Jain Journal 1976 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 43

JANUARY, 1976
129
prayer formulae to capability for sermonizing and missions through deputation for which they were prepared at Jaina monastic schools, a source of the reawakening of scientific studies in the monasteries.
However, decisive for the characteristic Jaina Suristic hierarchy of monastic organization was the connecting link of a special form of universal Hinduistic and especially also incarnation teaching.
In place of the hereditary superior, the chosen form of successorship by the entire Sangha appeared in the process of the development of Jaina Sangha135.
There was only a special case of a generally valid manner of representation. Four main faculties were considered for Acaryaship, viz., (1) the theological faculty, the most important, because at the same time that it provided leadership of the Sangha and imparted consecration, (2) the ritual, the ancient Jaina Classical teaching, here in essential reduced to inculcation of knowlege of the rules of the Sanghacaras, (3) schooling asceticism for sramanic purpose corresponding to the character of all Indian relations in the instructions and (4) a considerable role was placed by the pure debate (as a test).
Next consecration brought the student from novitiate to full monk and through further steps to Suri or Acarya which in the ancient literary hierarchy was the highest stop of the lower Jaina clergy and as monastic superior of the discipline136. The ranks of the higher clergy beginning with Vacaka, from there to Suri (or Acarya) were to be achieved through consecration.
It is to be noted that the Jaina monks fought with bravery against beliefs of other sects189 and Islam138 in the course of evolution of Jaina Sangha and Jainadharma in India.
186 Pattavali Samuccaya, Pt. I p. 57. 186 Brhatkalpasutra, 4.5-6. 187 Mahavira had to combat hetrodox doctrines of other sects. In later ages the Jaina
monks had to fight in the field of religion and philosophy against the Buddhists and the Brahmana scholars. There was triangular doctrinal fight among the Jainas at Rajagrha, the Bauddhas at Vaisali and the Brahmanas at Mithila in the North India, while a similar doctrinal fight went on among the Jainas at Karnataka, the Bauddhas at Nagarjunkonda and the Brahmanas at Kerala. The doctrinal fight
between Dharmakirti and Akalanka is well-known. 188 The Jainas never submitted to Islam, although they compromised with it by support
ing the Muslim rulers for the interests of their religion and the community as a whole. Bhama Shah, the Prime Minister of Rana Pratap gave his whole deposit of wealth to the Rana to fight the Islamic onslaught led by Akbar.