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Jaina Religion: Its Historical Journey of Evolution 27
Jaina, the Buddhist and the Upanişadic streams have all evolved from one source, and this has to be understood in this context.
The study of Indian religions especially the Upanișadic, the Buddhist and the Jaina, and their mutual influence are very important today. And for this study the ancient Jaina Āgamas such as Ācārānga, Sütrakṛtānga Rşibhāșita and Uttarādhyayana can guide us. I am confident that the study of these scriptures can give new directions to the scholars and students of Indology; and the misconception that the Jaina, Buddhist and Hindu religions are opposed to one another will be removed. There are many sūtras (aphorisms) available in Ācārānga, which are very close to the Upanișadic sūtras in their meanings, essential vocabulary and linguistic style. The description of Ātman and its essence given in Ācārānga found in exactly the same manner as in Māndūkya Upanişad. The concepts of Śramana and Brāhmaṇa in Ācārānga appear not as rivals but as companions or associates. Though Ācārānga and Uttarādhyayana etc. condemn yajñas or rituals involving violence, they accept Brahmins as followers of the same moral and spiritual path, which is followed by Śramaņas. In their view a Brahmin is one who is a living symbol of morality or good conduct and in many places the terms Śramana and Brāhmaṇa have been mentioned
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