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Jainism
be-all and end-all. He was earlier on one extreme and later on the other. But Mahavira was from the very outset quite clear in his mind regarding the importance and utility of both which he distributed in due proportion between them.
On account of the middle way adopted by Buddha in this respect, looseness in the field of discipline made a dent in the Sangha very quickly and a time was not far off when it became on the many causes responsible for the disappearance of Buddhism from Bhārata. At the same time it cannot be said that Mahāvira's Sangha did not become demoralized at all but the process was gradual. Besides, the Sangha tended, generally speaking not so much towards demoralization as towards the intense observance of external discipline. Due to this, ritualism, ceremonialism, formalism and discipline was not infrequently overhauled and elevated. This made it possible for Jainism to maintain a steady, incessant flow in Bhara time as a small current and sometimes as a big current. Buddhism having left the soil of its birth assumed a new form outside Bhārat which did not have the colour of the original so much as it had that of the culture and civilization of the non-Indian countries. Thus, though Buddhism remained alive, it remained so without its basic format and aim.
Characteristics of both
1. Basic or Natural
The characteristics of the natures of both divide themselves broadly into two categories, namely, those of reason and those of faith. Bhagawan Mabăvira relied more on Faith while Buddha on Reason Mahavira's. plan of action was chalked out in alliance with the traditional force which he derived from his predecessors. His way was, thus, well laid. This enabled him to march ahead in the direction of this goal. Becoming a follower of the previous form of Jainism, Mahāvira developed himself spiritually. He never cherished a desire to introduce or inject any thing new or extraneous into the spiritual legacy and philosophical heredity handed over by Pārsva and others to him. What he was up to was the fullest exploitation of it for his spiritual gains and consolidation. As the matter stands thus, he declared more often than not that he said tbis or that as Pārsva has said it. He also said that his Pārsva's teachings were in no way and in no degree different. There was of course some difference regarding code of conduct but it has been explained away on the ground of unity of aim witb slight variations here and there in external form such as the insignia etc. etc. etc. Mahāvīra added a new lustre and vigour to the degenerate Sangh of Pārsva and merged it along with his own. This act of overhauling the
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