Jainism by Vividus

Author(s): Ramnik V Shah
Publisher: Ramnik V Shah Canada

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present being the 20th century of the fifth period of the same part of the Cycle). It will be relevant here in the interest of proper understanding to say that Jainas believe that one Cosmic Cycle of time is divided in two parts: one, the part of evolution i. e. the Utsarpini Kala, and the other part of dissolution and decay i.e. the Avasarpini Kala, each divided in six sub-divisions called periods (Aras); the present period being named as the fifth period (Panchama Ara) of the Avasarpini Kala. In the traditional books of the Jainas are found the names of the previous twenty-four Tirthankaras and the future twenty-four Tirthankaras without any reference to which period and which part of the Cycle of time. The names of all the twenty-four Tirthankaras for the present period who all appeared in the fourth period are given elsewhere in this book. The knowledge as to when the present fifth period will end, the sixth period will begin and end, thus completing the present Avasarpini part of the Cycle of time to begin the first part of evolution viz Utsarpini Kala will be found in Jainas' traditional books.
The following excerpt from the book "Short Studies of Comparative Religions' by Major Furlong will be of interest here:
Jainism thus appears as the earliest faith of India (page 16.) Jainism, the undoubtedly prior faith of very many millions through untold milleniums (page 2) It existed in Oxiana beyond Himalayas 2000 years before Christ (page 29). Jews, evidently Essenes. derived from Jaina Indian philosphers wonderful for titude in life, diet, and continence. (page 44). All upper, western, north central India was then, say, 1500 to 800 B.C. and indeed from unknown times ruled by Turanians conveniently called Dravids, but there also then existed throughout upper India an ancient and highly organised religion, philosophical, ethical, and severely ascetical, namely Jainism.
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