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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Over a period time, like the temple dwelling congregation their literature became extinct, similarly major part of the literature of Y pan ya congregation also became extinct alongwith it.
The educational institutions started and managed extremely well by the Bha raka tradition produced very high cadre of scholars who became either Bha rakas themselves or other distinguished scholars who produced very high calibre texts on logic, philosophy, commentaries and large poetic-stories. These high calibre scholars greatly influenced the minds and psyches of the followers of their tradition. These developments resulted in prosperity and more influence of the Bha raka congregation of both Digambara and vet mbara traditions like the temple dwelling tradition. Their influence grew in different parts of the country.
In this way the growing influence of Y pan ya congregation, Bharaka congregations of both Digambara and vet mbara traditions and the temple dwelling tradition caused the decline of pure scripture based tradition of Jains. It will not be out of place to say that the pure tradition after the death of Devardhiga i K am rama a became a sleeping and almost extinct entity.
It is difficult to say the time when the Bha raka congregation was actually born. However historical facts lead one to believe that the Bharaka congregation which supported laxity in conduct like other congregations had become deeply rooted by V.N.985.
Till V.N. 6th century, the four fold congregation consisting of monks (male and female) and householders (male and female) of Lord Mah v ra kept on moving forward on the ideals, doctrine, code of conduct and higher spiritual attainment as propagated by Lord Mah v ra with complete dedication. The defaulting members of the four fold congregation till V.N. 6" century were somehow brought around to the prescribed practice and after adopting corrective measures were reinducted in the fold of the congregation. However those continued to default were expelled from the congregation.
In Jainism, the highest place is assigned to the congregation. Therefore till the period the congregation was attentive, powerful, undivid not allow development of any type of default in practice by its members.
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