________________
JAIN MONASTIC RULES
SWAMI BRAHMESHANANDA
The origin, growth, working, and decline of a monastic community is an interesting and complex socio-ethical phenomenon. An important aspect of monasticism is the problem of rules of basic precepts and exceptions to those rules which invariably arise in the process of growth and expansion. One of the best examples of this process is found in Buddhism as recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka. After attaining Bodhi or Supreme Knowledge, Buddha was at first reluctant to share it with others since he found most people incompetent to receive it. He was, however, persuaded by gods to preach it for the good of humanity. Buddha then preached his fundamental doctrines of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. As the number of disciples increased, he framed more rules for the guidance of monks. As the monks started living together and interacting with the society at large, new situations and problems began cropping up. New rules had to be introduced of the old ones modified at every step and, as a result, a large number of rules and subrules were framed. Although Buddha himself allowed many exceptions to those rules, he always stressed that the morsels of food given in alms, robes made of rags taken from dust-heap, the dwelling at the foot of a tree, and the decomposing urine as medicine are the 'four resources for a monk; thus must he endeavour to live all his life. All else must be considered extra allowances.
Origin of Jain rules
Something similar occured in Jainism also. Being a monastically oriented religion, Jainism lays great stress on right conduct. Jain scriptures are overloaded with the finest details of right conduct, rules and regulations, possible pitfalls and penance for default. The principals scriptures, the angas, said to be the teachings of Vardhaman Mahāvir as recorded by his apostles, describe the basic tenets and fundamental precepts of conduct. But they do not describe the process of gradual modification as found in the Vinaya Pitaka. It seems that only a few important modifications and exceptions were allowed by Mahävir himself. Most of the alterations in rules occured later.
1. Mahāvagga, 1, 3, 4.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
