$JES 911 Essence of World Religions Reference Book

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 23

Essence of World Religions
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् Compassionate Living
Fig 1
Jainism
事
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् Compassionate Living Fig 2
STD
M
HELD
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् Compassionate Living Fig 3
Founded
Jainism is one of the oldest living religions. It has no beginning. It predates recorded history as per references indicated in Hindu religious scriptures. In ancient times it was known by many names such as Saman tradition, or the religion of Nirgrantha or Jina.
Founder
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About 2500 years ago Lord Mahävir (Vardhamän), the twenty fourth and the last Tirthankar of this era revived the same philosophy preached by his predecessor Lord Pärshva-näth in India. He expanded the code of conduct and implemented the daily observances needed to practice the religion properly at that time.
Major Scriptures
Lord Mahävir's preaching was orally compiled by his disciples in the Jain Ägam Sutras which consist of many texts.
The Ägam Sutras teach great reverence for all forms of life, strict codes of vegetarianism, Compassion, non-violence, penance, self control, asceticism, and opposition to war. The existing Ägam