Introduction To Jainism

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: SKPG Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

Page 11

SISKAIS INTRODUCTION TO JAINISMASAKABISA
ANTIQUITY OF
JAINISM & TIRTHANKARAS Jainism is ancient philosophy of India. The propagators of Jain Philosophy were Tirthankaras who were infinite and existed from time to time. At Present there is governance of Tirthankaras and there would be continuous & regular set of Tirthankaras in series of 24 (Twenty Four), One at a Time, spread through a time cycle (Kalchakra).
In the present "Avasarpini" (downward cycle) time frame among 24 series, the first one was Lord Adinath, known as Rushabhdev. He was a king.
Before acceptance of Dikha he taught everyone ASI: Art of self defence (use of Sword, other weapons), Masi-Art of writing (use of pen & ink), and Krushi-Art of Agriculture (harvesting crops to nourish the body and satisfy hunger in a vegetarian way.)
Various Arts were taught by his daughters Brahmi and Sundari. The ideology of Marriage and Family life came into existence) through proper Training & Education. From here, the seeds of human culture were sown.
Lord Mahavir was the last Tirthankar of present series of 24, who was born 2600 years before (i. e. in 470 B.C.) and propagated & revitalized Jain Philosophy.
During the time preceding Lord Mahavir, religious rituals contained violence in the name of religion through modes of "Yagna", (A type of ritual performed by Brahmins) Culture was invaded by mal practices & violence. Lord Mahavir was disturbed and his heart was overflown with the feelings of compassion towards living beings being sacrificed in mass. He reawakkened Non violence and & re-established Shraman Sanskriti.
If a review is made of sermons (teachings) events and life style of all the Thirthankaras, it will be observed that life of all contained renunciation (Tyaga), ethical practices (Sadachar), self restraint (Sayyam), Truth, benevolence, (Paropkar) and above all self realization through spiritual purification. In the process they emerge as role models to the world.
1818ISISTA INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM SAIKOKSER THE NAMES OF PRESENT THE NAME OF EXISTING TWENTY FOUR
VIHARMAN TWENTY TIRTHANKARAS
TIRTHANKARAS 1) Shri Rushabhdev
1) Shri Simandhar Swami (Adinath) Swami
2) Shri Yugmandir Swami 2) Shri Ajitnath Swami 3) Shri Sambhavnath Swami
3) Shri Bahu Swami 4) Shri Abhinandan Swami 4) Shri Subahu Swami 5) Shri Sumatinath Swami
5) Shri Sujatnath Swami 6) Shri Padma prabha Swami 7) Shri Suparshwanath Swami 6) Shri Swayamprabha Swami 8) Shri Chandraprabha Swami
7) Shri Rushabhanan Swami 9) Shri Suvidhinath
8) Shri Anantaveerya Swami (Pushpadanta) Swami 10) Shri Sheetalnath Swami 9) Shri Surprabha Swami 11) Shri Shreyansnath Swami
10) Shri Vishalprabha Swami 12) Shri Vasupujya Swami
11) Shri Vajradhar Swami 13) Shri Vimalnath Swami 14) Shri Anantnath Swami
12) Shri Chandranan Swami 15) Shri Dharmanath Swami
13) Shri Chandrabahu Swami 16) Shri Shantinath Swami 17) Shri Kunthunath Swami
14) Shri Bhujangdev Swami 18) Shri Arnath Swami
15) Shri Ishwar Swami 19) Shri Mallinath Swami
16) Shri Nemprabha Swami 20) Shri Munisuvrat Swami 21) Shri Naminath Swami
17) Shri Veersen Swami 22) Shri Neminath Swami
18) Shri Mahabhadra Swami 23) Shri Parswanath Swami
19) Shri Devjas Swami 24) Shri Veer Vardhaman Mahavir Swami
20) Shri Ajitsen Swami