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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detached Lords. A comparative study of these ten changes further suggest that they have thrown to dust the nectar like doctrines of non violence, non possession and spirituality from the golden pot of path of three jewels (right belief-knowledge-conduct). Further they have filled this golden pot with the poison of grave violence by self and others and external material based rituals which are in themselves self destructing and cause of this infinite cycle of transmigration (death-birth-death).
Preview of the influence and growth of these pervert changes in the
Jain congregation during the later period.
We cannot say unilaterally that, after the V.N.1000, the growing influence of material offerings based religious rituals over the spirituality based religion / congregation of Lord Mah v ra was solely due to the laxity in the code of conduct of monks or the greed of these monks during that period to gain personal popularity / following or wielding power over masses and rulers alike. A careful analysis and study of the history of that time shows the emergence of a number of other factors which might have also influenced these changes to be introduced. Some of such factors are listed below:
1.
By emulating close relationship which c rya Suhast had with Maurya emperor Samprati, the Jain monks of later period started also doing the same to preach and spread their religion
To keep their congregation alive and influential; Jain monks started demonstrating miracles to attract commoners, rulers and rich people to their congregation and as their followers.
To face the ill effects of natural calamities such as famine; changes in seeking and consuming food was introduced for being able to live and preach.
Seeing the growing influence of other religions, Jains also started accepting and introducing the mass attraction techniques and rituals of other religions.
They started to develop innovative and attractive religious rituals (and organize them periodically) which were enjoyable for the
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