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MEDIEVAL JAINISM: CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
distinction between the males and females in the observance of religion. The rules of conduct prescribed for the males and females were exactly the same. Both the sexes were given equal opportunities in different matters of religion like the study of sacred texts, observance of necessary duties, practice of vratas, i.e., vows, entrance into the ascetic order, practice of penance, making spiritual progress, etc. In the religious order of Jain Society the maie householders were called Shravakas and the female householders were called Shravikas and both were quite free to observe their common religious duties and to prepare themselves for adopting ascetic life in due course. Similarly, complete freedom was given to women, like men, to enter the ascetic order. The female sex was no bar to the practice of asceticism. Tirthankara Mahavira always showed this attitude of equality towards women and admitted them freely into his ascetic order, no matter whether the candidates for admission were royal cosorts, members of the aristocracy, and those belonging to the common run of society. Naturally many ladies availed themselves of this opportunity of achieving their salvation in due course by entering into the ascetic order.
3. Emphasis on Non-Violence
The most distinctive Jain contribution consists in its great emphasis on the observance of Ahimsa, i.e., noninjury to living beings, by all persons to the maximum extent possible. Ahimsa in its full significance was realised and preached by Jain Acharyas. In fact, the philosophy and rules of conduct laid down in Jaina religion have been based on the solid foundation of Ahimsa. That is why Jainism has become synonymous
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