Jain Journal 1974 07

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

Page 43

GLEANINGS
'Jainism'
[Extract from 'Oriya Language & Culture' by Dr. Pandit Nilakantha Das. Reprint from The Orissa Historical Research Journal, Vol. VIII No. 1, April 1959.]
Jina : The Sanskrit word Jaina came from Jina (with cerebral 'n') which is a word of the Oriya or ancient Kalinga Prakrit exclusively. It comes from Sumerian 'ji' which is the same as Indian 'jīva'. From the same root through Jaina practice comes also Sanskrit root 'ji' (to conquer) which is Oriya root 'jin' (to conquer). Hence the original word is Jina (meaning conqueror) from which in later times comes the Sanskrit words, Jina and Jaina. In Oriya also Jina means conquered or conquering. Significant it is that in other Indian Aryan languages this Oriya 'Jin' becomes “jit' and Sanskrit Jaina cannot be derived from that ‘jit'.
Even in Oriya language -today, there will be found other words of ancient culture. In this connection the three main world religions may be referred to, for religion is practically the only expression of culture at least in those days.
Let us first think of the scientific or the rationalistic religion prevailing in the ancient world. It is Jainism. It is based on experience, observation and inference. It is based on soul, more correctly the soul in control of the matter. It began from the individual life principle' which is called 'ji' in Sumer some five thousand or more years ago, This 'ji' it has been said, is sanskrit “jiva' (Soul). 'Ajvia' (matter) was what was not jīva'....