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Jainism :
way in which they speak of it, it would seem that this sect of the Nigaộthas (ihose who have no bonds) was at Buddha's time already one of long standing, or in other words it seems probable that Jainism is considerably older than Buddhism. Also, Buddha made several experiments in the quest of knowledge, but this was not so with Mahavira''. Mahāvira made no attempts to find or preach a new religion. As & matter of fact, Buddha is even said to have entered the Jaina order of ascetics, in bis quest of knowledge.
2. References are found in Buddhist literature to Nigantha Nātaputta (Mahāvira) and his greatness." In the Majjhima Nikāya ( P. T. S., 11 p. 214 ) the Nirgrantha ascetics tell Buddha that their master Nātaputta was an omniscient and that by his infinite knowledge he has told them what sins they have committed in their previous births. The Samyutta Nikāya (P.I.S., IV p. 398) tells us. about the belief that the famous Nātaputta could tell where his disciples would be born after their death, and on being inquired could also tell where a particular person was thus reborn. The Anguttara Nikāya also refers the belief that Nigantha Nātaputta could know all, could perceive all, that his knowledge was unlimited and that he was omniscient during all the hours we are waking or sleeping of following our mundane pursuits. Rockhill, in his 'Life of Buddha' (p. 259) confirms the same statement as having: been made by Mahāvīra to king Ajātasatru. In the Sāma gāma Sutta, there is a reference to the schism among
1. "I he Niggantha Nātaputta......knows and sees
all things, claims perfect knowledge and faith, teaches the annihilation by austerities of the old karma and prevention by inactivity of new karma. When karma ceases, misery ceases, S.B.E, Vol. XXII, p. XVff.
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