History of Jainism

SR No.: 006741
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: U K Sharma
Publisher: D K Print World
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 304
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 10 MB

Page 30

History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathurā
In metaphysics Jainism recognises a dualistic realism.65 Buddhism, on the other hand, emphasises the doctrine of universal void.66 The Digambara Jaina monks lay great stress on nudity.67 The Buddha, on the other hand, denounced the practice of going out naked.68 The Jaina canon is different from the Buddhist canon; it also gives an impression of greater antiquity.69 The lay community in Jainism plays a greater part in the administration of its religion. The fundamental theories of Jainism, i.e., the syādvāda; the Jaina division of living beings, especially the elementary lives, are not found in Buddhism.71 In fact, Jainism and Buddhism were rival religions and had distinct historical origins.Jainism is certainly older than Buddhism. It is, therefore, not surprising that because of the greater antiquity of Jainism some scholars considered Buddhism as an off-shoot of this religion.74
Points of similarity and difference between Jainism and Hinduism
Jainism has much in common with the Hindu systems of philosophy. Like Sāmkhya and Yoga schools of Hindu philosophy, Jainism believes in dualism of matter and soul, looks upon worldly life as bad and painful, and holds that liberation from the cycles of birth by the possession of right knowledge is the aim of human life.75 Like Sāmkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaisesika and Purva
65. ERE, VII, p. 468; OJ, p. 7; JI, p. 4. 66. CUHI, I, pp. 261-5; JI, p. 3.
OISJ, p. 2; IP, p. 69. 68. AI(M), p. 169; AOIU, p. 362. 69. ROAI, p. 120. 70. Ibid., p. 122. 71. ERE, VII, p. 465 fn. 3. 72. CHI, I, p. 151; JOLR, p. 5; SBE, vols. XXII and XLV, Introductions. 73. AI(M), pp. 168-9. 74. ROAI, p. 111. 75. ERE, VII, p. 465.