Jain Journal 2001 07

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

Page 32

KUMAR: INFLUENCE OF BHAGAVĀN MAHAVIRA'S TEACHINGS ON TAMILS
27
Avoiding taking food after sunset is yet another influence of the Jains of Tamils. Even now some saivaites in Tirunelveli district do not take food at night.
Festivals like Dipāvali, Sivarātri and Sarasvati puja are introduced by the Jains among Tamils.
Karma
One of the important principles of Jainism is the Karma theory. In ancient Tamil literature there are references to Karma theory of the Jains. In PURANANOORU, a Sanga Tamil work, there is a poem that reflects the Jaina Karma theory :
"As the raft moves along the current of the river So the Soul along the fate" "Evil and good are not given by others"
(results from our own activities) When Tamils were exposed to faith that approved of atonements, the ethics and self confidence of Tamils deterioted. Tamils were duped by a group of people that they can cast away the effects of their bad deeds by the offerings to the deities.
Religious Tolerance
The Syadvāda or Anekāntavāda also had a profound influence on Tamils. The religious tolerance widely prevalent in Tamil Society is the echo of the Syādvāda. The Jaina theory that every statement or view is neither fully correct nor wrong taught the Tamils to develop tolerance and respect others' views even if they are enemies.
The Jaina author review only the views of other faiths and never touch personalities associated with the faiths. This had its effects and Tamils developed religious tolerance.
Parimita Parigraha
Parimita Parigraha is yet another virtue endowed upon Tamils by the Jains. Though Jainism does not restrict one's earnings beyond one's need, it condemns its accumulation in one hand. While enthusiastically working in his own field of occupation whatever accures to him beyond his self imposed limit must be set apart for the benefit of the whole society. For this Jainism advocated 'Caturvidha Dāna'. These danas are not restricted to any particular community. To give alms without caste distinction by Tamils is a legacy of Jaina thinking. This principle is being dealt in detail by the arcient Tamil works, of which Thirukural is the foremost.