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Jainism
originality regarding their moral code, but that the Brahman ascetic was their model from which they borrowed many important practices and institutions (Vide Hoernle's Presidential Address, CAS, 1898). With, however, our present knowledge of the Jainas and their sacred literature, it is not difficult to prove that Jainism, far from being an offshoot of Buddhism or Brahmanism, was one of the earliest home religions of India. The simple devotion of the Jainas and their homely prayer, without the intervention of a Brāhmaṇa may prove not merely their high antiquity, but what is more important, the independent nature of their existence», I And according to F, W. Thomas, "Jainism on the other hand (i. e. unlike Buddhism etc.) has preserved down to the present time, its integrity as a separate world in the midst of Hinduism”.
To quote a few of the legal authorities, T. N. Sheshagiri Ayer, M.L.A., ex-Judge, Madras High Court, says, “I have no desire to date the Jaina religion at a period subsequent to the Vedas, it might be simultaneous with them. Jainas are not the Hindu dissenters. I can fully bear out the statement that all Jainas are not Vaiśyas. They are of all castes and grades”. 3
The Hon'ble Mr. Justice Coomar Swami Shastri, Chief Judge, Madras High Court, observed, “Were the matter res-integra, I would be inclined to bold that modern research has shown that Jainas are not Hindu dissenters, but that Jainism has an origin and history long anterior to the Smộtis and commentaries which are the recognised authorities on Hindu Law and Usage. In fact, Mahāvīra, the last of the Jaina Tirthankaras, was a contempo rary of Buddha;
i The Jains in the Deccan-Jain Gazette XVI, p. 212; and S I.J., Pt. I.
2 Legacy of India, p. 212. 3 Jain Gazette, June 1922, p. 145.
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