Jainism by Vividus

Author(s): Ramnik V Shah
Publisher: Ramnik V Shah Canada

Page 86

saints. They are on their way to final emancipation, if not in their present lifetime, then after completing a few cycles of births and deaths in accordance with their karma. In theory, they are considered equal enough to attain 'Nirvana.' According to them, the 19th Tirthankara, Mallinatha, was a woman. In Digambaras, women saints are designated 'arjika' who also dress white and never give up clothing for the sky, like their men saints. They are accepted as different and not capable of reaching that level of austerities which is required for total emancipation. According to them, Mallinatha was not a woman. They normally, while carrying out as many vows of conduct as possible, appear in the community performing similar functions as men brahmacharis, preachers and pandits. The section of women saints in the whole of the Jaina community work in total segregation from men, though they command equal attention in their religious discourses from all the sectionsmen and women-of the householders.
All these saints have no need to associate themselves with social occupations and therefore, generally, their words and thoughts become limited. As the observance of vows described in the previous chapter goes on, becoming stricter and more intensive; useless and unnecessary activities are not for them. Their whole discipline aims at the conquest of their environment and their thoughts are fixed constantly on higher and nobler objectives. Their bodies learn to derive strength and vitality from the inner strength and vitality of their souls. No more slaves to emotions, their speech and behaviour are soft, gentle, peaceful and without excitement. Gradually, they evolve to a state of such light and beneficence that all who go into their presence show a sense of comfort and courage to be able to establish personal rapport with them.
Practice of the vows during the period of their existence as householders has already given them a larger awareness of the entire process of the karmic matter flowing into the soul. Since it is through the activity of body, speech and mind tha: new karma pours and the old karma bond becomes more