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Role of Women in Jaina Religion
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matters. On the other hand women, like the wife of Śrāvaka Ananda very willingly and joyously follow the faith of their husbands and perform the 'Upāsaka' vows of Bhagavāna Mahavira. Thus, since the Agamic period women were allowed total freedom as regards religious faith and life style. Sadhvis used to live and move independently from the company of the Sådhus, and arranged for their own security by appointing a Sadhví as like a pratihārī-guard.
Bhagavāna Mahāvīra has glorified the vow of celibacy and women were also allowed to refuse the married way of life and go for the celibate way of living. Women like Brāhmi, Sundari, Malli, Candanabālā, Jayanti and others accepted the lifelong vow of celibacy. In view of the prevailing traditions and circumstances, it was considered inevitable in those times for women to live a married life. But Jaina religion has left such a personal issue of marriage to the discretion of women, a woman may herself decide whether to marry or not. If she felt that the unmarried way of life was better for her effective religious pursuits, she was entitled for 'Dīksā' without getting married.
At the 'Samavasarana', spiritual congregation for hearing the preachings of Bhagavāna Mahāvīra, women enjoyed as much freedom as the men did. They attended such congregations without any restraint or restriction, listened to the preachings and satisfied their curiosity by publicly asking questions as in the case of Jayanti who settled her doubts by raising questions.
Thus, the role of women in Jaina religion has been very progressive and ennobling on the whole. As mothers they have given birth to "Tīrtharikaras', as wives they have provided inspiration to their husbands; as individuals they have managed large trade and commerce independently. In the Jaina way of life, woman has always been bold enough to protect her chastity and defeat the enemy. Her learning has for ever been honoured everywhere. Sādhvis have set an example for the society in matters relating to the ultimate achievement of spiritual progress. The liberation of women, the freedom of women and the advancement of women are integrated in Jaina religion. These principles are sure to guide and lead the people in the ensuring decades towards the new path of attainment of the liberty of women.
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