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Jainism in Early Medieval Karnataka
the Jainas emphasize ahimsa (non-injury). Jinasena warns the Jaina householders against the use of meat, honey etc, which are considered unfit for the performance of the Jaina rites on account of their connection with himsa (injury).
The imitation of the Hindu sacraments by Jinasena goes against the original teachings of Jainism. The early Jaina boldly protests against Vedic ritualism and the priests presiding over it. But the Jainas of Karnataka observed many Brahmanical rites during the early medieval age. Jinasena gave recognition to the dvijas, evidently the Jaina Brahmanes who officiated in the performance of their domestic rites.
Artisans, dancers1 and probably the śūdras are not allow. ed to wear the sacred thread. Jinasena forbids them to put on the sacred thread on account of their low birth. Ile allows them to wear a lower garment called dhotz, which is a substi tute for the sacred thread. All this shows deviation from carly Jainism, which does not recognize social distinctions in religious observances.
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Dana or Charity Ritual
The Jaina literature on dana or charity is enormous. Apart from the casual references to it in the Jaina Purānas, Book VIII section 43 of the Faŝastilaka is entirely devoted to the various aspects of charity ritual, such as the objects of gift, the qualifications of the donec, and the best method of giving donation. The Jaina teachers of Karnataka extol the virtues of making gifts to the Jaina ascetics, and the sick, infirm and poor persons belonging to the Jaina faith. They consider it to be the most effective means of securing religious merit and attaining liberation.* It relieves the donors of sufferings and dangers and brings them worldly happiness both in the present and future life. Jinasena glorifies charity as the most proper way of spending one's wealth or possession.4 Regular endowment of gift is considered as one of the
1. Adipurana, pt. ii, ch. 40. vv. 170-1, p. 311. Ibid. pt. 1, ch. 16, v. 271, p. 371; Paramātmaprakāśa, ch. 2, v. 168, p. 312.
2.
3. Padmapurana, pt, iji, ch. 96, vv. 16-7, p. 197.
4. Adipurāṇa, pt. ii, ch. 38, v. 270, p. 264.
