Jain Journal 1992 04

SR No.: 520106
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1992
Total Pages: 70
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 4 MB

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discipline, they may break down physically or mentally and incur more harm than good. The later Acaryas, who had vast knowledge and lifelong experience of problems of spiritual life and complexities of human nature, therefore proposed certain exceptions which were of an almost permanent nature. This led to the development of alternative modes of monastic life. Those who adopted the less rigorous path were called Sthavirakalpis. In contrast to Jinakalpis or the solitary mendicant, the Sthavirakalpis lived in a community. Here we see an exception to the original rule itself becoming a rule. The acceptance of garments in place of nudity as done by the Svetambara sect, is the best example of this. Originally done for protection against cold and for social reasons, this exception led to the branching out of a major sect.
Modifications in rules in the post-canonical period
JAIN JOURNAL
As the monastic order (Sangha) spread and began to play its social role, the leaders of the monastic community were faced with the conflict between upholding the original tenets on the one hand and the need to preserve the prestige and safety of the Sangha on the other. They tried their best to reconcile the spiritual welfare of the individual aspirant with the welfare of the Sangha, but at times they were forced-at the expense of the individual-to relax the rules in order to glorify the Sangha and to ward off danger to the monastic community.
In the post canonical period, when Jainism spread to various parts of India including the South, monks were allowed to deviate from general rules according to place, time and situation. They resorted to magical practices and spells to demonstrate their prowess to kings whose goodwill mattered much for the survival of the Jain community.9 They even entered into politics and dethroned kings if it was profitable for the Jain community. Monks had to organize religious congregations and engage themselves in writing books. All these made relaxation of certain rules inevitable. At times even improper acts were permitted for the sake of the Sangha. A few examples may be cited.
A monk is prohibited from inflicting injury to a clay image of an enemy after infusing life into it with the help of incantations. But he
9 Deo, S. B., History of Jain Monachism (from inscriptions and literature), Deccan College Dessertation Series, No. 17, Deccan College Research Institute, Poona, 1956, p. 438.