Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra

Author(s): Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab

Page 218

JAIN MANTRAVADA AND CAITYAVASIS: SRI JINESVARASURI
209
Avasannas, Kuśīlas, Samsaktas and Yathacandas. Reforms were introduced from time to time by various Achāryas like Sri Jagaccandrasūri, who received the title of Tapā by his great austerities and founded the Tapāgaccha and Sri Hiravijayasūri of Tapāgaccha and Sri Jinacandrasūri of the Kharatara Gaccha in Akbar's time and lastly by Pannyāsa Srī Satyavijaya (s. y. 1674 to s. y. 1756) * amongst the followers of Tapā. gaccha and by Sri Ksamākalyana amongst the followers of Kharatara Gaccha. But Yatis and their chiefs called Bhattārakas have continued side by side with varying fortunes all the same. They might be compared with Caityavásis and Sārūpikas of olden times. They put on the white garments of Sādhus but would practice Vidyā, Jyotis and Cūrna i. e. Magic, Astrology and Medicine. They lost most of their influ. ence and power over the Jain laity since the advent of Sri Atmārāmaji alias Vijayānandasūri. They however still exist in comparatively small number and practice Medicine, Astrology and Mantra. The western education, the modern atmosphere and the activities of the other Sādhus have taken away most of their adherents. Generally the backward sections of the Jain population residing far away in small towns and villages beyond the influence of modern civilization and education still support them. Some of them have their hereditary Jāgirs and allowances conferred on them by States for services rendered in the past by their predecessors. They earn their livelihood otherwise by practice of medicine. It should not be understood however that the reformed Sadhus did not or do not believe in Mantras. They are required for religious purposes to do Japa at least of Vardhamānavidyā or Panca Parmesti Mantra. The Acāryas have to do Japa of Sūrimantra. The difference is in theory only, and it is that the reformed Sadhus are to be real Adhyātmikas and are not therefore to practice Mantras for gaining worldly prosperity or happi.
* The reformed Sådhus of Tapagaccha since his time and those of Kharataragaccha from the time of Kşamākalyāņa commenced putting on yellow garments instead of white to distinguish themselves from others who continued their lax practices. These are known as 'Samvegis.' Sådhus of Kharatara Gaccha have resumed putting on white garments.