________________
290
A CULTURAL STUDY OF THE NISITHA CURNI
the injunctions of Tírthankaras. The monks of the Jaina order were to keep themselves away from the ascetics of different orders such as the Parivrājakas, Sākyas, Ājivakas and Caragas.1 Perhaps the reason behind tbis exclusiveness was to avoid friction and disputes and keep their followers unimpressed from the religious doctrines of the other faiths, especially at a time when the rival sects were also trying their best to convert others into their respective faiths. Thus, by their conservativeness by keeping themselves away from the social intercourse, the Jaina lawgivers of the time tried to maintain the integrity of the Church. K. K. Handiqui has rightly remarked: "Isolation rather than amity based on free social intercourse was the object aimed at in inter-communal relations.''2
These and various other changes seem to have taken place in the early medieval Jainism, and it would not be unjust to say that by giving place to the tenets of rivals within their own faith and by showing a spirit of adaptability in case of the outer differences, Jainism saved itself from being extinct from the country and is still holding its grounds down to these centuries. Brāhmanic Religion ( Saivism And Vaisnavism)
The ancient Vedic religion had by now rejuvenated in form of new Brāhmaṇic religion or Hinduism comprising in its fold the various sects and subsects, and the ceremonial or ritualistic aspect took the upper hand in religion. Though still holding its central position among the trinity of gods, the worship of Brahmā, however, could not acquire an independent form. In the NC. also no mention is made of the cult of Brahmā or the temples dedicated to him. All other Brāhmaṇic sects worshi. pping the different deities and following diverse practices may be grouped under two main heads, viz. Saivism and Vaişnavism.
1. NC. 2, p. 118. 2. Handiqui, op. cit., p. 331.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
