World Jain Conference 1987 4th Conference

SR No.: 014038
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 202
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 7 MB

Page 120

Thus from the fact that Hindu tradition regards Rishabhadeva-and not Mahavira-along with Gautama Buddha as an incarnation of God, it can be said that the Hindu tradition also accepts Rishabhadeva as the founder of Jainism.
Jaina Tradition and Buddhism :
As Mahavira was the senior contemporary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, it is natural that in the Buddhist literature there are several references of a personal nature to Mahavira. But it is very significant to note that in Buddhist books Mahavira is always described as Nigantha Nataputta (Nirgrantha Jnatriputra, i. e., the naked ascetic of the Jnatre clan) and never as the founder of Jainism. Further in the Buddhist literature Jainism is not shown as a new religion but is referred to as an ancient religion. There are ample references in Buddhist books to Jaina naked ascetics, to worship of Arhats in Jaina Chaityas or temples, to the Chaturyama Dharma (i. e. fourfold religion) of 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha.
Moreover it is very pertinent to find that the Buddhist literature refers to the Jaina tradition of Tirthankaras and specifically mentions the names of Jaina Tirthankaras like Rishabhadeva, Padmaprabha, Chandraprabha, Pushpadanta, Vimalanatha, Dharma-natha and Nemi-natha. The Dharmottarpradipa', a wellknown Buddhist book, mentions Rishabhadeva along with the name of Mahavira or Vardhamana as an Apta or Tirtnankara. The 'Dhammikasutta' of the 'Anguttra Nikaya' speaks of Arishtanemi or Nemi-natha as one of the six Tirthankaras. The Buddhist book 'Manoratha-Purani', mentions the names of many lay men and women as followers of parshavanatha tradition and among them is the name of Vappa, the uncle of Gautama Buddha. In fact, it is mentioned that Gautama Buddha himself practised penance according to the Jaina system before he propounded his new religion.
Further, it is significant to note that the names and numbers of Buddhas, Paccekabuddhas and Bodhisattvas in Buddhism appear to have been influenced by those of the Jaina Tirthankars. For instance, Ajita, the name of the 2nd Jaina Tirthankara, has been given to one Paccekabuddha. Padma, the 6th Jaina Tirthankara, is the name of the 8th of the 24 Buddhas. Vimala, a Paccekabuddha, has been named after Vimala-Natha, the 13th Jaina Tirthankara.
Jaina Tradition and Indus Valley Civilization :
From some historical references it can be regarded that Rishabhadeva must be the real founder of Jainism. In this connection Dr. Jacobi writes thus, "There is nothing to prove that parshva was the founder of Jainism. Jaina tradition is
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