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The Conduct of a Jaina Monk
So far, we do not come across any restrictions of caste or birth and the conditions laid down are of a universal nature. But a glance at the following conditions, laid down by Dharmasamgraha, will prove that distinction of caste pres cribed by Brāhmaṇism entered Jainism too. According to Dharmasamgraha, a person who wants to take to monkhood, must (1) be born in an Aryan country, (2) belong to a higher caste, (3) be free from gross sins, (4) have a pure intellect, (5) know the transitory nature of worldly pleasures, (6) be detached from the world, (7) be mild in passions, (8) have semi-passions only, (9) be grateful, (10) be humble, (11) not be a political rebel or criminal, (12) be friendly to all, (13) have his body intact, (14) be faithful, (15) be steadfast, (16) and be anxious for initiation.1
Besides, Pravacanasaroddhära also prohibits initiation of an old man, of an effeminate person, of a person who is dumb or fattish or diseased and of those who practise condemnable professions or those who are not allowed by their relatives to renounce the world.2
Thus some of the conditions laid down for initiation refer to the physical fitness of the aspirant, while others refer to his moral fitness. But some of the conditions-that of birth in an Aryan country or a higher caste-are due to Brāhmaṇical influence.
It should also be interesting to note that Nāradaparivrajakopanisad, a text for the Hindu Samnyasi, mentions almost the same conditions for initiation into Samnyāsa. Of course, it contains some sectarian references which are irrelevant for a Jaina monk.
Types of monks
Svetambara tradition mentions two types of Sādhus : (1) Jinakalpa; and (2) Sthavirakalpa. Jinakalpa Sadhu is supposed to be above the rules of monastery. He remains
1. Dharmasamgraha, 3.73-78 (p. 1) quoted from Sri Jaina Siddhanta Bola Samgraha, Vol. V, Bikaner, Vik. Sam. 2005, p. 158-161. 2. Pravacanasaroddhāra, Bombay, 1922, Gāthās 790 791 (p. 228a). 3. Minor Upanisads, Madras, 1912, Vol. I, pp. 136-137. 4. Visesavasyakabhāṣya, Ratalam, 1936, 7.
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