Lord Mahavira Vol 02

SR No.: 023277
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S C Rampuria
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati Institute
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 244
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 21 MB

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Lord Mahâvîra
Mahâvîra prescribed some special code of conduct for mendicant After completing the practices of Anuvratas and Pratimas, a house-holder seeks permission from his relatives to renounce completely mundane affairs and become a Jaina monk. Then after worshipping Panca paramesthins (Arhanta, Siddha, Acarya Upadhyaya, and Sadhu), he requests the Ganin to admit him into his Order. Being accepted by the Ganin, he pulls out his hair and becomes completely a naked ascetic according to the Digamabara tradition.
Mahâvîra never put any caste or creed restrictions to be his follower. People from all walks of life adopted his religion. The new monk makes gradual progress in monkhood and attains the position of Sthavira, Upadhyaya, Acarya, Ganadhara, and Pravartaka. 35 There are three Monastic Units which are recognized by Mahâvîra, viz. Gana, Kula, and Gaccha. The entire Order consists of monks, nuns, laymen, and women. If one breaks any rules or regulations, he should observe prayascittas like Alocana, Pratikramana, Ubhaya, Viveka, Vyutsarga, Tapa, Cheda, Parihara, and Upasthapana.36 During the rainy season, a Jain ascetic should stop his touring and abstain from walking on green grass or water. One should move about only during the day taking proper care not to tread on any living creature (Samyakiriya samiti).37 Following the Nigantha Nataputta's followers, the Buddha prescribed the rules pertaining to the observance of indoor residence in the rainy seasion.38
A Jaina monk, the Mahâvîra's follower has no attachment to the world. Nakedness or Acelakatva is considered one of the essential of monkhood.39 Pali literature refers to Jaina ascetics as Niganthas, for they claimed to be free from all bonds.40
Cloth and other requisties are considered Parigraha (Possession) which is an obstacle to the attainment of salvation. No body can attain complete emancipation from Karmas without being naked.41
The Buddha was completely against nakedness (Acelakatva). He criticised this rule along with others on several occasions, 42 though he is said to have followed the same before he had attained Buddhahood.
Niganthas are expected to have 27 qualities Pranatipata Viramana etc.43 Among the requisites he is permitted to have a