Arhat Vachan 2000 07

SR No.: 526547
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Anupam Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 92
Language: Hindi
Classification: Magazine, India_Arhat Vachan, & India
File Size: 17 MB

Page 51

not all - welfarist as the concept of Bodhi - Sattva. Despite this, Thrower agrees that the negative tendency has two positive effects: (1) Satisfaction of curiosity about the knowledge of the fine entities and (2) knowledge of
external and internal world. These are also important achievements. 6. The Jaina thought and practices are extremist. The concepts of theism,
devotionalism, austerities and non-violence and forms of extremism. In fact, the western world feels strange to think atheistic as a form of religion. It questions about this point. This type of system is the most difficult path
for the progress of life and beliefs. 7. Prof. Munroe opines that the western religious systems are more organised
than the Eastern ones. 8. Prof. Hutchinson opines that the Jaina tenets are unworldly. This is not
a religion for the world. However, it requires thinking why it is a living religion even today. The hedomist west gets a shock by Jaina tenets. Some authors have assumed it to be the religion of Salvation and austerities. The naked sainthood is essential for infinite bliss.
9.
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 form (Celibacy, penitential retreat etc.) than Parshvanatha and he was renovator, modifier and time-tuner of Parsava system. Despite the opinion of Dr. Rice and Dr. Zinmmer that Jainism existed (though under different name of Nirgrantha) 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 miracles 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 hand, they state him a sage engaged in extremely tormenting and inconscientious harsh austere life.
Though Jainism is said to be naturalistic, the descriptions of his foetus transference etc. are stated to be super-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.
Arhat Vacana, July 2000