Saman suttam

Author(s): Jinendra Varni
Publisher: Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan

Page 16

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is another Indian religion which also follows the philosophy of non-creation of universe by god, but believes in the cycle of birth and death.
Antiquity
The greatness or the utility of a religion does not depend upon its antiquity or its recent origin. If some religious tradition, besides being ancient, has been alive since long, has remained active and progressive, has been successfully helpful in ethical advancement, and inspired and assisted long in cultural enrichment, it is a great religion. The antiquity of such religion and its continued importance are indicative of the inherent nature of its eternal and universal principles. The tradition of Jainism, from the point of view of its principles both on conduct and thought, goes very deep beyond comprehension. Historians have so far recognised fully the truth of this position and that Tirthankara Mahavira is not the founder of the religion. He was preceded by many Tirthankaras. He merely reiterated and rejuvenated that religion. It is correct that history has not been able to trace the origin of the Jaina religion; but the historical evidence now available and the results of dispassionate researches in literature have established that Jainism is undoubtedly an ancient religion. References to Watarasanā Muni, Kesi and Vratya-kṣatriya in the Ṛgveda, Srimad Bhagavata and other famous books have become available
now.
The Jaina history contains references to the 63 Śalākāpurusas (the Supreme Personages). These Śalākā Puruṣas lived during each of the ancient periods of time called a cycle of two parts, one the "avasarpiṇīkāla" and the other "Utsarpiņikala". They each inspired the people to follow religion and ethics during the course of the advancement of human civilization. The Tirthankaras occupy the highest position among the Śalākā-puruṣas. During the present period of Avasarpiņikāla, the 24 Tirthankaras were born during the fourth portion of that period; the first of them is Ṛṣabhadeva