________________
Introduction to Jainism
JAINISM is one of the oldest religions in India. It evolved at an early period of Indian history and has been called by numerous names. Through the ages, Jainism and its culture have been called by names and epithets like the Rşabha Cult, the Ahimsā Dharma, the Sramaņa Dharma, the Nirgrantha Dharma, the Yogamārga, the Vrātya, the Ārhat, the Syādvāda Mat, the Anekānta Mat, the Samāni, the Bhavya, the Sarāka, the Bhāvade, the Sewaņe, the Srāvaka, the Jaina, etc., in various parts of India. It is a religion with a complete system; it has its dogma, metaphysics, philosophy, mythology, ethics and ritual. Jainism is a living religion and has got a strong hold upon an influential section of the Indian people. The adherents of this religion, now called Jainas, were known as Nirgranthas for long. These days they are sometimes called Sarāugise or Sarāogīs' also.
The majority of the Jainas belong to the trading classes, and they hold an important position in Indian society' because of their wealth and education. 10
Descar
1. ERE, VII, p. 465; CUHI, I, p. 185; ACHI, p. 100; JOLR, p. 1. 2. JSAI, Introduction, pp. 5-6. 3. Ibid., Introduction, p. 6; ACHI, p. 100; AI (M), p. 170; SIJA, p. 3. 4. AI (M), p. 170. 5. LDJC, p. 21; RI, p. 283 fn. 2; ROAI, p. 117; JI, p. 12. 6. MDM, p.13. 7. JSAI, Introduction, p. 5; DGM, 1911, p. 82; Census, 1931, p. 493. 8. ERE, VII, p. 472; OISJ, p. 1; CUHI, I, p. 222. 9. IP, p. 72; JSAI, Introduction, p. 6. 10. ERE, VII, p. 472; OISJ, p. 1; IP, p. 72.
c assa essere
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
