Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 2 Vibhag 1

Author(s): Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication

Page 28

ing eise characterised the reaction of Jainism against Brāhmanismu except the absence of the slightest regard for the authority of the Veday, and the flat denial as to distinctions of caste. And, even in the matter of caste, its rejiction by Jainism was much more a question of "theory" than of actual practice. The Jain Monks reserved to themselves doctrinal instruction; they played the role of spiritual directors; bu: they left it to the Brāhmanic priests the duty to carry out the customary ceremonies as to birth, marriage or deaib. And even in their temples by the side of the Tirihankaras-their prophets-the most venerated, -they accorded a place larger, and larger every day to Brāhmanic divinities.
By such methods, they procured for themselues a twosold advantage. On the one hand, they lived almost always in peace with the Brāhmanas. The latter except in a few critical questions did not make up their minds relentlessly to persecute the Jains as they did in the case of the Buddhists For in the Jaina temples they found their own gods, as well as, their customany functions. On the other hand they conciliated, and attracted the masses.
These reasons explain the success of Mahāvira, and the progress of his doctrines. Let us now estimate the historical importance of his own personal sbare,
In more than one place, the Buddhist writings speak of the Nirgrantha sect as one of the most important at the time when that religion was struggling into existence. From many points of view, the cred of the Nirgranthas presents the most complete analogy with that of the Buddhists. Both these scbools accord to (1) asceticism the highest place in the list of means to destroy Karmas, and to attain to Salvation (2) The theory of Kriyavād according to which the soul is affected directly by the actions, and the passio: s, is also common to both. (-) Just like is the doctrine of sia, and its Punishment. (4) Lastly, some pra