Jainism a Glimpse

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

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Christianity-2,000 years, Buddhism-2,500 years and some very ancient, millions of years.
To call Jainism a religion is misrepresentation. It is Holistic Science, since it gives unified scientific base for the cosmos including living and non-living entities which encompass everything including religion. Jainism is nature in its purest form, is as old as nature which has neither beginning nor any end, it is based on cosmic principles.
Once a soul achieves omniscience he knows and sees everything, only thereafter he propounds the religion. There is a continuous lineal of Jain Arhatas (Tirthankarās).
5. Are there any commands?
There are no commandments. Guidance, advice and teachings of Arhatas are considered and accepted as commands.
6. In spite of high principles and exceptional character why there are few (limited) followers ?
For expansion and spread of religion some have resorted to wars, raids, forcible conversion and some by different methods of material temptations, resulting in hatred within the same religion. Shiyas and Sunnis in Islam and Catholics and Protestants are glaring examples we read in newspapers even today. Jainism is a philosophy of thoughts and complete reverence for life. There is no forcible or tempting conversion in Jainism. Preaching is only for spiritual enlightenment with the ultimate aim to free man from bondage and desires and enable him to attain bliss and harmony within himself. The Jaina philosophy applies to all the living beings. It is for the individuals to follow the principles.
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