Sramana 2001 04

SR No.: 525044
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shivprasad
Publisher: Parshvanath Vidhyashram Varanasi
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 226
Language: Hindi
Classification: Magazine, India_Sramana, & India
File Size: 9 MB

Page 179

9.
Some authors have assumed it to be the religion of Saivation and austerities. The naked sainthood is essential for infinite bliss.
१७३
B. Origin of Jainism and Biography of Mahavira
Many books published upto 1995 have stated Mahavira as the founder of Jainism. Some authors, however, refer to the tradition of ford makers. Some books have stated Mahavira as the historical founder of Jainism and they keep silence on its earlier history. Some authors have stated that Mahavira gave Jainism a more positive from (Celibacy, penitential retreat etc.) than Parshvanatha and he was renovator, modifier and time-tuner of Parsvan system. Despite the opinion of Dr. Rice and Dr. Zinmmer that Jainism existed (though under different name of Nirgzantha) in pre-Aryan. (1700-2700 B.C.), these authors seem to be lopsided.
Almost all the books have biography of Mahavira based on Kalpasutra (foetus transference, marriage, one daughter, divine cloth etc.). Some authors agree to some mircales in his life). However, his biography is not as marvellous as Christ. Mohammad and Buddha. That is why, most western scholars state his biography as unattractive, formal, less reliable and legendary. On the one hand, these authors agree Mahavira to be a staunch austerite, adventurous, deep philosopher and capable organiser (of four fold order), on the other, they state him a sage engaged in extremely formenting and inconscientious harsh austere life.
Though Jainism is said to be naturalistic, the descriptions of his foetus transference etc. are stated to be supra-natural. They seem to be more legendary. His period of 540-468 B.C. is said to be better historical than 599-527 B.C. On this basis, he is given contemporariness with Buddha, Confucious, Lao Tse and Zermia etc. Similarly, he had seven other contemporary heretic scholars.
Many books have a number of mistakes about his life like (1) his place of birth (Patna), (2) age of initiation (28 yrs), (3) acceptance of only peacock-feather broom (Pichi) and (4) 70 years of fourth aeon remaining after Mahavira's salvation etc.