Sambodhi 2001 Vol 24

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah, K M Patel
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 20

Vol. XXIV, 2001 THE INFLUENCE OF JAINISM....
15 stupendous public buildings. Urban population of Gujarat has a taste for good architecture. This is reflected in the residential buildings built in cities in the last few years. Jainas have donated their wealth to hospitals, educational institutions, orphanages, etc. They make good use of their wealth. Their riches have not fostered vices in them.
Jainism inculcated in their followers respect for knowledge. Jainas are advocates of education. They have established educational institutions. The Gujarat University owes to Sheth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai for his valuable assistance in its establishment. But for his living interest in learning and ATIRA, Management Institute, School of Architecture and L. D. Institute of Indology would not have grown up in Gujarat. Female education in Gujarat was started by Jainas, it entirely depended on Jaina liberality. Harkor Shethani gave a push to it. And at present we find in Shri Indumati Chimanlal Nagindas an enthusiastic advocate of female education. We can trace the roots of Jainas' advocacy for female education in Mahavira's attitude. He recognized the equality of man and woman and allowed women to enter the Order. He was the first religious leader to do that.
The life of Jaina monks has been one of detachment and renunciation, so the layman has always felt respect for him and was ever ready to receive lessons in good behaviour from him. They move from place to place on foot. They never use vehicles. They preach virtues in the language of the people King Kumarpal refrained from eating meat, he did not touch wine, he never indulged in hunting, he took the vow of chastity. This was the influence of Ac. Hemacandra's preachings to him. He had issued royal orders prohibiting winedrinking and gambling. Hiravijayasuri and his pupils pleased Akbar with their preachings and so they became successful in pursuading Akbar to withdraw Jajiya tax which was burdensome to the entire populace of Gujarat. When Akbar conquered Sorath he made thousands of Gujaratis prisoners of war. Bhānucandra, a pupil of Hiravijaya, with great difficulty pursuaded Akbar to release them all. Thus they preached principles of good behaviour to royal personages so that they could do good to them and the common people as well. The Jain a monks move among the masses and explain to them why they should not indulge in killing, telling a lie, cheating and theft, adultery, undue collection of wealth, intoxicating drinks, gambling etc. This has raised moral character of the people very high.