Ethnicity and Religious Heritage

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: T U Mehta

Page 44

Chapter - 4
Brief Outlines of
Jainism
Sharman Tradition
The Indian culture and phiolosophical outlook are deeply shaped by three traditions represented by Vedanta, Jainism and Buddhism. The last two are considered as representing "Shramana" tradition as distinguished from Aryan. It is believed that the Shramana tradition was followed by the original residents of Indus valley culture before the Aryans migrated to India with their Vedas. It is called Shramana because austerities involving serious physical disciplines were performed by forest - dweller - saints who had renounced worldly affairs. The Sanskrit word "Shram" means labour. Both