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Essence of Jainism
was on the rise. Mabāvira was not necessarily the first to give place to women in the Sadhusanstha. Bhagavān Buddha was not willing to give place to women in the Sadhusansthā, but bad ultimately to concede. Og due consideration, it seems ibat soine iofluence is there of the Jain Sadhusanstha in this.
Aim of Sadhu-Purity in life
Sadhu méans Sadhaka and á Sadhaka is one who resorts to Sadhana -Yogic practice-for the attainment of a certain aim. It has been resolved that the principle aim of Jain Sadhus is rurity of life. Purity of life means prevention of the bondages, dirts, obstru. ctions and narrowness of life. Setting example from his own life, Bhagavān taught this lesson to the discriminating. How can a Sadhu guide others unless and until he grows introvert, examines and searches his life, becomes steady in thought and conduct and becomes clearly and thoroughly conscious about his own aim and end in dife? Again, if someone intends to guide others in the realm of an important fact like spiritual life, he should first of all prepare well bis own self before becoming a preacher or a teache. The time for this preparation is precisely the time of Sadhana A secluded spot, separation from ones near ones and others, not interfering in any social or other trickeries, observance of fixed rules of taking food and mode of life - all this is well plaoned.
Change of Place and Community Welfare
In this Institution we come across magnanimous personalities, whose inner vision and subtle thinking were permanent. There were others with external vision, but certainly not lacking in inner vision. There were still others with very litile inner vision, but dominant outer vision. Be it as it may, on one side Jainism expanded as society and family dharma, and Sadhus continued to enter the Institution from this society. On the other side, the place of resid. : ence of the Sadhus started changing slowly and steadily. Groups of Sadhus, from jungles, billocks and the outskirts of cities started pouring in the populace of the common man. When the Institution of Sadhus entered the places of common men, they might have
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