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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Writings of Jinadatta S ri created a renaissance in the Jaina Society. As a result, the river of fame and popularity flowing towards Temple dweller tradition for centuries together abruptly changed its course and flowed towards Suvihita traditon.
The life of Jinadatta S ri, the great mystic legendary man, champion of the cause of Kharataragaccha, was full of supernatural events. Even before the ceremony of piercing the ears (before 2 to 3 years of age) i.e. at a very tender age itself, he took five vows initiation (nonviolence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession). He spent his entire life towards the accomplishment of his lofty ideal and goal “I will make everyone in the world a devout follower of Jain order and relish the nectar of Jain doctrine”. Sublime ideals of this type, renunciation, meditation, self-restraint and celibacy blessed him with amazing powers like 'Icch - akti', the power to attain whatever one desires and tma
akti' (immeasurable potential power of transcending) and people misconstrued them as mystic powers. Even the most prominent c ryas of Temple dweller tradition who kindled hostility against Suvihita tradition, went to Jinadatta S ri, along with their disciples saying, “We found our guru and also found Jinadatta S ri with whom we are attached from births together". They became his disciples. This is not the magic of a mantra instead this is the magic charm of his noble conviction that 'Sabh J va Karum Jina sana Ras' (I will make all the beings drink the nectar of Jina order). His meritorious deeds made him immortal.
Rancour – Writ Large in gaccha
The herculean efforts of Jine vara S ri, Jinacandra S ri, Abhayadeva S ri and Jinadatta S ri of Varddham na S ri's tradition to rejuvenate the fundamental scriptures based spiritual path of purification (which was marred by the profligate methods of Temple dweller tradition) were really commendable and their names will continue to be written with reverence in golden letters in Jain history. The Jain Society is greatly indebted to Varddham na S ri and his traditions as it is the result of their untiring efforts that today Jain monks and female-monks are wandering together collectively in different states, cities and villages, preaching and propagating the original doctrine of Jainism strictly observing the pure code of conduct.
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