Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

Page 88

The Metaphysics & Ethics of The Jainas
By Н. ЈАСові
ALL who approach Jain philosophy will be under the impression that it is a mass of philosophical tenets not upheld by one central idea, and they will wonder what could have given currency to what appears to us an unsystematical system. I myself have held, and given expression to this opinion, but have now learned to look at Jain philosophy in a different light. It has, I think a metaphysical basis of its own, which is secured at a distinct position apart from the rival systems both of the Brahmans and of the Buddhists. This is the subject on which I would engage your attention for a short space of time.
2. Jainism, at least in its final form which was given it by its last prophet the twenty-fourth Tirthankara Mahavira, took its rise, as is well known, in that part of Eastern India where in an