Jain Journal 1995 10

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

Page 28

THE HUMAN PERSON FROM JAINA AND
BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVES
DR VINCENT SEKHAR, S.J.
Śramana perspectives are different from and, at times, opposed to Vedic and Brāhmana perspectives. "Srama" means 'austerity' (sama or samatā bhāva). Śramanas are those whose views and lifestyle pertain to an ascetic ethos (nivșttimärga) where renunciation, detachment, moral discipline etc. play an important role, while Vedic and the Brāhmaṇic views are life-affirming and liberal.2 The Śramana history reveals their link with Mohanjodaro-Harappa cultures and Indus Valley Civilization. The ascetic practices of the Śramaņas are indicated in the seals discovered in those areas. The references to Sisnadevah in the Vedas bring out the then existing religious symbols of worship ('nude deities' refering to the Tirthankaras of the Jains). Some Vedic prayers refer to those people who were anti-vedic and against ritual sacrifices. Indra is sought for protection from them.3 The existing Sramaņa religions, such as Jainism and Buddhism, have been, from their very inception, maintaining an anti-vedic trend in their thinking. What we today call Hinduism is a mixture of these two distinct traditions.
1. Some illustrations from the canonical texts of Jainism will suffice to
prove to us the renunciatory and ascetic spirit of the Sramanas: What avails riches for the practice of Religion, what a family, what pleasures: we shall become śramanas possessed of many virtues, and wander about collecting alms' (Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, 14:16-17): 'Happy are we, happy live we who call nothing our own...' (ibid 9:14): 'Pleasures will bring only a moment's happiness, but suffering for a long time... they are an obstacle to the liberation from existence and are a very mine of evils' (ibid 14:12-13); 'Leaving his wealth, sons, relations and property, leaving sorrow that never ceases. (a monk) should wander
about without any wordly interests' (Sūtrakstänga 1.9.7). 2. Rgveda 1.1.3. It is a prayer to Agni for prosperity, for wealth and for
glorious and most abounding in heroes; 1.1.7 prayer to Agni for illumination and to dispell gloom; II. 12 prayer to Indra implicitly
affirming and praying for valour, strong sons ctc. 3. Rgveda V. l. 100-108 and VII. 22.5.