanta Rajacandra Srimad Ramasena Jasaharacariu Mahapurana Nayakumaracariu Satprarupana-sutra Atma-siddhi Tattvanusarana Ajitapurana Syadvada-ratnakravatarika Padma-purana Ranna Ratnaprabha Suri Ravisena

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306: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Salibhadra Buddhi-rasa Samantabhadra Apta-mimamsa Ratnakarandasravakacara santi Suri (Purnatalliya Gachcha) Nyayavataravartika-vrtti santi Suri (Brhadgachcha) Prthvicandra caritra Siddharsi Upamitibhava-prapancakatha Siddhasena Divakara Nyayavatara Sanmati-tarka-prakarana Somacandra Kathamahodadhi Somaprabha Kumarapala-pratibodha Sumatinatha-caritra Suprabhacarya Vairagyasara Sayambhava Harivamsa-purana Udayaprabha Suri Dharmabhyudaya Umasvati (Umasvami) Prasamaratiprakarana Tattvartha-bhasya Tattvarthadhigama-sutra Vadideva Suri Pramana-naya-tattvaloka Syadvada-ratnakara Vajrasena Bharatesvara-Bahubali-rasa Vardhamana Suri (Prasisya of Abhayadeva) Adinatha-caritra Vattakera Mulacara Trivarnacara Vidyananda Asta-sahastri Vijayasena Vikrama (Son of Sangana) Tattvartha-sloka-vartika Revantagiri Nemiduta-Nemacaritra

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Annexe : 307 Vimala Paumacariu Vinayavijaya Vira Gani Virasena Yasovijaya Gani Naya-karnika Ajiyasanti-thoya Dhavala Jnana-bindu-prakarana Nyayapradipa Jaina-tarkabhasa Tiloyapannatti Yogasara, Paramatmaprakasa Yativrsabha Yogindradeva (Yogacandra) Note: One may find the English translations of some books cited above on the Web site: "www.jainworld.com. It is the case of: "Satkhandagama" by Bhutabali and Puspadanta, "Kalpa-sutra" by Bhadrabahu, "Asta-pahuda, Pravacanasara, Samayasara and Niyamasara by Kundakunda, "Tattvarthadhighama-sutra" and "Prasamarati-prakarana" by Umasvati/ Umasvami, "Purusartha-siddhyupaya" by Amotacandra, "Dravya Samgraha" by Nemicandra, "Samana Suttam" compiled by Jinendra Varni, "Chaha Dhala" by Pandit Daulat Ram, "Jinagamasara" in Hindi, "Jina Sutra" quotations in English.

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Pierre Paul AMIEL is a graduate of French University. Honorary Chief Executive in Local Government Administration, he has many national distinctions. Since more than twenty years he makes researches and studies on the Jains and their faith. In addition to his translations of books on Mahavira and on Jainism, he has given numerous conferences and lectures and written many articles in several magazines. He is a Member of " Ahimsa International " and of the Advisory Council of "Ahimsa Times". French translations of Jain sacred books and other texts on Web site www.jainworld.com have largely been produced by him. Till today no book like this one had been published giving an informative and accurate look on the Jains living outside India at the present time. JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD Pierre Paul AMIEL is a passionate of India, of its culture and traditions. He has established numerous links with Jain leaders in India, U.K., the USA and Canada. After having published his French rendering of " Lord Mahavira" by Bool Chand and "Aspects of Jaina Religion" by Vilas Adinath Sangave, he has written in 2003 a book on the Jains today in the world. This is the English version of his very instructive and authentic work. He gives here up to date information on the followers of one of the most ancient religion of India, on their history, their diversity, their sacred books, their numerous splendid temples in India and abroad, the life of their laymen, laywomen and ascetics, their rituals, cults, religious festivals and influences in India and the various countries were they have now living communities in the world. All people fond of non-violence, tolerance, respect of life and peace will like to read this book that affords many news on the followers, from many centuries till today, of this admirable tradition whose aspects remain bad known even by very learned ones. It is a philosophy and a religion that are extremely relevant to our present world, at the beginning of this so disturbed XXI"century.