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Schisms in the Jain Samgha
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originally Ajivikas who, after their annoyance with Gośãla, joined the order of Mahāvīra as his disciple. Hoernle was led to derive this conclusion on the basis of the practice of achelakatva (nudity) of the Ājivikas and a statement of the commentator Śilāńka in his commentary on the Sutrakritanga that the revilers of the followers of Mahavira were the Ajivikas or Digambaras. Hoernie's contention is hardly convincing and A. K. Roy is quite correct when he states. "The bulk of the evidence however is against Hoernle's conjecture, and the theory that some Ājivikas formed the nucleus of the Digambara sect can not be built upon this one stray reference by Silanka".4
A. K. Roy thinks that the process of split was gradual but it was completed at the end of 5th century A. D. when the Valabhi Council was held. He has cited some epigraphic and iconographic evidence in support of his contention." But his conclusion is based more on assumption than on evidence. Moveover, the assignment of such a late date for the split is not in consonance with what the facts of the traditions have to tell us.
It is quite evident from the early Jain texts that Mahāvīra lived strict austere life and observed achelakatva (nudity) and preached the same to his disciples. His followers earnestly observed the ethical regulations for some time even after his death. Parallel to Mahāvīra's. order the samgha established by Parsva Nãtha was also functioning. The followers of Parsva Natha did not observe the practice of nudity and used to wear clothes. After the death of Mahāvīra, Indrabhūti Gautama was leading the samgha and Kesi Kumāra was the leader of the samgha of Parsva Nãtha. The twenty third chapter of the Uttaradhyayana Sūtra entitled 'Gautama-Kesi Sarvada' in forms us that the two leaders incidentally met in Śravasti with their followers. It was generally realised by the monks that both the laws are pursuing the same end but why does the order of Parsva Nãtha allow an under and upper garment and that of Mahavira enjoin five vows and forbid wearing
