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the intention to combine their orders, they nigat have fallen out very likely on the question as to who should lead the community thus combined. According to the second theory, the Ajivi. kas would be at least as ancient as the followers of Mahavira. According to Buddhist-records on which Dr. Jacobi bases bis argument, they could trace themselves back to very ancient time aud would be identical with the Acélakas, and Gosāla would be the successor of Nandi Vackha, and of Kisa Sänkicca.
It it easy to see how these two hypotheses are nutually antagonistic. It is possible that the Jain tradition has flattered Mahavira in making of Gogāla a disciple of Mahăvira But may it not be that the Buddhist tradition is erroneous when it confounds the Ajivikas with the Acelakas? It is difficult to pronounce definitely. The contemporary sects of Buddha and Mahā. vira were, as numerous as they were, as ihejr Lames were diife. rent. Or, may it not be that they are all one and the same, under these varying designations ? The research which would solve this question, bas hardly yet commenced.
The Jaina doctrine like that of the Buddhists, comprises three Gems -tħe Tri-ratnas-- i the True Faith, 2 the True Knowledge and i the True Conduct.
Faith - Jainism is an atheistic religion. A jain does not believe in a personal and supreme God He accords his faith to a Jina. The Jina alone has discovered and realized the way to Salvation and so it is in him that one must seck one's reluge and one's safety
Who, then, in a sina? Originally, he was a man, exposed like others to the miseries and sorrows of this world. But tbrough his personal exertions and by dint of # stead fast volition, he emancipates himself from the bonds of Karma. He chus discovers and can afterwards explain the way to Salvation.
Such was Mahāyira, But he was not the sole Jina. Each
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