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The Eternal Message of Jaina Wisdom
The stream of knowledge has been incessantly flowing in India since times immemorial and credit for this goes to the seers, saints and Tirthankaras, who have guided and inspired mankind to tread the sublime path of righteousness in order to realise the truth. Jaina Tradition
Jainism is one of the oldest religious traditions of the world. Jaina scholars trace its origins back through almost limitless time. The present historians, however, say that it is at least 3000 years old. A great generation of Tirthankaras, Ācāryas, saints and scholars belonged to this tradition. Lord Mahāvīra was twenty-forth Tirthankara of the present era. He was not the founder of Jainism but was propounder of this great religion. He realised his true self and attained omniscience by practising rigorous austerities and penances. A glimpse into his life shows that he was an embodiment of nonviolence and compassion. Although Mahāvīra ( 599 B. C.-527 B. C.), preached 2500 years ago, his preachings are relevant even today and bear special singificance for the spiritual advancement of mankind. His message is full of pragmatic optimism, self-reliance, self-discipline and self-purification to develop inherent and infinite potentialities of human self.
Contribution of Jaina Faith
The contribution of Jaina faith to Indian thought and life has been very significant. Actually, vegetarianism, as a habit prevailing throughout the Indian continent, practised by a large majority, is an evidence of Jaina influence. Indian art, literature, architecture, painting and sculpture as also every other aspect of life have been greatly influenced by Jaina thoughts. Jainas are noted for the catholicity of their outlook and broad mindedness. The other signi
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