Jainism a Theistic Philosophy

Author(s): Krishna A Gosavi
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 27

INTRODUCTION
13
of God as ascribed in Jaina scripture, he is not God. The European Religious Committee does not admit even soul as distinct from body and therefore is akin to atheism; hence the most advanced man of committee can never be called God. Therefore, there cannot be any comparison between the European Religious Committee and Jaina religion.95
Dr. Rafiq Zakaria wrote in his book “Discovery of Goď' that “superstition, sacrifice and charms continue to be the favorite form of Hindu worship. That is why Buddha (C.563-483BC) and Mahāvīra (C.540-468 B.C) revolted against it. Buddha was a prince who chose to be pauper, and Mahāvīra, a non-violent ascetic who walked naked in the street to shed every bit of worldly attire. The one became founder of Buddhism and the other of Jainism.”30 This quote is repudiated by Jains, because the author was ignorant of Jainism. Lord Mahāvīra was a prince and 24"Tīrthankara of Jaina tradition. Lord Rşabha was the First Tīrthankara of Jainism.
Similar misconception and misunderstanding and ignorance were and are being exhibited by several scholars, European and Indian as well. To name a few here:
Dr. John Murphy of Manchester University said “Mahāvīra, whom the Jainas regard as the great founder of their faith was contemporary of Gautama."'"'Jainism has no founder, as such, and it has been in existence in this world since the infinite time (Anādikāla). Scholars are always interested to investigate the beginning of anything and who founded it, which is customary with human thinking. However, to Jaina, Lord Ķşabha is the first Tīrthankara, and not the founder of Jainism, for it has no beginning and end.
39 The Jaina Association of India, “Historical Facts about Jainism”, Bombay, 1925, P-12 3°Dr. Rafiq Zakaria, “Discovery of God, Bombay, 2000, page-446 "Dr. John Murphy, "The origins and History of Religions”, Manchester University Press, 1949, P-446