Bhagavana Mahavira

Author(s): Chauthmal Maharaj
Publisher: Jainoday Pustak Prakashan Samiti Ratlam

Page 11

( 6 ) glory of a nation does not depend on the numbers that inhabit a particular country but on those fow who are the leaders of the majority of the nation due to their culture, learning skill and character. Mahatma Gandhi, though alone, is more influential than lakhs of men. It is rightly said that à sandal piece is more precious than a car-load of wood. According to this criterion the Jains though a handful are more important. In matters of religion the number of men does not count. It is the successful propogation of religious preaching that matters.
Men have criticised the Ahimsa doctrine of Jainism in various ways. Some call it impracticable. Some lay the slavery of India at its door. Some have called it religion of cowards and dastards. But all these objections are worthless and due to misconception. Fitting answer to all these with the exposition of the importance of the Ahimsa doctrine of Jainism is to be found in the 5th chapter from the 2nd Volume of this book which is worth nothing.
It must be remembered that Jainism did not begin with Lord Mahavir. He was the last of the Tirthankars. There had been 23 Tirthankars before him. The first was Shree Rishabbadevji. A detailed description about him is to be found in Hindu Puranas as well, specially in Shrimad Bhagwat Puran. This proves that Jainism is not a new institution; it is very old. Compared with this, Buddhism. Zorastrianism, Christianity, Islam are all recent productions. It was once falsely believed that Jainism was a branch of Buddhism but this misconception is now completely removed. There is none now among the learned of both the East and the West who believes in this. The far antiquity