Jainism

SR No.: 034033
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace
Publication Year: 2017
Total Pages: 148
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 27 MB

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(i) Agamic findings
According to the Jain canonical texts, time is cyclic and in every half-cycle, which takes innumerable years, twenty four Tirthankars incarnate. In the current descending half of the cycle, Risbhdev was the first Tirthankar. Before becoming a monk, he was an emperor of an early civilization, and his contribution to social life was tremendous. He initiated seventy two artistic professions for men and sixty four for women. Mahavira was the last Tirthankar born in 598 B.C. in Bihar. We know of the existence of these Tirthankars because ancient Indian literature repeatedly mentions Rishbh, Nemi, Parshva and Mahavira. Historically, Rishbhdev found his place in Hindu literature Bhagwat. Buddha and Mahavira were contemporary figures according to the respective Indian religious traditions of the last 2500 years. The present Jain tradition is the outcome of the doctrines laid down by Mahavira. Mahavira preached the doctrine of Non-violence as the path to eternal liberation from worldly suffering.
One of the Jain Agam, the Uttaradhyayana Sutra describes a meeting between Gautama Indrabhuti, the first disciple of Mahavira and kesi Kumara the disciple of Parsva, the 23rd Tirthankar.
This shows the continuity of Jain tradition. We find many evidences in support of the Parsavnath as a historical figure. It is surprising to find more temples of Parsavnath in India than the number of temples of Mahavira. Parsavnath attained liberation at Sammetasikhara in Bihar, which is known by his name Parsavnath hill. The historicity of Parsavnath brings Jainism back to 872 B.C.
(ii) Survival through the ages It is a matter of utmost importance to know that how Jainism has been able to survive and prosper in India until the present day despite the Sramana traditions that arose in India during the middle of the sixth century B.C, while most of the anti-Brahmanical sects died out soon after the passing of their respective founders. Even Buddhism found its centers of learning in ruins and the Buddha himself was described as an incarnation of god Vishnu by Brahmanical writers, causing Buddhism to fade away from the subcontinent by the 14th century.
Parsavnath and Mahavira, the last two Tirthankars were from Bihar. Starting from Bihar, Jainism spread in all directions in India. Jain saints due to their intrinsic qualities adjusted themselves to the cultures and customs of different places. Therefore, Jainism not only survived in India but remains relevant even in the present times. We take into account Prof. Padamnath Jaini's view, which provides a general survey regarding the survival of Jainism.
Prof. Padamnath Jaini's View - The Jain faith and its history The first important key to Jain's long and relatively prosperous existence is that they have repeatedly won kingly favour. Well - known examples are, Ganga Dynasty in
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