________________
105
and that the Niganthas (Nirgranthas), now better known under the name of Jains or Arhatas, already existed as an important sect at the time when the Buddhist Church was being founded."
NOTE NO. 25.
Please see note IIA, 11E. IF & 11G, 11K (viii)
"Parsvanatha, the Tirthankara who immediately preceded Mahavira, may also have been an historical person." P. 48 the Heart of Jainism by Mrs. Sinclair.
NOTE NO. 26.
Buddhist scriptures such as महावग्ग, दीघनिकाय महापरिनिव्वान, अंगुतनिकाय, बुद्धघोषटीका contain references to jains and Jainism under the ancient name of Niganthas.
Please also see note IA (iv) for frequent references in Buddhist Pitakas to Niganthas as opponents or converts of Buddha and his disciples.
Please also see note 11C (i).
NOTE NO. 27.
The Mahaparinimbbana Sutta in S. B. E. Vol. XI, p. 106 describes Niganthas as "heads of companies of disciples and students, teachers of students, well-known, renowned, founders of
IO
