Jainism in Buddhist Literature

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Alok Prakashan

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Thus the pramāņa school saw the establishment of several new philosophical theories and doctrines. The theory of Syādvada and Pramanas was further developed by Akalanka and his followers, and they defended Syādvada which was bitterly criticised by rival philosophers, using the principales of Syadvada itself for the purpose.
The foregoing is a brief outline of Jaina philosophical literature. It is to be remembered here that Jaina literature was of later origin than Vedic and Buddhist literature. Jain literature came to be written while the Vedic and Buddhist philosophers were engaged in debates. Therefore it was naturally influenced by them. The Jain philosophers came into contact with many Buddhist philosophers. That is the reason why the major part of Jaina literature is devoted to the refutation of Buddhist doctrines. Spread of Jainism
Pali literature refers generally to northern provinces of India where Buddhism originated and developed Some facts relating to Jainism, which are found scattered in Buddhist literature, throw light on the expansion of Jainism during the time of the Buddha. It may be noted here that Jainism had already been established as a religion in various provinces of India before the Buddha began his mission. But Pāli literature records only the discussions the Buddha had with certain Jaina followers he met, and not the Jaina doctrines in toto
Magadha was a center of missionary activities of all heretical teachers. 181 The Buddha also selected this province for the propagation of his teachings. Rajagaha and Nalanda were the main places where the Buddha had to face the Niganthas as strong rivals. Bimbi-ara was supposed to have been in favour of both the religions. The Buddha came across the Jain ascetics at Kālasila on the side of Isigili mountain in Rajagaha. They were practising severe act of self-mortification with the idea of eradicating the past Kammas and attaining salvation. The Buddha could not convince them against their views 192