Jain Journal 2002 07

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

Page 26

SOME PERSPECTIVES OF AHIMSĀ Jainism vis-a-vis the Tibetan Buddhist Experience
DR. ARPITA CHATTERJEE
Buddhism and Jainism, the two ancient religions of India, are the greatest propounders of ahimsā in the world. Both the religions saw the light of day in the 6th century B.C. though Mahāvira is said to be earlier than Buddha. These great prophets come from the ancient region of Magadha with Buddha belonging to the more eastern region and Mahāvira belonging a bit to the north west.
Every religion has some universal truths that are common to all. After this, each then has its distinctive features, its approach and path that make it stand apart from others.
Buddhism and Jainism are no different. Both flourished at the same time, but while Buddhism was flexible (as we come to know from a historical study of its development) Jainism was much more conventional and rigid. As a result, the earlier was more susceptible to change thus also making it more acceptable to many. It soon crossed the boundaries of its mother land and spread far and wide all over the world. It is due to its inherent nature it imbibed features from local religions into its fold and brought about an evolvement while keeping the main tenets intact. This obviously made it more acceptable to the locals. Travelling down the ages and across countries we find that Buddhism in different places has features that were not to be found in the original Buddhism. The place that immediately springs to one's mind is the Buddhism of Tibet.
Jainism, on the other hand, has a different story to tell. Its more conventional and rigid approach has made it more resilient towards change. We do not find drastic changes in its approach. Its rules and regulations are, more or less, maintained through the ages.
However, in the evolvement of Tibetan Buddhism and Jainism, we find certain features that are also wonderfully common. While not being apparently noticeable, a study of ahimsā among the Tibetans and the Jainas reveals common features that are strikingly interesting.