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The Role of Lay-Votary in Jainism
Dr Arun Pratap Singh
Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India The emergence of Jainism and Buddhism in India was a revolutionary onc Both the religions preached the new way of life the way of Non-violence, Non-absolutism and Non-attachment Both the religions were against war and violence and emphasised to lead a simple and pure life-a life which was free from luxury and prodigal show Besides it, they rose against inequality in society Jainism opened the door of Nirvana or Moksa to every one without any distinction of cast and creed
Mahavira travelled from one place to another after attaining Kevala Jnana, and preached the essence of religion in the native language of people In order to spread the teachings of Jainism, four-fold order was established which consisted of Monks, Nuns, lay-men and lay-women Each organ was given its due importance and each organ has played its role with dignity In this short essay I would like to throw light on the important place of the lay-votaries (lay-men and women) of Jaina order whose role in the propagation of Jainism is undoubtedly significant and praiseworthy
The ultimate end of Jainism is to put an end to human sufferings For realising this, monks and nuns accept ascetic life Monks and nuns represent the first wheel of the chariot of religion while the laities represent the second wheel, without which the chariot of religion can not reach its goal Without the continuing assistance of lay-people, Monks and Nuns are not able to lead their pious life This help is necessary, for, without it, the ascetic life is not possible to exist
The laities pay due respect to the venerable monks and nuns They give them all the facilities so that they can build the edifice of their religion and philosophy It is the pious duty of every laity to feed and serve monks and nuns Monks and Nuns are dependent on laities for their biological or physical necessities From this point of view, lay-people are called the parents of ascetic It is advised that monks and nuns should not be a burden to lay-people They are advised to obtain food in the same way as the bees do As bees obtain their food without getting attached to a particular flower, so monks should get food without getting attached to the food or without troubling the house-holder In the later period
