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History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathurā
Relationship between Jainism and Hinduism It is evident that Hinduism and Jainism are two different religions. But, in spite of its numerous differences, Jainism is nearer to Hinduism than Buddhism.88 The opposition of Jainism to Hinduism has been less pronounced, 89 and it has been more accomodating to Hinduism than other unorthodox faiths.90 Hinduism, too, has been sympathetic to Jainism, 91 and has shown respect and receptivity to it.92 In fact, a process of give and take has been a characteristic feature of the relationship between Hinduism and Jainism.93 Hinduism and its ethics bear conspicuous stamp of Jainism.94 Similarly, considerable Hindu influence can be traced on Jainism.95 Both Jainism and Hinduism have laid stress on asceticism,96 and scholars like Jacobi,97 Buhler and Charpentier" have noticed exact similarity between the rules laid down for Hindu saṁnyāsīs and Jaina monks. Mahāvīra was not opposed to the brāhmaṇas; he was opposed to the degenerate priestly class.100 The brāhmaṇa was conceived as an ideal man. In the Jaina texts dealing with the ideal qualities of the brāhmanas, the śramanas are designated as such.101 Jainism
88. RI, pp. 286-7. 89. ROAI, pp. 121-2. 90. AOIU, p. 425; AI(M), p. 169. 91. JIR, p. 234. 92. HOIC, I, p. 167. 93. S.D. Jha, Aspect of Brahmanical Influence on the Jaina Mythology, 1978, Introduction,
p. 13. 94. Ibid., Introduction, p. 13; ERE, II, p. 813. 95. Ibid., pp. 235-6, Rerospect;ERE, II, pp. 802,812;ERE, VII, p. 470;OISJ, pp. 15-16;AOIU,
p. 362; CHI, I, pp. 150-2; ROAI, pp. 113-14; HJM, pp. 52 ff; AOIK, p. 295. 96. RI, p. 287. 97. CHI, I, p. 151; HJM, p. 52. 98. OISJ, pp. 15-16; ibid. 99. CHI, I, p. 151; ibid. 100. HJM, p. 64. 101. Ibid.
