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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Jainism
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Prof. Jacobi says, “In conclusion, let me assert my conviction that Jainism is an original system, quite distinct and independent from all others; and that, therefore, it is of great importance for the study of philosophical thought and religious life in ancient India". I
And discussing the place of Jainism in the system of Indian philosophy, M. M. Dr. Ganga Nath Jha concludes, “The Jaina philosophy no doubt, holds certain principle in ccrrmon with Bud dhism, Vedānta, Sānkhya, Nyāya and Vaišeșika systems, but this does not disprove its independent origin and free development. If it has some similarities with the other Indian systems, it has its own peculiarities and marked differences as well”. 2
Prof. G. Satya Narayan Murti also observes, "Some of its doctrines are peculiar to itself and leave a stamp of individualism on the Jaina creed»;3 and Dr. Guerinot, that “Jainism is very original, independent and systematic doctrine', 4
Prof: Chinta Haran Chakravarti “Though it is not possible at this stage of our knowledge to determine the comparative antiquity of Jaina and Brāhmanic things, the realistic and rationalistic tone in the former does not fail to attract notice of even a casual observer”.5
Another scholar says, “We may make bold to say that Jainism, the religion of Abimsā (non-injury ) is probably as old as the Vedic religion, if not older................ There is no doubt that the religion of Ahimsā was as old as the Vedas themselves".
Yet another eminent thinker observes, “Besides there being numerous references to Jainism in the Vedas and Purāṇas,
1 The Metaphysics and Ethics of the Jains-JA, X, 1, 40. 2 Jain Gazett, 1921, p. 146. 3 Jain Gazette, 1916, p. 73. 4 Bibliographica Jainica --Introd. 5 Jains and Hindus-Jain Gazette, April 47, p. 61.
6 Cultural Heritage of India, Vol. 1--Sri Ram Krişna Centenary Memorial Volume, p. 185–188.