Lo?k?

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Loṅkā ( Shah) (15th cent.). Jain reformer and influence on the Sthānakvāsi Gaccha (sect). Being convinced that the Jain scriptures (see AṆGA) gave no warrant for image worship, he set out on a path of rigorous reform, emphasizing personal asceticism. The term Sthānakvāsi means ‘those who reside in preaching halls’, emphasizing their avoidance of temples and images. Although few in number, they remain a part of Jain life to the present.

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