Jain Legend Vol 4

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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other. Varddham na Sri continued his wanderings without any obstructions.
After the victory of Varddham na S ri, c rya of Samvigna tradition ( man ya) of Suvihita rama a tradition and his disciple Jine vara S ri, the influence of Temple dweller tradition slowly and gradually started declining.
The steps taken by Varddham na S ri in the first half of the 16th century V.N. to rejuvenate the true path of spiritual purification has historical significance. A fondness was created and augmented in the hearts of the people about the true path. These reform movements were carried out continuously giving birth from time to time, to the reformers in succession.
Reform movement was the progenitor of most of the gacchas that came into existence between 11th century and 15th century V.N.
A unique psychological trend appeared in these reformists. The c ryas would perform many reformist activities resolutely, facing numerous difficulties. Strangely however with the passage of time, the disciples and the grand-disciples of same c rya would fall back into the ditch of indolent code of conduct. In course of time the tradition of Varddham na S ri faced the same fate and metamorphosed like yati (administrator monks) tradition.
The apparent question that arises persistently in the minds of every discerning and inquisitive person or reader is 'why the need for reforms arises time and again? when great torch-bearers through their religious reforms, spiritual awakening etc show the rightful and virtuous path of spiritual pursuit that was prescribed by the Omniscient in the scriptures. The clear-cut answer to this question is while spiritual practice is a hard task; the practice of rituals prescribed by Temple dwellers was very easy. Practice of spiritual purification amasses eternal transcendental radiance in oneself. On the contrary, material based spiritual exertions (Dravyas dhan ) only bring instant honour, name, fame, etc. thus fulfilling the mundane desires. True path of spiritual purification is arduous, rugged and insipid whereas practice of material-based path is exciting, convivial, amusing and fascinating. Hence people surge into material based tradition and material-based practices.
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