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S. B. DEO
Generous royal and lay patronage, however, tended to lead to slackness in both the sects of Jainism. The building of monasteries and temples, and the lavish gifts of land and other things for the maintenance of Jaina ascetics led to a loosing of strict adherence to original discipline as also to the weakening of the rules of non-possession and the mode of secluded life as originally intended.
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Even with such defects, it may be admitted that it was due to the idea of ahima as advocated and rigorously followed by Jaina monks that the major portion of the population of those regions in which Jaina. monachism had influence, remained strictly vegetarian. It also went a long way in minimising the practice of animal sacrifice.
Jaina monachism has definitely put the society under obligations by the creation of its various Bhāndāras which preserve the Mss. wealth of the past in safe custody. These Bhāndārās soon became centres of learning and gave a good support to both monastic and lay habits of study.
On the whole Jaina monachism, which is an essential part of Jainism as a whole, has definitely given a softening tone to Indian culture. Jainism was never oppressive even in the days of its prosperity. This love for peace and accommodation, without at the same time compromising the fundamentals of religion, has gone a long way in still keeping Jaina monachism a living institution, and Jainism a religion of a faithful devoted laity.
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