Science And Jain Philosophy

Author(s): Raksha J Shah, Abhijit Muni, Pooja Banthia
Publisher: International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy

Page 179

International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy 2016
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merchants also contributed to the growth and development of Jainism by constructing religious places. Towardstheendofthemedievalperiod the Jain communitylost royal patronage. There was persecution of the Jains in different parts of the country. So during this period the Jain community suffered rapid decline. Demographically the Jains witnessed decline during the modern period. The proportion of the Jains in the total population of India was 0.48 per cent in 1881. The increase in the Jain population has been noticeable following the decade of 1950's. There has been concentration of the Jain population in the urban areas in the modern times. Statistically the Jains are at present the best educated community in India.
Various schisms took place in Jainism from time to time. Consequently, Jainism has been divided into sects and sub-sects. What constitutes total renunciation, along with disagreement ouer the ability of women to attain liberation, were questions that divided the Jain community in the first century A.D into two major divisions viz. the Digambara and Suetāmbara. Digambara is a Jain sect whose ascetics practise nudity, while Suetāmbara counterparts, as the name suggests wear white clothes. These sects were further divided into sub-sects. Sthanakvāsi, Murtipujaka and Terapanth have been important sub-sects of Suetāmbara division. The Murtipujakas put emphasis on the worship of idols. The Sthanakvāsis don't follow the worship of idols, while Terapanth believe in thirteen religious principles. In spite of these and many other sectarian divisions, the adaptability of the Jains to the diverse circumstances and challenges has remained the strength of Jainism and made the survival of Jainism throughout the century-long history possible.
The ascetics have played prominent role in the history of Jainism.
•The Digambara Acharya Kundakunda is known for his exposition of tranfcendental standpoint.
Umasvati's Sanskrit text 'Tattvartha Sutra' synthesizes the entire Jaina doctrine into mere 350 Sutras. •Haribhadra who flourished in eighth century wrote as many as 1444 books. In order to debate with Buddhists, he even mastered Buddhist literature. He contributed immensely to the development of Jaina Yoga. •Acharya Hemachandra also played important role in the propagation of Jainism. He has written on so many subjects that he could be called a grammarian, philosopher, thinker, religious leader and historian. Under the influence of Hemachandra King Kumarapala prohibited animal sacrifices, drinking and gambling in Gujarat. In fact, Gujarat witnessed nonviolent revolution during this period. •Acharya Jindattasuri of Suetambara sub-sect Kharatara earned the title of 'Yuga Pradhana' for his social, religious and literary activities. As a tribute to his work, his followers have established dadawadis throughout India. • The simplicity, austerity and the learning of the Suetāmbara monk Hirauijaya impressed the Mughal Emperor Akbar to such an extent that he prohibited the killing of animals on Jain festival days. In a similar way, Shrimada Rajchandra during the nineteenth century influenced Mahatma Gandhi and is considered to be the spiritual mentor of Gandhi. •In recent times, Terapanth Acharya Tulsi received Indira Gandhi National Award for promoting well being through the minor vows (Anuurata movement).
On the whole, though small in size, historically the Jain community has been in the forefront of making important contribution to the nation.
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