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CHAPTER VI
THE CONDUCT OF A JAINA MONK Position of an ascetic in Jainism
Jainism is an ascetic religion from the very beginning whereas the institution of samnyāsa is most probably of later origin in Brāhmaṇism. The grhastha stage occupies the place of pride in Brāhmaṇism, whereas in Jainism ghastha stage is only a means to the higher goal of monkhood. Later on, in Hinduism also, the division of life (aśrama) into four stages accorded a proper place to asceticism.
It may also be pointed out that Jainism has retained its ascetic character till modern times. Brāhmaṇism, on the other hand, has been influenced by such ascetic religions as Jainism and Buddhism. The Hinduism of the Purānas shows greater inclination for samnyāsa than that of the Vedas. In Sāntiparva of the Mahābhārata, we find this conflict of the older Vedic religion of activity with the newer Hindu religion of renunciation.2
It is due to this, that in Jaina tradition even a śrävaka is taught yatidharma prior to śrāvaka dharma, so that he is attracted by the life of a monk rather than remain attached to householder's life.3 It is in contradiction to Hinduism where the study of Vedas, which are books of action (karmakānda), precedes the study of Vedānta, or jñānakāņda. There is every reason to believe that the ascetic tendency of later systems of Hindu philosophy is due to the influence of Buddhism and Jainism. The conduct of a Jaina Monk
The whole moral code for a Jaina monk should be viewed from a particular angle. Here the aspirant has decided to
1. Manusmrti, 3.77-78. 2. Cf. Samkşipta Mahābhārata, (ed.) C.V. Vaidya, Bombay, 1921, pp.
408-412. 3. Byhatkalpabhâsya, Bhayanagar, 1933, Vol. II, Gāthā 1139...
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