Jainism Some Essays

Author(s): A S Gopani
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 14

Jaina Religion
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essential symbol of worship. The śramaņas transformed the whole network of the rites, ceremonies and rituals of the Brāhmanas so as to make it fit to be adopted by them in their own ethical structure. Similarly did the Brāhmaṇas also do. This give and take practically bridged the gulf of the differences existing between them. The civilization known as the Hindu civilization today is but a blend of these two. Though these two ideologies appear one and the same, it is merely on the surface as the undercurrents are different. In the society at large, the words 'naked', 'shameless'. are not at all sugges of respectability. Even though in the Sramaṇic ideology, to remain 'naked' and to overpower 'shame' have been considered big things, the words 'naked' and shameless' are condemned as scandalizing. Similarly, the word "Bhāmato' which is but a corruption of the word Brāhmaṇa' has undergone the same fate. Antagonism between the two ideologies has given currency to such objectionable words. A complimentary phrase 'Devānāṁ Priya" used for Asoka has been misinterpreted by the Brāhmaṇas so as to mean a "foolish animal" and it has been also popularized as such. Vedas lay great stress on social life as, according to them all the beings are ultimately linked up with "One Supreme". The origin of social code also lies in this. A social creature considering himself a unit of the society can never afford to behave against the society. This has created a code of social conduct. Naturally, therefore, individualism comes into conflict with socialism. The Sramaņas, therefore, have no law books prescribing rules and regulations ensuring social order and stability. Now, on the other hand, individualism which is isolationism cannot help in leading a life in the group. This compelled the Sramaņas also to form groups which are technically called Sanghas. The Decessity to regulate and govern these arose and as a result they also have now a codified system of ethics. As said before, synthetical approach brought both together in a way, there is also a dividing line based on their beliefs regarding the fallibility or otherwise of the Vedas. This has made a complete blend impossible and it will remain so in future also.
Causative factor in the difference of attitudes.
Let us now think about the cause of difference between the attitudes of both the ideologies. Along with it we have to find out the reason which comes in the way of accommodating the element of unity in both of them.
According to the Vedas, this whole universe is evolved out of one element only. This element is variously known as Brahma, Paramātmā. Isvara etc. etc. Keeping this pronouncement of the Vedas as unalterable, a place has been assigned to the worship of this supre.ne element under various names and forms in all the schools of thought and tradition. Though in