Jain Legend : Jain Dharma ka Maulika Itihasa (4): Books on Instructions and Code of Conduct

Writings of Jinadatta Sūri created a renaissance in the Jaina Society. As a result, the river of fame and popularity flowing towards Temple dweller tradition for centuries together abruptly changed its course and flowed towards Suvihita tradition.

The life of Jinadatta Sūri, the great mystic legendary man, champion of the cause of Kharataragaccha, was full of supernatural events. Even before the ceremony of piercing the ears (before 2 to 3 years of age) i.e. at a very tender age itself, he took five vows initiation (nonviolence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession). He spent his entire life towards the accomplishment of his lofty ideal and goal "I will make everyone in the world a devout follower of Jain order and relish the nectar of Jain doctrine". Sublime ideals of this type, renunciation, meditation, self-restraint and celibacy blessed him with amazing powers like 'Icchā- śakti', the power to attain whatever one desires and 'Ātmaśakti' (immeasurable potential power of transcending) and people misconstrued them as mystic powers. Even the most prominent ācāryas of Temple dweller tradition who kindled hostility against Suvihita tradition, went to Jinadatta Sūri, along with their disciples saying, "We found our guru and also found Jinadatta Sūri with whom we are attached from births together". They became his disciples. This is not the magic of a mantra instead this is the magic charm of his noble conviction that 'Sabhī Jīva Karuṃ Jinaśāsana Rasī' (I will make all the beings drink the nectar of Jina order). His meritorious deeds made him immortal.