Book Title: History of Jaina Monachism
Author(s): S B Deo
Publisher: Deccan College Research Institute

Previous | Next

Page 581
________________ S. B. DEO Generous royal and lay patronage, however, tended to lead to slackness in both the sects of Jainism. The building of monasteries and temples, and the lavish gifts of land and other things for the maintenance of Jaina ascetics led to a loosing of strict adherence to original discipline as also to the weakening of the rules of non-possession and the mode of secluded life as originally intended. 576 Even with such defects, it may be admitted that it was due to the idea of ahima as advocated and rigorously followed by Jaina monks that the major portion of the population of those regions in which Jaina. monachism had influence, remained strictly vegetarian. It also went a long way in minimising the practice of animal sacrifice. Jaina monachism has definitely put the society under obligations by the creation of its various Bhāndāras which preserve the Mss. wealth of the past in safe custody. These Bhāndārās soon became centres of learning and gave a good support to both monastic and lay habits of study. On the whole Jaina monachism, which is an essential part of Jainism as a whole, has definitely given a softening tone to Indian culture. Jainism was never oppressive even in the days of its prosperity. This love for peace and accommodation, without at the same time compromising the fundamentals of religion, has gone a long way in still keeping Jaina monachism a living institution, and Jainism a religion of a faithful devoted laity. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

Loading...

Page Navigation
1 ... 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 586 587 588 589 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 615 616