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JAIN MANTRAVADA AND CAITYAVASIS: SRI HARIBHADRASURI
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according to the strict rules of conduct to be observed by Sadhus as the only exception recognised is that in times of great calamity to the Jain fold such powers may be exercised without committing sin. Perhaps justification might be urged that the result of the performance in the Court would contribute greatly to the spread of Jainism but such exception is not recognised in the strict rules of conduct for Jain ascetics. It is an illustration of the tendency of the times and influence of Caityavāsi Sadhus.
In brief, temple building activities, recurring famines, foreign invasions, internal feuds and unwillingness to undergo hardships incidental to acting upto the ideals of Sadhu's conduct, Sadhus taking up residence in population instead of forests, contact and friendship with kings, anxiety to protect Jainism from the onslaughts of rival religions, desire to succeed in constant debates, necessity of magical powers to meet disputants belonging to rival religions who were reputed to be Tāntrikas possessing magical powers, all jointly and severally contributed to the rise and continuance of the Caityavāsis for nearly a thousand years.
ŚRI HARIBHADRASŪRI (Circa 8th Century A.D.) We have to note here that at no time during the period of nearly one thousand years Caityavāsis were so powerful that they could completely overwhelm or root out the ideal Sādhus. Although the latter were comparatively few in number, they existed side by side; and when by sheer strength of character and learning a member of the latter class rose to leadership Caityavāsis did suffer a set-back for a time. The famous Haribhadrasūri is the Achārya who so opposed the Caityavāsi's lax practices, although it is said that he himself arranged for food being given to the hungry and a conch used to be blown inviting the hungry to meals before he would himself partake of food-which practice is not in conformity with the vow of poverty i.e. not to have any belongings. Some explain this practice by saying that it was not Sri Haribhadrasūri himself but a Srāvaka
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