History of Jaina Monachism

Author(s): S B Deo
Publisher: Deccan College Research Institute

Page 52

HISTORY OF JAINA MONACHISM
47 knowledge, and difference of opinion and of practice giving rise to the founding of new schisms and independent sects, are to be often met with, both in Jaina and the Buddhist texts. Thus mutual contact must have had some effect on the modification of practices of different sects. Epigraphical Corroboration :
Out of these numerous communities, however, only three have received, up till now, the support of epigraphy. They are the Jaina, Buddhist and the Ājīvika.20 Therefore it is very difficult to measure the extent of impact on these three systems by other numerous sects.
We may, therefore, restrict our investigation only to the two systems, viz., Jaina and the Buddhist, as the Ajivika, as is well known, was an offshoot of Jainism. Origin: a mystery:
The exact origin and the preparation of the background for the rise of Jaina and Buddhist types of monachisms still remain "wrapped in obscurity".21 Several fantastic theories were advocated by early writers on the subject.22 These pioneers went to the extent of denying even the independent existence of Jainism. The efforts of JACOBI, however, set at rest all these views as he most clearly proved that Jainism was older than Buddhism, as well as an independent monastic system. Jainism and Jaina Monachism :
Before studying the various theories regarding the possible origin of śramanism, it may be stated that the origin of Jainism and Jaina monachism was simultaneous as the former is purely an ethical system.23 The monastic organisation with an elaborate Church hierarchy was the outcome, possibly, of a later phase in which Jainism was spread in different parts of India and had, therefore, to organise itself. The Theories of Origin:
Without dealing with fanciful theories and the traditional Jaina view which advocates the existence of Jainism from times without beginning, we
20. E.I., Vol. 2, p. 272. 21. DUTT, op. cit., p. 47.
22. See BARODIA, History and Literature of Jainism; also, SHAH: Jainism in North India, pp. XVIII-XXI.
23. "Neither Jainism nor Buddhism are religions in the strict sense of the word. They are simply monastic organisations, orders of begging fraternities, somewhat similar tc Dominicians and Fransciscans in medieval Europe.”—Prof. KUMAR, J.A., Vol. 13, No. 1, p. 35.