Saman suttam

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

Page 17

(xiii) who was the son of King Näbhi and queen Marudevi. He is designated as Ādināth, Adibrahma, Adiśvara etc. The last of the Tirthankaras, Mahāvira lived about 2500 years ago. Buddha Tathāgata was his contemporary. The 23rd Tirthankara Pärsvanath preceded Mahāvīra by 250 years; he was the son of Afvasena, the King of Varanasi. The Buddhistic scriptures mention Mahāvira as Niganthanataputta. The Pārsva's tradition has been also mentioned as Cāturyāma Dharma (religion of four vows). Mahāvīra was the representative of Pårsva's tradition. If one were to consider the uninterrupted flow of time, neither Rşabha is the first nor Mahāvira, the last. This tradition is without a beginning and without end - who knows how many twenty-four Tirthankaras have gone by and how many will come in future?
Viewed from the point of cultural evolution, it would be apparent that from the point of spiritual stand-point, there is not much difference between the Vedic and Sramanic cultures; but the difference between the two from the popular view-point, in respect of principles, conduct and faith, appears to be quite clear. The two cultures have influenced each other to a considerable extent; there have been exchanges between the two while the social circumstances have almost remained the same. The difference that is evident is not such as is not perceptible. Besides, it is very helpful in understanding the levels of advancement in human civilization. In the rich ancient literature of India, we get ample evidence of the mutual exchange and influence that seem to have taken place between the two cultures and traditions. Even in one family, people with different traditions used to follow their respective modes of religious worship. Doctrine of the Soul.
What we call the Jaina Religion today, must have had some other name in ancient days. It is true that the word 'Jaina' is derived from the word 'Jina'; again the word 'Jaina' is relatively new. During the period of Mahāvīra, 'Nirgrantha or