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Jainism is a religion distinct from Buddhism and Brāhmanism. It studies the relation of man to the Universe in a way peculiar to iiself, and the solution it arrives at, is quite different from those of its two rivals.
In the sphere of Logic, it has developed the mode of reasoning called Syād-våda which stands in a class by itself.
In the sphere of Metaphysics, it gives an ultimate analysis of the Universe, which is its own, and has no counterpart in the other systems.
In the sphere of Practical Religion it lay's down the rules of conduct with a minuteness and comprehensiveness which are unsurpassable.
Thus looking at it from wbatever polnt of view we like, we have to admit that Jainism has a very valuable contribution to make to the uplllt of humanity which is the only one object of all religions.
IS JAINISM AN OFF-SHOOT OF BUDDHISM ?
That Jainiem was Aot an offshoot of Budd bisma is now acknowledged by all. This can be proved by adducing historical, and therefore, reliable evidence. It is stated in the Buddhist works that, of the six heresies that Buddha encountered, that of Jnāta -putra was one, and this refers to Mahavira who is so designated in Kalpa Sūtra, Uttarādhyayang, and other works.
Jnătaka was a subdivision of the Ksatriya caste to which Lord Mahāvira belonged. Jainism is referred to in the Buddhist works like Mahāvagga and Mahāparinivāna sūtra. In one work, a meeting of these two great teachers is described.
Certain doctrines, peculiar to Jainism like its Karma-vāda, are also referred to by the Buddhist works as already in vogue in the days of Buditha.
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