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The Unknown Pilgrims
According to the list compiled during the cãturmāsya of August, 1977, the aryikās, divided into several groups, were reckoned to number sixty-two and the kṣullikās twenty-three.21 However, it is possible that some names, very few probably, were omitted from the list.
640
In the family of Jaina ascetics, the aryikās and kṣullikās form a tiny minority. In this small but fervent group there exists, however, a very real community spirit. They endeavour to live in a spirit of concord and harmony with one another, encouraging each other in the pursuit of a common ideal and attending carefully to the needs of the sick and the suffering.22
c) Strimukti-niṣedha: The exclusion of Womankind from Liberation
From the start of our study we have mentioned this belief peculiar to the Digambaras, a belief that they justify by their own interpretation of certain doctrinal points, in introducing which we have briefly stated the Digambara point of view.23 As we proceed to consider now the way of life of the aryikās, we need to review some of these ideas, give the Digambara interpretation of certain ancient and other later texts and the refutation of some of the arguments put forward. We are not proposing to submit a detailed analysis of the texts, but simply a few facts concerning the bases of this belief concerning the arÿikās. This is, indeed, precisely what is of interest to ourselves: to have at least some depth of comprehension of that which moulds their life. We should stress once again that this exclusion24is only temporary, being connected with the female body; mokṣa will be the end-product of a future life.
21 Cf. Samyagjñāna, August 1977.
22 Cf. Jñamati, 1976, p.77; for further information, ibid., pp.75-76; cf. PSa III, 52-53.
23
Cf. c.g.
P 140; 311.
24 Nişedha: obstacle, prohibition, debarring, deprivation, exclusion.
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