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122
Lord Mahâvîra
Indignation of local peoples as a result of the forcible assimilation and enslavement could very easily find its expression in the republics, where, moreover, were preserved the strongest survivals of commune-kin relations. Precisely in the north-eastern regions, not only caste-class struggle took place but also ethnical movements, directed against the march of the Aryan masses. And precisely here, on the borders of the world of the Brahmins, new, anti Brahmanic faiths were to become the ideological banner of this struggle and these movements.
From the pattern of the legend about Krishna, who after seizing the throne became the head of the ruling kshatriya kin and later became famous as the greatest of kshatriyas, it is clearly seen how non-aryan warriors and leaders could have historically been reckoned and were undoubtedly reckoned in the caste of kshatriyas and how the inclusion of local cults in the system of Brahmanism came about. Krishnaism as a form of Bhagvatism is nearer Jainism in its origin and undoubtedly exercised its influence on this religion.
There are at least eight features which distinguish Jainism from vedic religion and Brahmanism. Those features are so much substantial that they do not afford any possibility of regarding Jainism as a sect of Brahmanism or its some other product. These features can be reduced to the following:
(1) Jainism rejects holiness of veda.
(2) Stands against the dogma that gods are the main objects of worship.
(3) Rejects bloody sacrifices and a number of other elements of Brahmanic ritual.
(4)
(5) Prescribes defence of other's life. §
(6) Prescribes asceticism.
(7)
(8)
Does not recognise varna-caste system of the Brahmanic society.
Prescribes nudity at the time of ritual.
Allows women monkhood, learning of holy books etc.
The philosophy of Upanishadas rendered significant influence on Jainism (as also on Buddhism and Bhagvatism). It.is not accidental that the philosophy of Upanishadas is called the
$ Jainism forbids active attempt to defend life. It emphasises subjective non-injury.
