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l worshipp was thuse evils of Yaples (Chaits
HISTORY OF JAIN SECTS AND SCRIPTURES non-idol worshippers in 1474. Bhanajimuni was the first known Muni of that sect. The Shvetämbar sect was thus divided into two sub-sects. This division was however helpful in dealing a deathblow to the evils of Yatis. Sthänakaväsis introduced strict codes of conduct for their monks in contrast to the temples (Chaityas).
Hirvijay-suri was the well-known Acharya of the next century. He seems to have impressed even emperor Akbar who issued a proclamation prohibiting animal slaughter on certain days. Poet Banarasidas also lived during that period. He was born in a Shvetämbar family and was an easy going youth. He however happened to read Samay-sär and was very much impressed. He has written Samay-Sär-Nätak, which is a dramatic version of Samay-sär. The next two well-known personalities are Yogi Anandghanji and Upadhyay Yashovijayaji. The real name of the former was Labhanandji. Since he remained more absorbed in the nature of soul, he is popularly known as Anandghanji. He has written many thought provoking Padas. The best known is his Anandghanji Chovisi that contains devotional songs in admiration of all 24 Tirthankars. Upadhyay Yashovijayaji was a prolific writer. He has written on almost every aspect of Jainism in the Sanskrit, Präkrut and Gujarati languages. Soon after that Acharya Bhikshu split the Sthänakaväsi sect in 1727 A.D. on the issue of the role of charities etc. in Jainism. The new sect that was set up is known as the Teräpanthi sect.
Digambars also experienced a significant change during the late sixteenth century through a famous poet and scholar named Banarasidas. He was a devout scholar of the works of Kundkundächärya. He revolted against the lax behavior of Bhattäraks and felt their ritualistic practices were excessive and involved a high degree of Hinsä in offering of flowers, fruits and sweets in temple rituals. He called for abolishment of such offerings from daily rituals in the temples.
Banarasidas' influence was further felt through Pundit Todarmal of Jaipur. His doctrinal pursuits emphasized Nishchaya Naya (absolute) aspects of Kundkundächärya writings. This greatly revitalized the Digambar tradition and allowed them to move forward during a period of difficult changes. Following this period of change, even within the Digambar tradition, sects known as Teräpanthis and Bisapanthas came about. Their beliefs and practices vary from one region to the other. It is important to note that Banarasidas was born into a Shvetämbar family.
The last person to be mentioned is Shrimad Rajchandraji who was born in 1868. He was a highly gifted person. He could heavily impress even Mahatma Gandhi, who considered Shrimad his guide. He has compiled many devotional songs and has written at length about the true nature of the soul in the form of letters. Most of his writings are in the Gujarati language. Mokshamälä and Atmasiddhi-shästra are his outstanding independent publications that have influenced a lot of people. He had plans to freshly propound true Jainism. Unfortunately he did not survive long and left the mortal body in 1901 at the young age of 33.
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