Jaina Archaeology Outside India

SR No.: 007644
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jineshwardas Jain
Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 105
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 3 MB

Page 78

We have already observed that jaina ascetics of pre-christian era led a very simple almost arduous life and usually avoided populous towns and villages. [ 19 p.64]. Appolo and Damas also came to India from Greece. When emperor Sikandar came to India he met some jain saints in Takshila (now in Pakistan). He took one Jain saint Named Kalyan Muni (Called as Kalanus in Greece) to preach Jain principles. A king Bhragukatchha sent a gift for the Roman emperor Agustus. A digamber saint named Shravanacharya accompanied the ambassador of Rome and went to Greece. In this way we see that in the Greek culture the principles of non-violence and non-possession of wealth or any articles of luxury were strictly followed. In Greece there is a shrine of Shramancharya, the naked saint of Athens.
The later Greek historians, Megasthnee and others encountered such Shramanik ascetics in 4th century and later. Hence, it can be confidently mentioned that the historic ways formulator Rishabha and Rishabha alone and no one else has been depicted in the seals. Indo-greek rulers were influenced by Jaina religion, it is clear from a book named 'Milindpanha 108, that Yavan King Milind (Menander) with the 500 Greek followers met jaina saints and most of them had adopted jain religion. [52].
Exen civilization
A German scholar named Von-Cramer has mentioned that existing Samania community in Central-east Asia were Shramans (Jains). Mr.G.F.Moor writes that in 19 century BC many jain and Buddhist saints were preaching principles of no-violence in eastern Iraq, Sham and Palestine. Innumberable naked jain saints were living in plains and on hills in western Asia, Egypt, Greece and Ethopia and were very famous for their renunciation and their deep philosophical knowledge. Major Gen.J.S.R Furlong had discovered [36, p-20) some jain religious centers in the cities of Oksinia, Caspia, Bulkh and Samarkand where the principles of non-violence specially non-killing of animals was followed with respect. Mr.Furlong also mentions (36) 'The yatis or Jainsaints, who in man's erliest ages have on all lands separated themselves from the world and dwelt upon pious motions in lonely forests and mountains'.
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