Schools and Sects in Jaina Literature

Author(s): Amulyachandra Sen
Publisher: Vishwa Bharati Calcutta

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SCHOOLS AND SECTS IN JAINA LITERATURE
matters among themselves the literature of the Jainas yields some information on schisms within the order of the Nirgranthas.
Jamāli, who was Mahāvīra's sister's son and also married his daughter, was the first man to start the schism. He was a prince and renounced the world in order to be an ascetic follower of Mahāvīra. Once he begged permission of Mabāvīra to go out on a tour with five hundred ascetics, and although permission was asked three times Malāvīra vouched no reply. Jamāli took the law in his own hand, went away wandering and fell ill on account of having taken bad and improper food. During his illness he asked his companions to spread a bed of dry grass for him and when it was being done he enquired if the bed was ready. His companions said the bed was ready but going up to it he found that it had been only halfready. Instantly it occured to him that "a thing is done when it is being done" as taught by Mahāvīra was false. He announced his new idea to his companions some of whom agreed with him. He thereupon declared himself a Kevalin. Jamāli's followers are called Bahurayas because they held that the completion of an act required more than one unit of time. This is the first schism and it arose in Sävatthi,128
The second schism was started by Tissagutta at Usabhapura or Rāyagaha. His followers are called Jävapaesiyas because they identified the jīva with the space occupied by it.
The third schism was led by Asādha and had its origin in Syetavi. Āsādha doubted if gods and saints were really so. His followers are called Avvattiyas.
The fourth schism arose in Mithila and was started by Assamitta. His followers are called Samuccheiyas because they held that inasmuch as every thing is subject to destruction after having come into existence, the effects of good or bad deeds are not to be enjoyed or suffered from
The fifth schism was started by Ganga at Ullakātīra. His followers held that it is not true that only one feeling can be felt by the raind at one time and are therefore called Dokiriyas.
The sixth schism arose in Antarañji and was started by Saduluya or Rohagutta. His followers are called Terasiyas because they held that there is a third state of existence besides jīva and ajīva.
The seventh schism was started by Gotthamāhilla at Dasapura. His
126 Bhag. 9. 33. 383-387.