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Post-Mahāvīra Period and the Contribution of Jainism
Samgha.221 The Dravida Samgha also proved short lived.222
Estimate of the split in Jainism
The division of the Jaina community into the Svetāmbaras and the Digambaras affected the monks as well as the laity.223 But the basic religious principles remained the same for both the sects.224 Almost all points of difference were minor, if not trivial.225 Consequently, although there was a split, the crack was not wide enough to demolish the edifice.226 The Jainas differed on some minor points of doctrine and discipline, but on the whole they adhered to the main principles of Jainism.227 Less serious doctrinal differences among the Christians led to prolonged bloody conflicts in Europe, but strict adherence to ahiṁsā prevented the Jainas from similar acts.228 In fact, the points of difference were thrashed out in a debating hall. Some minor changes occurred in Jainism, but no fundamental change is visible up to the present times.229 In spite of their differences, the Svetāmbaras and the Digambaras are one regarding the arrangement of their communities, doctrine, discipline and cult, at least in respect of more important points, and, thus, one can always speak of Jainism as a whole.230
Jainism passed through many storms and upheavals from time to time. But it did not perish. It is still a living religion. This reveals the adaptability of Jainism to constantly changing environments.231 One of the chief causes
221. CHAI, III, p. 299. 222. Ibid., pp. 299-300. 223. ACHI, p. 102. 224. Ibid.; JSS, p. 141; ERE, VII, p. 473. 225. CHAI, III, p. 299. 226. Ibid. 227. JSS, p. 141. 228. CHAI, III, p. 299. 229. AOIU, p. 420. 230. OISJ, p. 3. 231. S.D. Jha, op. cit., Retrospect.
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