Jainism the Oldest Living Religion

SR No.: 001195
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jyoti Prasad Jain, Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi
Publication Year: 1988
Total Pages: 66
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, History, Religion, E000, & E999
File Size: 3 MB

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The Oldest Living Religion the times of the 10th Tirthankara Śtala Nātha that Bräbmanism made its first appearance and in the times of the 20th Tirtharkara the bloody sacrifices got their first impetus under royal patronage.
Even a reputed Vedic scholar Prof. V. P. Vadyar says, *According to the Jaina scriptures, Marsci, the grandson of Rşabha Deva was a materialist. Because the Vedas represent the same materialistic spirit, it was certainly due tɔ him that they (the Rgveda etc.) came to be popular. Consequently there are several hymns to be found in the Vedas and Purāņas, in the memory of sage Marsci, and there are mentions of the Jaina Tirtharkaras at many places. Hence there is no reason why we should not accept the existence of Jainism in the Vedic age". I
In fact, there is whatsoever no tangible evidence to show that Jainism branched off from the Vedic religion or from any of its later developments, at such and such time, nor there is any marked similarity between the fundamental doctrines and essential features of the two systems, which might favour that possibility. Jainism with the perfectly non-violent creed, animistic belief, subtle and peculiar karma theory, its rejection of a creator and the creation theory, and the like, is not only quite and original system but is also absolutely independent of all other systems. In its origin, it is not only non-Aryan and preAryan, in the sense that these terms are now generally understood, but it is also primitive and absolutely indigenous. Barrister C. R. Jain, successfuly refuting the Hindu-dissenter theory, concludes, “Thus Jainism, the creed of the holy Tirthankaras, far from being a daughter or rebellious Child of Hinduism, is actually the basis of that undoubtedly ancient creed", and that if there was any borrowing, it was more the otherway round.2
1 His opinion about Jainism, p. 27—see Bhagavān Pārsva. nātha, p. 22. Also see-Citra-maya-jagat.
2 Practical Path— App. p. 194.