Introducing Jainism

Author(s): Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

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INTRODUCING JAINISM only by yogic contemplation. Having given in a nutshell the basic conception of Jainism, I will pass on now to the question of the conception of dharma in Indian atmosphere vis-à-vis Jainism which has a strong bearing upon Indian life and society.
IV. The Background of Jain Religion
The Jain religion is very old. The orthodox scholars have. tried to trace its origin from Mohenjodaro and Harappa. We do not have any clear-cut and sharp evidence to trace back its origin as far back as that. Even in the Vedic period (1500 B.C. - 7th/6th centuries B.C.) we do not have any direct and definite evidence of Jainism. It is true that the name Rşabha occurs in some of the Vedic passages, but what was his tenets and what doctrines of Jainism he preached and practised is not as apparent as it was at a later time. Tradition says that he was the first Tirthankara who propagated and in the end established the doctrine of ahimsā in Vedic times. Besides, there are some aspects of Jainistic ideas which may be traced to the Vedic period, but those ideas and thoughts are more Vedic than Jainistic. So to understand how the Jains reacted at a later time against the then prevailing ideas of religion, it is better to discuss briefly the Vedic conception of dharma vis-à-vis Jainism.
i) The Vedic Legacy of Dharma
Dharma is generally translated as 'Religion', or sometimes as ‘Righteousness' or 'Duty'. Etymologically, Dharma means the principle which holds together the Universe' (dhāraņād dharma ityāhuḥ). And this meaning is more or less associated with the idea that șta (eternal law') holds together the Universe. According to this conception it is the duty of man and society to make this sta, or otherwise known in literature as dharma, active and fruitful in every sphere. This conception of the Universe ultimately actuated the Vedic seers to establish a relationship between the Universe and man. And finally, the idea of religion is converted altogether into the acknowledgment of a close relationship between God and man. In this respect all religions, I believe, whatever may be the cause of their origin, or whatever idea a religion