Jainism and Mahavira

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Digambar Jain Sahitya Sanskriti Sanskaran Samiti

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number, which can be comparetively studied with the Bhumis of Buddhsm.
Mahavira prescribed some special code of conduct for mendicant. After completing the practices of Anuvratas and Pratimas, a house-holder seeks permission from his relatives to renounce completely mundane affairs and become a Jaina monk. Then after worshipping Panca paramesthins (Arhanta, Siddha, Acarya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu), he requests the Ganin to admit him into his Order. Being accepted by the Ganin, he pulls out his hair and becomes completely a naked ascetic according to the Digamabara tradition.
Mahavira never put any caste or creed restrictions to be his follower. People from all walks of life adopted his religion. The new monk makes gradual progress in monkhood and attains the position of Sthavira, Upadhyaya, Acarya, Ganadhara, and Pravartaka46. There are three Monastic Units which are recognized by Mahavira, viz. Gana, Kula, and Gaccha. The entire Order consists of monks, nuns, laymen, and women. If one breaks any rules or regulations, he should observe prayascittas like Alocana, Pratikramana, Ubhaya, Viveka, Vyutsarga, Tapa, Cheda, Parihara, and Upasthapana.“'. During the rainy season, a Jain ascetic should stop his touring and abstain from walking on green grass or water. One should move about only during the day taking proper care not to tread on any living creature (Samyak iriya samiti). 48 Following the Nigantha Nataputta's followers, the Buddha prescribed the rules pertaining to the observance of indoor residence in the rainy seasion.*
A Jaina monk, the Mahavira's follower has no attachment to the world. Nakedness or Acelakatva is considered one of the essential of monkhood." Pali literature refers to Jaina ascetics as Niganthas, for they claimed to be free from all bonds.51
Cloth and other requisties are considered Parigraha (Possession) which is an obstacle to the attainment of salvation. No body can
46. Mulacara, 4.155 47. Tattvarthasutra, 9. 22 48. Mulacara, 5.107-109 49. Vinayapitaka, 1. 137 f. 50. ibid. 10. 17-18 51. Majjhimankaya Atthakatha, i. 423 52. Pravacanasara, 3.3-5, 21 53. Dhammapada Atthakatha, Vol. i. pt. 11, pp.400; Buddhist legend, Vol.
29.p.p.70-74.
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