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Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
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SOMADEVASURI AND HIS
INNOVATIONS IN THE PRACTICE OF THE VOW OF
GIFT
In the course of thcir General Editorial to the Upāsakādhyayana of Somadevasūri (959 A.D.), Dr.A.N. Upadhye and Dr. Hiralal Jain present the following observation:
Though the basic nature of Śrāvakācāra - the Code of Conduct for Houscholders has remained the same for centuries, the classification of the various vows, the technical words used for them and the enjoined mode or manner of their observance effected by the various Jainācāryas (like Jinasena, Somadeva, Vasunandi, Devasena, Hemacandra etc.) show its progressive trends, depending on the various regions, their needs and times. Such progressive trend is found decisively and exceptionally conspicuous in the case of Somadevasūri in respect of the Siksāvrata dāna - the Disciplinary Vow of gift or Charity, which is also one of the constituents of Caturvidha Śrāvakadharma - Fourfold Way of Righteous Life of the Householder that seems to have been enjoined at the initial stage of the householder's path.
This Disciplinary Vow, generally known as dāna, which has played a significant role all along the course of the history of Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
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