International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

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of Monks-in the latter respect, however a change seems to have come about, in so far as now and for some time past the order of Monks is recruited chiefly from novices entering it at an early age not from lay-man in general. It can not be doubted that this close union between lay-man and monks brought about by the similarity of their religious duties differing not in kind but in degree has enabled Jainism to avoid fundamental changes within and to resist dangers from without for more than two thousand years while Buddhism being less exacting as regards the laymen underwent the most extra-ordinary evolutions and finally disappeared altogether in the country of its origin.”
A healthy process of mutual co-operation between ascetic and lay-people is found since the emergence of Jainism. Both were dependent on each other for the sake of their development and existence. One can not go ahead without the other and that is why both of them remained conscious of the problems of each-other. Jaina Acharyas made rules and regulations for the mutual relationship and the moral upliftment of lay.followers. We can find this from the various works of Sravakacara i.e. ethical code of lay-people compiled by great Acaryas (Law-givers). On the one hand it is the sacred duty of monks and nuns to preach the lay-man and lay-woman in the simple language so that these people could follow it easily and live a better life. On the other hand it is the duty of lay-votaries to offer food and other objects necessary for their religious life and to protect the Sramana-- Samgha. Obviously, there is no fundamental difference between Monks and laypeople in their moral-code-the difference is only of degree, not of kind.
Besides, lay-people are asked to watch the behaviour and way of life of monks and nuns. The monks and nuns, if they deviate from the five basic tenets, are asked to give up their monkhood and consequently signs of their monkhood are taken off. The co-operation and mutual understanding brought a healthy environment owing to which the development of Jaina-samgha in the right direction has become possible.
Thus lay-votaries have important place in the history of Jain religion. The role played by them in the propagation of Jainism is preponderant and laudable. Obviously, monks and lay-voteries are the first and second wheel of the same chariot of Religion.
Research Associate P.V. Research Institute I T.I. Road, Varanasi-5.