Book Title: Jain Legend Vol 3
Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana
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Hidden facts concerning the history of Jainism for the period after
the death of rya Devardhiga i K am rama a
c rya Prabh Candra (early part of Vikram 14th century) brought to light the fact that history of Jainism from V.N. 1000 for the next 5 to 700 years is totally in the dark and forgotten. This is the reason that for these years (5 to 700 years) we cannot find any chronological listing of c ryas and trends of changes taking place in the practice of Jainism.
So, crya Prabh Candra made a firm resolve to bring to light the history of Jainism after its description in Pari i a Parva' by crya Hema Candra. He worked very hard to achieve this objective but could not succeed hundred percent the way he wanted (originally perceived). He, therefore had to feel contented, in spite of his untiring and strenuous hard work, by writing life of 21 influential c ryas (at random and not in any chronological order) during the period in Vikram year 1345 in his book ‘Prabh vaka caritra’ life sketch of influential preceptors.
Similarly many scholars after c rya Prabh Candra continued to attempt to write the chronological history of Jainism from V.N. 1000 to V.N. 1700 but none could succeed fully.
During this aforesaid period, based on the writings in many manuscripts, we find the practice of Jainism became more on false external rituals
med as religion gaining popularity across the country from Himalayas in the north to the sea coasts in the south. This pervert practice was adopted and supported by various sections of the c ryas and especially the kings and their clans. This scenario reminds one of the very different Jain religion and tradition established and propounded by Lord Mah v ra during his time. Thus the tradition of c ryas and followers alike of the true path of spiritual purification of the rama ika tradition, if not completely forgotten had mostly gone into dark and forgotten.
However, the tradition of pure doctrine and conduct associated with the fundamental concept of detachment, somehow continued to exist, even though it had been mostly overshadowed and forgotten and replaced by tradition of pervert external religious practices which prospered by leaps and bounds in popularity.
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