Jains Through Time

Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 29

The Jains through Time
these matters because, after all, I am Time so delight in praising them. I am filled with and a neutral entity, but the dimming of the joy when I think of these great luminaries light of Jainism makes me sad. I hope people who not only raised Jainism to heights of will take notice of me and ask me why I am glory but also illuminated Indian culture so downhearted. Then I will be able to say and philosophy. that if the followers of the Jain religion had continued doing the great deeds of their Emperor Samprati's Valuable forbearers, then Jainism would have taken its Contribution rightful place among the great religions of I have often wondered, having witnessed the world.
the origins, growth and establishment of the
two contemporary religions Jainism and When I see that more than ever before the Buddhism, why the latter achieved greater world needs Jain principles like ahimsa success in becoming a world religion. (non-violence), anekant, and aparigrah (non- Historians agree that the Emperor Ashoka, a possession), I really wish there was another devout Buddhist of 34 century BC, played a Emperor Kharvel, or shining lights like prime role in securing Buddhism's Emperor Samprati, Acharya Hemchandra, a ascendancy. Today he is universally known as latter-day Kundakund, Umasvati, Ashoka the Great and his renunciation of Bhamashah or Tejpal to integrate the aggression is world-renowned. It is natural scattered elements of Jainism, revive its that the devotees of the religion which has energy and thus benefit all mankind. If the became so famous should themselves great wisdom, determination and devotion become famous, but in the chronicles of of these epoch-making Jains were Jainism the deeds of Emperor Samprati rank transmitted to Jain society today, the golden alongside those of Ashoka the Great. But age of Jainism would again reverberate whereas Ashoka's insignia has been adopted throughout the world! You may be curious by the Indian Government as its national about who these epoch-makers were that I emblem, who has even heard of this great