Jain Journal 2001 07

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

Page 33

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JAIN JOURNAL: Vol-XXXVI, No. 1 July 2001
"The wealth that is acquired by the householder by toil and effort must set apart for helping those that are fit to be recipients." (212)
"Share your meal with the needy. Protect every living being. This is the chief of all the moral precepts formulated by those well-versed in scriptures." (322)
Thirukural is a scale of Jaina influence on Tamils. It is the social expression of Bhagavān Mahävira's teaching.
Equality
When Tamils were suppressed on the basis of cast and creed Jainism advocated equality. Ancient Jaina Tamil works reflect this. Some of them go to the extent of condemning Varnāśrama Dharma based on caste system.
Jainism infused self-confidence and self-respect in Tamils who were isolated from the main stream of life. Jainism points out that it is the conduct and character of an individual that are important." One's birth in a particular caste or community has no relevance. When Tarnils were suppressed on the basis of caste, Jaina thinking created confidence in them. Arugalacheppu, a Tamil work, says.
"Even a low casteman, if possesses right faith, is divine." In another Tamil work it is stated that
"All are equal in birth and disser in their excellence by their profession"
These Jaina works and Lord Mahāvira's preaching instilled in Tamils self-confidence and forced those who preached caste differences special status based on birth to a particular caste, to recognize them and accept the social equality.
Education
The response to education by Tamils without any caste difference is yet another influence of the Jains. The Jains taught all people without caste or sex difference. Jaina ascetics taught children all aspects of education. The centres of learning are called Pallis. The term palli refers to the abodes of Jain Munis. Even today the school in Tamilnadu are known as Pallis. From this one can judge the influence in the field of education. The children before they start their lessons pay homage to the Siddhas. Every child would say “Namostu Siddham". This was followed even in Karnataka where the children say "Siddham Namah".