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94
History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathurā
as the date which divided the Jaina community into two sects, i.e., the Śvetambara and the Digambara. 174
It is important to note that prior to this split the Jainas had lived together without any apparent discord. 175 It is, therefore, pertinent to ponder over the causes of this split. It has often been suggested that the divergent practice of wearing a white robe or going out naked caused this split, and this gave these two sects their names; - those who put on white robes came to be known as the Svetambaras, and those who preferred or believed in the practice of nudity were called the Digambaras.176 This split is also assigned to differences between the practices of Mahāvīra and Pārśva, or to the more austere life of Mahāvīra's pupil Gosala, and also to the events caused by the great famine in Magadha resulting in the migration of a section of the Jaina community to south India.177
There is little substance in these reasonings. Both sects of Jainism hold that Gosala's teachings had nothing to do with this split.178 Reconciliation regarding the use of clothes and the practice of nudity had already been achieved in the lifetime of Mahāvīra. 179 Option allowing two modes of behaviour known as Jinakalpa and Sthavirakalpa was also open to the Jainas.180 It appears that isolated groups of Jainas who insisted on the harder course of life had existed from the very beginning. 181 The split in the Jaina community possibly arose due to subsequent differences regarding ascetic practices. 182
CMHI, II, p. 357. According to the Svetambaras, the split occurred in AD 142. See CHAI, III, p. 282; CMHI, II, p. 362.
175. CMHI, II, p. 357.
176. HJM, p. 83.
177. Ibid.
178.
Ibid.; AOIU, p. 413.
179. Ibid.; Ibid.; LDJC, p. 28. Ibid.; Ibid.
180.
181. HJM, pp. 83-4; AOIU, p. 413. 182. ACHI, pp.101-2.
174.
