Outlines of Jainism

Author(s): J L Jaini, F W Thomas
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

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INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY
Two facts stand at the basis of all philosophy and science. One of these is Man; the other, the Universe. All speculation attempts to answer the question: What is the relationship that exists between Man and the Universe ? All practical wisdom tries to solve the problem : In the light of such relationship what is the best mode of living for man? All religions and all systems of ethics and metaphysics are attempts, more or less successful, to deal with the various aspects of the above two questions.
The object of these pages is to try to reconstruct the answer which in India Lords Pārsva-nātha and Mahăvīra gave to these questions in the eighth and sixth centuries B.C. respectively. The work has no very great antiquarian pretensions. It seeks rather to expound the main features of an ancient creed, which still retains the allegiance of an important section of the Indian people.
A word as to the plan of the Outlines. The contents may seem to be alınost presumptuously encyclopædic But the all-comprehensive nature of the questions makes it imperative to cast if only one glance upon the various points of view from which men and matters are looked at by the different sciences --- practical and speculative.
The subject might be divided into two parts: Part I: Religion ; Part II: Secular Knowledge, e.g.,