Religion and Culture of the Jains

Author(s): D C Sirkar
Publisher: University of Calcutta

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RELIGION AND CULTURE OF THE JAINS
Mahāvira, are regarded as historical personages. Mahāvīra is supposed to be the prophet and reformer, but not the origipator of the creed. It is believed that Pārsvanātha preached the four vows, viz. ahiṁsā (non-injury), satya (truth), asteya (abstinence from stealing) and aparigraha (non-attachment to worldly things). To the four, Mahāvira added a fifth, i.e. brahmacarya (chastity).* Further, while Pärśvanātha's followers used to wear white garment, Mahävira prescribed nudity for his disciples. The adherents of Pārsvanātha and Mahāvira are known as Svetāmbara and Digambara respectively.** The difference between the two sects was more in the matter of conduct rather than in doctrine.
In several Mathurā records, the Jain prophets are addressed as Arhat, Jina, Siddha, Bhāgavata,*** all of which tend to show that they conquered their passions and became omniscient. To the Jains, the 24 Tīrthankaras, freed from the circles of births and deaths, are superior to all gods and are the highest objects of veneration.18 “When the Venerable one had become an Arhat and Jina, he was a Kevalin, Omniscient and Comprahending all objects ; he knew all conditions of the world, of gods, men and demons."14. It is interesting that the Jains worshipped their prophets neither for the acquisition of some earthly possessions, nor for the spiritual bliss to be conferred by the saints, but only followed them to be purified and sanctified. 16 In this connection, mention may be made of some phrases occurring in the inscriptions, which express the devotion of the Jains to their prophets ;
* Essentially aparigraha is 'non-acceptance of anything and brahmacarya, 'celebacy'. The words are used in expanded senses.--Ed.)
**[The development of the two communities appears to be later. Nudity was meant for ascetics.--Ed.]
***[Bhagavat seems to be intended.-Ed.] 13 B. C. Bhattacharya, The Jaina Iconography, 1939, pp. 37-38. 14 SBE, Vol. XXII, pp. 201-02.
15 Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics, Vol. II, p. 187; B. C. Bhat tacharya, op. cit., pp. 19-20.