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History of Jainism with Special Reference to Mathură
installed side by side in one temple. 116 Jainism has adopted many Hindu gods and goddesses to its pantheon.117 The general way of life of a Hindu and a Jaina in Rajasthan is almost the same.118 Regarding Uttar Pradesh the Census Report of India says,
The difference between Jains and Hindus is not very distinct, and in practice seems more social than religious. Closely connected as Jains are by race and profession with certain sections of the Hindu community, inter-marriages have, in the past, not been uncommon.119
The Hindus and the Jainas participate in each other's festivals also. The message of Jainism to mankind is: 'Be a man first and last, for the kingdom of God belongs to the son of man'; this very truth is proclaimed in unmistakable terms by the Upanisadic text tat tuam asi "Thou Art That'. 120
Background of Jainism
To a great extent Jainism is a primitive religion. There is much in it that is pre-Aryan. But it has also been influenced by Brāhmaṇic thought and practices. The origin and growth of Jainism was the consequence of both preAryan and Aryan influence.
Before the advent of the Aryans in eastern India some recluses or primitive people held a number of ideas like a pessimistic outlook on life, the doctrine of transmigration of soul, belief in the presence of soul or life in all things. 121 These ideas were later submerged in the general stream of Indian thought.122 Jainism had its origin in eastern India. Many philosophical ideas
116. JSAI, p. 248.
117.
118.
119.
120.
121.
122. Ibid., p. 100; Ibid., p. 362.
JI, p. 3; AOIU, p. 425; JIR, p. 234; OISJ, p. 61.
JIR, p. 234.
Census, 1931, p. 495.
CUHI, I, p. 219.
ACHI, p. 100; AOIU, pp. 362-3.
