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62
THE JAINA GAZETTE
The foremost among theseT irthankaras of this cycle of time, for, there ever have been and will be in future a set of 24 Tirthankaray at all times, is Lord Rishabha. He was the first Preacher of Jainism in the Karmabhumi 3 during this Kalpa. The literary evidence from the Hindu 4 and Buddhist 5 sources, too, is available in this respect, which establishes the great antiquity of this religion of India beyond doubt.
But, however, we do not intend to give a detailed account of its history and beliefs here. Our aim is simply to give a right expression of its ethical code for a householder, which may, also, dispel a few misapprehensions prevailing in certain quarters in regard to it.
Nevertheless at the very outset, we should not overlook the fact that as a universal religion, Jainis m'has been a proselytising faith from the very early times. The Aryans and non-Aryans were equally received in its fold. It is evident from the fact that there were not observed any distinctions of caste and creed in the preaching hall (Samosarana) of the Tirthankara and His sermons were always addressed to all living beings alike-- whether human or non-human and whether Aryans or non-Aryans. Almost all the Jaina sastras bear testimony to this universality of Jainism. In the introductions to the sermons of Jinas, as preserved in the Agama Sutras of the Swetambara sect, it is always pointed out that they are addressed to Aryans and non-Aryans. We find a mention of the conversion of a potterman by name Saddalputta of Polaspur by Bhagawan Mahaoira in the Swetambara U vasagada. sao Sutla (Hect. 6). The great Digambara Acharya Sri Samantabhadraji says that a matanga (Chandala), endowed with the faith in Jainism (Samyagdarsana) is worthy of worship by the
3. "Karmabhumi is the place wbere agriculture, etc. are followed by men for their subsistence."--See Jaina Gem Dictionary.
4. Bhagavata 5. 3-4 ; Vishnupurana, etc. 5. Satasastra quoted in the " Vira"-Vol. IV, p. 353 1. The Indian Sect of the Jainas, p. 3 f. n.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
