Jains Through Time

Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 30

31
The Jains through Time
Jain Emperor Samprati? Why aren't his achievements celebrated in the same measure?
In order to spread the message of nonviolence, Samprati sent his retainers to many non-Aryan countries (approx. 2 century BC). Acharya Suhasti was Samprati's guru. He agreed to send some of his disciples to these places at the behest of the Emperor. Samprati supported them in this courageous mission. Jain historian Munishri Kanti Sagarji tells us that this Mauryan Emperor Samprati's sons and daughters had led a very protected life until that time, but he sent them to distant countries as well, dressed as Jain sadhus and sadhvis'. Vincent Smith tells us that Samprati established Jainism in what are now Islamic countries like Iran and other Arab countries. For Samprati, ahimsa was not just a philosophical concept, he lived by it in everything he did and the people throughout his empire followed his example.
According to available evidence the great deeds of Emperor Samprati include the
Pramukh Aitihasik Jain Purush Aur Mahilayen, Dr. Jyoti Prasad Jain, p.50 Ibid, p.50 "Jain-Gaurav-Smritiyan, Shri Manmal Jain Martand, p.325
building of 125,000 new Jain temples, the restoring of 13,000 ruined temples and the setting up of 700 charitable homes". It is sometimes said that Samprati constructed so many temples in both Aryan and non-Aryan regions that India came to be known as "The Land of Temples'!
In fact, the exploits of both Ashoka and Samprati took Indian culture to great heights, and through their efforts the spiritual science of India spread over rivers, deserts and mountains to distant countries. But historians have only ever sung the praises of Ashoka; everywhere one looks there are many accolades given to Emperor Ashoka but very few to Emperor Samprati. I am surprised at the neglect of Samprati; I am disappointed to find that historians have only now revealed that some of the famous rock inscriptions ascribed to Ashoka were actually the work of Samprati.
These rock 'edicts' constantly reiterate the importance of ahimsa, avoiding hurt to animals and birds, and the protection of all beings teachings that are not as prominent