Saman suttam

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

Page 18

(xiv) 'Nirgranthapravacana' was the indicative of the word 'Jaina religion'. During that period of Pārsvanatha, the religion was being called Sramanadharma. At the time of Aristanemi, the 22nd Tirthankara who preceded Pārsvanath, it was called 'Arhatdharma'. Ariştanemi was the cousin-brother of Srikrsna, the Karma-yogi (the propounder of activism) Saläkāpuruṣa. In fact, the service of the cow and the spread of use of milk was an auspicious step in the direction of establishing a non-violent social order. In the Bihar region, Jaina-Dharma is still popular as Arhat-dharma. The KingSaint Nami was from Mithila and hailed from the family of Janaka. The Jaina scriptures contain beautiful account of his spiritual practices. There are many changing pictures of different names found reflected on the curtains of history; but this much can be said that the original doctrine of this religion, of its tradition and its culture remains today what it was in the form of a seed, viz., Atinaváda and Anekantavāda. On the fertile soil of Ātmavāda, the Kalpa-vrkșa (tree) is continuing to bear fruit. Monks of the Jaina religion are called 'Sramana" even today. The word Sramana is still in use as suggestive of labour (śrama), equanimity (samatā) and subdued-passions (Vikåra samana).
The meaning of Jaina Religion is the pathway to welfare, preached or propounded by Jina. He is called Jina who has achieved victory over the passions of his body and soul, namely external and internal. The greatest enemies of the soul are attachment, hatred, delusion and other passions. Therefore, the word Jaina maintains one meaning, that it is not indicative of any caste. He is a Jaina who follows the path shown by Jina or follows it for the sake of self-realization. Conquest of Attachment and Realization.
The aim of the Jaina religion is attainment of complete conquest of attachment, and realization. Conquest of attachment and realization is auspicious; it will bring in bliss and by attaining it, man can achieve the position of the Arhat in the