Jaina Religion Historical Journey of Evolution

Author(s): Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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Jaina Religion: Its Historical journey of evolution
together. Similarly, though, Sūtrakītānga presents an evaluation of contemporary philosophers and their opinions, it also mentions many sages of Upanişadic period such as Videhanemi, Bāhuka, Asitdevala, Dvaipāyana, Parāśara etc. with great respect. Sūtrakņtārga clearly accepts that the code of conduct of these sages was different from their traditional code of conduct, but still the sūtra accepts them as venerable persons of its own Arhat tradition. It talks about them as great or eminent people and rich with tapas, and accepts that they have attained the highest goal of mokşa. According to Sūtrakrtānga, these sages, though, following a different path of conduct were sages of their own tradition. In Sūtrakstānga the recognition of these sages as great ones who had achieved the highest goal, and also Uttarādhyayana accepting the identities of other (anyalinga) siddhas suggest that in olden times Jaina tradition was liberal enough to accept that not only those following its own code of conduct but also those following a different culture or code of conduct are capable of attaining liberation. The only condition, however, is that they be of steadfast mind and free from desire, attachment and hatred.
In this context it is necessary to mention the name of Rşibhāṣita, which is the oldest Jaina scripture of 4th century BC. In the Jaina tradition, this text was probably written when Jaina religion