Book Title: Essence of Jainism
Author(s): Sukhlal Sanghavi
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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Page 219
________________ Four Institutions 195 accepted u?willingly a few blemishes born of contact with the common man. They have at the same time introduced several special virtues in the life of common people and have made heroic effort to do this. There were some recluses endowed only with inner vision and had attained to spiritual peace in their lives. The notes of their blessed and pure works were lost with them. This is because hey never cared to transfer the notes of their lives to others. But there were some with or without inner vision, who had transferred the notes of their works of general welfare for which they had made their contribution. These stand firm and clear before us. Once our society was non-vegetarian and prone to taking wine. When this very society, encouraged and exporienced a dislike towards wine and meat, very great credit for this change goes to the Institution of Sadhus. Day in and day out, this institution continued with one missionary work. Wherever they went, they taught the lesson, verbally and by their own example regarding the giving up of seven addictions - Vyasanas. Nobody can deny the fact that Jain Institutions of sadhus contributed lots towards dislike for meat, aversion for wine, displacement of adultery and eulogy of Brahmacarya becoming current in the minds of the common man. Institution of Holy Places Mostly holy places arise when there is association with noble religious soul, there is beauty of nature, and, in the absence of both there is speciality of some structure, architecture or some idol brought about by spending lots of money by some rich man. most of the cases, holy places become renowned in villages or cities, and, in addition, seashore, bank of a river, other reservoirs and small and big mountains. It cannot be stated that holy places of Jains are not found on reservoirs; actually beautiful holy places have developed on the glorious Ganges or other reservoirs. But mostly Jains have prefer. red mountains. In India, east, west, north or south, wherever we go, the principal holy places of Jains are situated on hillocks and mountains. Selection of place, both for Svetámbaras and Digam. baras is only on mountains. Places with which the Svetāmbaras Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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