Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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increasingly discriminatory and exploitative caste system. Jainism was presented not as a narrow closed sectarian creed with set rituals and dogmas, but as a rational and ennobling way of life open for all humans to follow. Mahavir proclaimed: “A person does not become a monk by merely tonsuring, nor a Bramhin by reciting mantras, nor a Muni by living in the forest, nor a hermit by wearing woven kusa grass apparel. One becomes a monk by developing equanimity, a Bramhin by celibacy, a Muni by knowledge and a hermit by austerity.
VISIONARY ORGANIZATIONAL FLAIR
Mahavir infused fresh vigour into what had been dubbed as an austere religion followed by a small minority. He displayed highly effective organizational flair and attracted a large number of learned Sadhus and Sadhavi in his Sangha led by Indrabhuti Gautam (who had earlier been an authority on vedic philosophy, but was won over in the discussions by Mahavir, and became his prime disciple (first among the 11 Ganadhars). Mahavir strengthened the organizational base of the religion by streamlining and strengthening his four-fold congregation (Chaturvidha Sangha) comprising on the one hand monks and nuns, and on the other lay men and women devotees. Among the monks and nuns, lay men and women from a variety of backgrounds from royal families, warrior classes, Brahmins, business community, farmers, craftsmen, fishermen and several others including from downtrodden classes. Among his followers were 38 Kings, out of whom as many as 11 became ascetics.
Mahavir emerged as an ardent supporter of the emancipation of women. He accepted food from poor Chandanbala,victim of exploitative society. Her life was transformed by becoming sadhavi and rising to the post of Pravartini. The sadhvis in Mahavir's Sangha were
A Portrait of Jain Religion