Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
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1.1.c
Evol
Evolution of Sth nakav si and Ter pantha Sect
Dr. Kamini Gogri
1.0 Introduction After the 12th century in India, provincial languages started prospering and there were many saints and monks spreading true religious spirit through their poetry to the masses against the empty ritualism of the mediaeval times. Moreover the religious literature up to mediaeval times was in the classical languages - either Sanskrit or Prakrit which no longer remained the languages of the masses. In Hinduism the religion of rituals and sacrifices limited to the higher castes was being replaced by the temple worship and devotion for which all persons including women, untouchables were qualified. In the Jaina religion also a simple householder like Lonk ha from Gujarat and a monk like crya Bhikṣu from Rajasthan attempted at reformation through their writings in provincial languages - medieval Gujarati and Rajasthani respectively. However both of them were opposed to the current of temple worship and bhakti popular in Jainism. There have been reformers in Jaina religion during the Islamic and the British rule. The need for reform arose when there was a spiritual decay within the Jaina society itself. .... the solidarity of Jaina social organization had always stemmed not from the political power of the monks but from the great moral authority they possessed. In falling away from his proper role as a living example of the Jaina ideal (the dedicated ascetic earnestly seeking moksa). a monk forfeited this authority." Fortunately some individuals became aware of the gravity of the situation and to bring about needed reform!
"Jains have traditionally prided themselves on the austere life-styles of their mendicants. But with the acquisition of great riches by the community, the monks fell increasingly into a temple-centered existence, living under rather luxurious conditions and devoting themselves more to the external trappings of religion than to the practice stressed by Mah v ra.?
It is to be noted that emperor Samprati (2nd century B.C.) in order to popularize Jainism used iconography as a means to spread and expand Jainism. Consequently temple building grew, and with it arise a host of rituals. The ritualistic aspect was further popularized by Ancalagaccha, a Swet mbara sub-sect of 10th century A. D. This trend continued till Lonk ha (15th century A.D.) who wrote against temple building and idol-worship.
2.0 LONK HA He is regarded as a crusader against idol-worship. The Sth nakav si sect owes its allegiance to Lonk ha. It even celebrates a day to commemorate him. There are controversies about his life and matters relating to the date of birth, death, marriage, about his knowledge of scriptures, etc. Regarding the life history of Lonk, there are controversies. Muni Jň nasundarji in his book has quoted different authors to locate the exact date and the year of birth and death of Lonk, his family background, his education, his profession, because there are controversies regarding his life, as there is no unanimity between the authors who have located various events about his life. This also tries to prove the importance of Lonk and the reform he has brought about.
One of the versions is as follows: Lonk was born in V.S. 1482 in Ahmedabad. His father Hemashah and mother Ganga were vanik by caste and were very devout Jainas. Hemashah was intelligent and attained a high position in court of King Muhammad Shah. Lonk imbibed many virtues including extra ordinary memory powers from childhood. Due to his skill and deep knowledge of jewels he was appointed as a treasurer by the king. Sheth Odhavji, an eminent personality from Sirohi was attracted by his ability and sharp intelligence and married his daughter Sudarsana to him. They had a son who was named Purnacandra.
When Lonk came to know about Kutubshah killing his father Mohammad Shah for the sake of kingdom, Lonk felt utterly disgusted and understood the futility of worldly affairs. Hence he resigned from the post.
At home he continued with his personal business of jewelers, along with his writings. He also engrossed himself in the study of various religious scriptures. During this time Muni Jn nji happened
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0
