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Jaina Perspective in Philosophy and Religion
finds of nude images are similar to the characteristics of Jaina śramaņas. The Kayotsargal posture of Yoga is peculiarly Jaina. In short, we can conclude that Jainism is a very ancient religion and is related to the primitive philosophy, It is believed to have a non-Aryan or of non-Vedic Aryan origina
Nurtured into the synthetic culture of India and deeply influenced by the Jaina tradition, Mahavira showed wonderful ability in organisation of his Order ( Sangha ), of the floating mass of Sramanic literature and culture. He propagated a veritable spiritual democracy admitting ascetics and laymen, Brahmins and Sūdras, male and female--all into the folds of Jainism, rejecting the Varnaśramas, the authority of the Vedas, God and the myth of māya and Karma-kānda, Positively, he enunciated that the Jaina doctrine of knowledge are inherent in soul, the Karma-phenomenology and inward strenuousness and affirmation of spirit through rigid ethical life for the attainment of salvation.
All the teachings of Mahavīra have come down to us as a living tradition contained in the sacred works ( Agamas )3 which are regarded as eternal and permanent teachings4 for the benefit of the entire mankind, contained in the 14 Pūrvas. Mahavira himself taught the Pūrvas to his disciples, known as Gañadharas. Further the 12 Argas, 12 Upārgas, 4 Mūlas, 2 Cūlikas Sūtras, 6 Cheda Sūtras, 10 Prakīrṇakas were composed. Their commentaries are known as Niryukits &
1. Adi Purana, XVIII. 2. Shasri, S. : Jaina Antiquari, Vol. XV, No. 2, p. 58. 3. Naņdi-Sūtra, 40. 4. Ibid, 57. 5. Malvania, D. : Jaina Dárśanika Sahitya Ka Sinhavalo
kana ( Varanasi : J. C. R. S.), 1940, Bulletin No. 2, pp. 2-3; Bolani, F, C. ; Jaina Grantha Aur Granthakara ( Varanasi : J. C. R. S.), 1950, pp. 1-4.
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