Pristine Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 49

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Pristine Jainism
depletion of forests that the Neolithic man became partially hunter. In this era also wise men cautioned against hunting which if continued would eliminate the prey and eventually the hunter also because he was dependent on the prey. Therefore, Neolithic man who took to hunting subsequently evolved wiser and adopted domestication of animals or animal husbandry which was symbiotic i.e. mutually beneficial for both man and animals. Animals were reared, cared and fed properly and in return provided milk, butter wool and other useful products. It saved the prey, the animals from decimation by hunting and man then dependent on hunting.
Mythological Wars (Deva-Asura Sangrama):
In his research thesis, "Harappa Culture and Vedic Literature" Bhagwan Singh has elaborately discussed the conflicts between the then agriculturist and non-agriculturist societies, known as Sura and Asura or Deva and Rākṣasa respectively. Sura is from 'Su' which denotes activity to produce. Asura is opposite of Sura. Sura and Asura later on became synonym of Deva & Rākṣasa respectively. Sura or Deva adopted agriculture for livelihood while Asura or Rākṣasa were dependent on remaining natural forests. Rākṣasa is from the word "Rakṣa". Asura and Rākṣasa were for protection of natural forests while Suras or Devas were cutting, clearing and burning more and more forest areas for extending their agriculture. The practice of sacrificial fires (Havana) is reminiscent of this. The infinite number of battles mentioned in mythological literature is between these two groups. The Asuras or Rākṣasas were not defeated by superior valour, power or armoury of Suras or Devas but because Devas cleared and burnt the natural forests which was the source of food and other supplies for Rākṣasa.
Reconciliatory advice:
It was intervention by the genius and towering personality like Rṣabhadeva that reconciliation in two ferociously warring groups was worked out. Agro-forestry was devised and extensive belts of trees were planted along with agriculture in such a manner and direction that the