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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century to first quarter of 7th century V.N. Such changes were necessary to reflect the decrease in the physical strength and structure, ability to tolerate different types of afflictions. However, overall dress code and types of pots used is still same.
Therefore we have to refer to the original scripture to determine what the actual dress code should be. Adequate light had been thrown on this topic in cr mga and Bhagavat S tra. Besides these two, in other scriptures such as Pra na Vy kara a etc, we find scattered mentions on such issues. These scriptures and their contents clearly establish that in the use of religious implements, pots and mouth covering occupied main place and mention for the practitioners of the religious conduct.
While describing the penance of great observer of austerities and who attained liberation in the same life monk Skandaka in Bhagavat s tra; who even possessed the supreme structured and rock like strong body, did use clothes and pots. Such mentions prove that even the strong and supreme bodied great monks who even attained liberation in that birth itself like Skandaka, during the presence of Lord Mah v ra used clothes. While discussing this subject in Vi e va yakabh ya, it had been considered essential even for Jinakalprama as to at least keep whiskbrooms and mouth cover.
During the middle ages, it is possible that it might have become essential to incorporate minor changes in dress code etc by differing congregations and gacchas to maintain their distinct identity and suit the local traditions as per the saying 'loke limga prayojanam'. However, undoubtedly we can conclude that every single tradition did try to maintain close identity with Lord Mah v ra's congregation in some way or the other. All these statements can lead us to infer the type of dress code of monks during the time of Lord Mah v ra.
One sect of Lord Mah v ra started proclaiming that a monk using cloths cannot attain liberation in the same life in any condition. Since women cannot shed clothes completely so they cannot attain liberation in the same life as women. As against this, the other sect claimed that monks using clothes and women can attain liberation in the same life.
Similarly the first sect started claiming that the entire scripture of twelve limbs had been lost and none of it available in original state now. As
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