Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 5

SR No.: 008006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 616
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 14 MB

Page 306

296
Jina-Kalpi-Sadhus and their modes of living he told them that it was impossible to act according to that sect and hence the sect had come to an end. Sivabhuti objected and said, “We are also sādhus and we act according to those principles !' Ācārya replied calmly, Jina-kalpa has come to an end after the Nirvāṇa (obtaining of Eternal-Bliss) of Arya Jambū Swāmi Besides it is impossible to follow it in these days !"
"How-by what authority do you say that it has come to an end ? Well l I can easily follow it" replied the student with great anguish. Acarya tried to calm him; told him that even Tirthaikaras never remained naked even in solitary places, and that every one of them had left this world also with .ciothes on. But unfortunately he was not convinced. Then, he put off all his clothes, threw them away, and went into the garden for meditation. Śivabhūti's sister who also was a Sădhvi followed her brother. They both began to wander in that naked condition. Once when they were wandering in a city to fetch food, they were marked by a prostitute. The prostitute thought:-"People will treat us indifferently if such attractive sādhvis (nuns) will wander in such a condition !" So she threw over her body a Sāri-(a. garment). Śivabhūti tried his level best to establish his own sect. He got two Śişyas (Pupils ) named Kaundilaya and Kashavīra and these in succession became more and more flourishing.
According to some, the Digambara sect started after the name of a Muni named Sahasamala. In that sect also flourished many learned men who created literature of their own, The sect came to be after 609 years of Vira-Nirvana. To day, Digambara Sadhus are rarely seen and are few in numbers when compered to Svetāmbara-Sādhus. Originally there was a very little difference between the principles of Svétām bara and Digambara sects. But as time passed, it went on increasing and now in nearly about 84 matters, the difference prevails. The following are the prominent ones :