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The contribution of Jainas in the field of Art and... 97
consequent laxity in conduct began to grow in the lives of monks. Laxity of conduct gripped both the traditions of Digambara and Śvetāmbaras. This grew in the Svetāmbaras in the form of Caityavāsīyati tradition and in Digambaras Mathavāsi Bhattāraka tradition. Though, this tradition contributed greatly in preserving Jaina religion and Jainology it also made an important contribution to the field of social service. In the field of medicine the contribution of Jaina Yatis has been very significant. But at the other end they got deviated from the essence of monastic life because of their indulgence in comforts of life and accumulation of possessions. And thus came the resonant voices of revolution from Ācārya Kundakunda of Digambaras in 6th century AD. Ācārya Kundakunda mainly focused on spiritualistic aspect of religion in place of traditional religion. Though, in his Aştapāhuda and more specifically in Căritrapāhuda and Lingapāhuda etc, he raises his resentful voice against deterioration of conduct but his voice remained unheard, because even in the later period the Bhațțāraka tradition continued to remain strong. Ācārya Amrtacandra, the first commentator on Ācārya Kundakunda made an effort to give a spiritualistic direction to Jaina sargha, which did have an impact on Jaina society but Bhattāraka tradition remained unaffected and continued to
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