Mūlasaṅgha: Earliest Ecclesiastical Institution
Summary
This article explores the historical and spiritual origins of the Mūlasaṅgha, the earliest organized monastic institution in Jainism, tracing its evolution from Mahāvīra’s time to its later fragmentation. Key Highlights: 1. Origins and Antiquity: Jainism is presented as predating Aryan traditions, rooted in a pre-Aryan, Dravidian context. Mahāvīra is affirmed as not the founder but the last in a long lineage of Jinas, preceded by Pārśvanātha and Ariṣṭanemi. 2. Formation of Mūlasaṅgha: As per the Kalpasūtra, Mahāvīra established the Mūlasaṅgha with 14,000 monks led by Indrabhūti Gautama and 36,000 nuns led by Āryikā Candanā. This institution served as the foundational Jain ecclesiastical body. 3. Spread and Influence: Mahāvīra’s missionary journeys extended Jain influence to regions like Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Archaeological finds at Vaddamānu affirm this. 4. Lineage and Knowledge Transmission: Kevalins like Gautama, Sudharma, and Jambū transmitted Jain doctrines, including the 12 Aṅgas and 14 Pūrvas. Bhadrabāhu-I, preceptor to Chandragupta Maurya, was the last to retain full doctrinal knowledge before migrating south. 5. Later Developments: i) Over time, the Mūlasaṅgha splintered. ii) In 53 BCE, Bhadrabāhu-II was the last holder of the full Aṅga tradition. iii) Subsequent leaders included Guptigupta, Māghanandin, and Kundakunda. iv) Further fragmentation followed in the south into groups like Sena, Deva, and Bhadra saṅghas around 66 CE. v) A major sectarian division occurred under Arhatbali in Andhra, separating Digambaras and Śvetāmbaras.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The Mūlasaṅgha, founded by Mahāvīra, was a unifying monastic order that preserved Jain teachings for over 600 years. Despite later sectarian splits, it laid the foundational religious and social framework for the Jain tradition.