Sample Material of UPSC Mains Philosophy (Optional) Study Kit
Topic: Indian Philosophy (The Jaina Philosophy)
The Origin of Jainism
NOTWITHSTANDING the radical differences in their philosophical notions Jainism and Buddhism, which were originally both orders of monks outside the pale of Brahmanism, present some re semblance in outward appearance, and some European scholars who became acquainted with Jainism through inadequate samples of Jaina literature easily persuaded themselves that it was an off shoot of Buddhism, and even Indians unacquainted with Jaina literature are often found to commit the same mistake. But it has now been proved beyond doubt that this idea is wrong and Jainism is at least as old as Buddhism, The oldest Buddhist works frequently mention the Jains as a rival sect, under their old name Jjjgantha and their leader Nataputta Varddhamana Mahavira, the last prophet of the Jains. The canonical books of the Jains mention as contemporaries of Mahavira the same kings as reigned during Buddha s career.
Thus Mahavira was a contemporary of Buddha, but unlike Buddha he was neither the author of the religion nor the founder of the sect, but a monk who having espoused the Jaina creed afterwards became the seer and the last prophet (Tlrtharikara) of Jainism 1 . His predecessor ParSva, the last Tlrtharikara but one, is said to have died 250 years before Mahavira, while Parsva s predecessor Aristanemi is said to have died 84,000 years before Mahavlra s Nirvana. The story in Uttarddkyayan&sutra that a disciple of ParSva met a disciple of Mahavira and brought about the union of the old Jainism and that propounded by Mahavira seems to suggest that this ParsVa was probably a historical person.
According to the belief of the orthodox Jains, the Jaina religion is eternal, and it has been revealed again and again in every one of the endless succeeding periods of the world by innumerable Tlrtharikaras. In the present period the first Tlrtharikara was Rsabha and the last, the 24th, was Vardham5na Mahavira. All Tlrtharikaras have reached moksa at their death, and they neither care for nor have any influence on worldly affairs, but yet they are regarded as “Gods” by the Jains and are worshipped 1