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The Concept of Sāstra-Dāna:
Socio-cultural Dimensions
Dr. Hampa. Nagarajaiah
The Srāvakācāras, 'books of layman's discipline', have prescribed the ideal path of householders'. As such, in the Jaina social organisation every laity is expected to carry out six duties.
devapūjā gurūpāsti svādhyāyaḥ samyamastapaḥ
dānam ceti grhastānām sat-karmāņi dine dine | The worship of Jinas (devapūjā), listening to and venerating teachers (gurū-upāsti), the study of scriptures (svādhyāya), restraint (samyama), austerity (tapas), and benevolent practice of charity (dāna) - are six daily routine enjoined to every householder. Consequently, this formed a nucleus for a number of socio-cultural and religious activities leading to the path of (spiritual) progressive life. All of the above mentioned six everyday duties of the householder are complimentary to each other. Albeit, this paper attempts primarily to: i, analyse the socio-cultural dimensions of dāna in its historical perspective. ii, substantiate how this ancient practice contributed to the strength and solidarity of the Jaina Samgha. iii. elucidate the theme and thesis with suitable illustrations of historical persons who heralded an era most germane to the present discussion.
The basic concept of dāna, 'charity' or alms-giving is ecumenical and a common code of all tenets. But Jainism has accorded more prominence and incorporated it as obligatory for
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