Jain Journal 1981 07

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

Page 37

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girls, having removed their shoes, were seated in front of a chair prepared for the honoured guest, strumming on guitars and huming some oriental tunes. All this was relaxing and I availed thereof fully, lying under a flowering tree close to a man who happened to teach economics at one of the north-eastern universities; he told me about his previous encounters with "Muni" or "Guru" (either expression means "Master").
JAIN JOURNAL
In the light of what I learned from my neighbour and what I read later, Jainism is one of the oldest religions of the world. Its traditions go back to the 9th century B.C., but its followers contend it is much more ancient. Its tenets were consolidated in the 6th century B. C. by a philosopher and ascetic, Vardhamana, known as Mahavira. Some consider this religion as an offshoot of Hinduism or Buddhism, but Jainas deny this vehemently. The religions have many common characteristics, but Jainism differs from the two others on some important points. It discards the orthodox Hindu philosophy and the sacred Vedic writings, and it credits the soul with immortality. After going through a chain of incarnations and reaching nirvāṇa, it does not terminate its existence, but rather frees itself from its embodiment and from its limitations.
Centuries ago, Jainism exercised a great influence in particular Indian provinces and, together with Buddhism, was even endangering the dominant position of Hinduism. The Brahmins used to say that a tiger presents less danger than those religions, because it destroys only our body while they destroy our soul... But the development of both was checked by Hinduism, and by the penetration of Islam. Buddhism withdrew from India to blossom in other countries of Asia. Jainism dwindled and counts today only four millions of believers, concentrated mainly in the western states as well as in Uttara Pradesh, Mysore, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The Jainas' standard of living is generally higher than that of other inhabitants of the respective regions. Many of them have been prominent as writers, philosophers, mathematicians, musicians and poets. A majority of Jainas are dedicated to commerce largely because prohibitions on endangering the life of any being prevent them from working in agriculture and from using fire and sharp tools in crafts. The nonexistence in their society of a caste system based on religious principles should be mentioned in this respect. They are known in India for their social discipline, feelings and responsibility as well as reliability and honesty. One of their intellectual leaders was a teacher and friend of Mahatma Gandhi, who was under the impression of the Jaina doctrine of non-aggression when he formulated his liberation policy.