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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Under such circumstances and with the available evidences, it can be said that Y pan ya congregation as a separate entity emerged in and around V.N. 609 or 2 to 3 centuries thereafter, when the main congregation was bifurcated in Digambara and vet mbara sects. A deep contemplation over the facts suggest that with the objective of keeping the fundamental doctrine of Lord Mah v ra intact and not letting it become weak, Y pan ya congregation came into being as a bridge between the two sects i.e. Digambara and vet mbara sects.
To annul the growing influence of other non Jain traditions like Buddhists, aiva, Vai a avas, j vakas etc who were gaining popularity and indulging in mass conversion of followers of Jainism into their fold; to retain the basic Jain doctrine intact, Y pan ya congregation left other Jain sects way behind in developing and using innovative and popular changes of mass appeal in the rituals and religious gatherings which were similar to prevailing rituals in other religions. Like other religious traditions, Y pan ya congregation also started building larger, grander and huge temples and residential quarters for their monks (male and female) resulting in stopping mass exodus of Jain followers to other religions. Like other religions that used mantras, tantras and worshipping female deities for worldly gains, Y pan ya congregation also started patronising similar practices in their congregation. They also made minor changes in Jain doctrine if the same was felt essential to achieve their
es. Y pan ya congregation got separate temples of goddess Jw 1 m lin along with many rituals; mantras worship etc for worldly gains and attainments. They succeeded in attractive Jains towards their congregation. They simplified many religious rituals and activities by introducing relaxations. At the time when Digambara tradition was in full vogue in Karnataka, they preached 'The women cannot achieve liberation in the same life. Practicing nudity is essential to attain liberation as liberation cannot be achieved wearing the clothes.' Clothes are the biggest obstructions in practising non possession completely. Hence they are the biggest deterrent in attaining liberation. Sticking to their doctrine, Digambara c ryas went to the extent of banning initiation of female ascetics in their order.
Such preaching and proclamations by the c ryas naturally caused desperations in the minds of women folks. Y pan ya congregation took serious note of the damage that can be caused to female devotees by such
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