Historical Facts About Jainism

Author(s): Lala Lajpatrai
Publisher: Jain Associations of India Mumbai

Page 10

historian it is impossible to see anything with the same eyes that those of & sect, see with reverence and faith. History does not always attach to such traditions the same importance as the people of the sect related to, do.
Yes. But if there is anything in my History contrary to the actual religious doctrines and which has been a cause of trouble to you people, I am ready for compensation and the best way to reach it is, I think that you may send to me a brief contradiction not more than a page of my book, which I will publish on your behalf in the second edition of my book.
But this must always be kept in view that my account of Jainism is the popular belief and not in accordance with any special sect. Therefore the contradiction should also be based on this very principle.
You have not mentioned any special objectionable sentence in your letter but Lala Ugarsain Jain of Barant has drawn my attention to some running as follows :--
1. The 24th. Tirtharkara founded a new religion. 2. The teachings of the Budhism and Jainism have been
to some extent the causes of the political degrada
tion of India. 3. Jainismi resembles Budhism in many of its teachings. 4. Jains openly deny the existence of God. 5. This had its origin side by side to Budhism. 6. It is cowardice to be a Jain. 7. The treatment accorded by the Jains towards the
humanity is a very severe and cruel act.
In the above the first sentence is not my own but nearly all the authentic historians of the world say so. Therefore from historical point of view I admit it to be correct. Like you that Budhists say that their religion is eternal yet Sakya Muni Gautama is believed to be the founder of this religion.
2. I have realised this conclusion after full consideration and I am not prepared to make any alteration in this respect, as I have said before, unless I plied, are more sound information.