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of the canon and presupposed by many expressions and technical terms occuring in them. Nor can we assume that in this regard the canonical books represent a later dogmatic development for the following reason: the terms asrava, samvara, nirjara, etc,, can be understood only on the supposition that Karma is a kind of subtle matter flowing or pouring into the s ul asrava), that this influx can be stopped or its inlets covered (samvaral and that karma matter received into the soul is consumed or digested, as it were, by it (nirjara). The Jains understand these terms in their literal meaning, and use them in explaining the way of salvation (the samvara of the asrayas and the niriara lead to moksha). Now these terms are as old as Jainism. For the Buddhists have borrowed from it the most significant term asrada they use it in very much the same sense as the Jainas, but not in its literal meaning, since they do not regard the Karmı as subtle mitter, and deny the existence of a soul into which the Karma could have an influx. It is obvious that with them asrava has lost its literal meaning, and that, therefore, they must have borrowed this term from a sect where it had retained its original signifi. cance, or, in other words, from the Jainas............... Thus the same argument serves to prove at the same time that the Karma theory of the Jainas is an original and integral part of their system, and that Jainism is considerably older than the origin of Buddhism."
If Dr. Gour had taken the trouble to refer to Budhistic records he would have found Buddha himself referring to the last Tirthamkara, Parmatman Mahavira, of the Jainas in the clearest terms.
"There are, brethren, certain recluses (Achelkas, Ajivikas, Niganthaz etc) who thus preach and believe, whatsoever an indi. vidual experiences, whether it be happy, or painful, or neutral feeling, all has been caused by previous actions. And thus from the cancelling of old actions by tapas, and by abstaining from doing new actions, there is no influx into future life; by this non ioflux Karma is destroyed and so ill is destroyed, and so all pain will become worn away. This, brethren, is what the Niganthas (Jainas) say............... is it true, I asked them, that you believe and declare this ? ...... They replied.........Our leader Nataputta is all wisc.........out of the depth of his knowledge he tells us ; Yę
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