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became a Jain monk and joined. Acharya Bhadrabahu in the religions march towards South India in the wake of severe Famine calamity in North India. Emperor Ashoka was the grandson of Chandra Gupta. Although he promoted Buddhism, in his earlier years he was deeply influenced by Jain philosophy of non-violence.
In keeping with its ancient vintage, Jainism has not only shown a spiritual way of life to its followers, but has inspired a distinct stream of culture, which has enriched Indian philosophy, literature, art, architecture :und sculpture, pattern of living and spiritual advancement. Although Jain religion did not spread abroad as widely as Buddhism, in India it came to be spread over in all parts of India. Holy Jain literature is found in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada and Tamil in varied forms of poetry, prose, drama and story. More than 100 rare manuscripts and 1500 old books about Jainism are kept in India Office Library and other British museums in U K alone in addition to the wealth of ancient literature, hand painted manuscripts, icons, cave drawings etc. available in India.
Jain religion has richly contributed to the cultural heritage of India, Temples at Abu, Ranakpur, Halebid, Girnar, Satrunjaya, Sammetshikhar, Deogarh and Sravanbelgola etc. besides being venerated places of pilgrimage are marvelous examples of art and architecture and ethically depict serenity in a detached and dig lied from
As it happens followers of the Jain religion come mostly from the business community on India and abroad. The fact they follow such a deeply humanistic religion with such commitment and candor indicates that they are not blinded by the lure of material attractions and possessions. The concept of universal brother hood and welfare not only of human beings but also of all the living beings inspires their daily endeavours as well as their striving to become progressively nobler and kinder human beings.
Jain religion is however, not a religion of the elite, the privileged or the rich. Its doors are open to anyone who wishes to follow it out of
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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