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History & Doctrinal Aspects of Jainism
Dr. Shugan C Jain
The paper intends to discuss the origin of Jainism, role of Tīrtharkaras especially Lord Mahāvīra in historical perspective. The author very clearly gives the doctorinal aspects of Jainism where he deals with the prominent doctrines of Jainism, in breir. He also discussed the basic concepts of religion, karma doctrine and Mokșa. In the same way he presents a detail account of religious rituals and practices in Jainism i.e. Daily pūjā, periodic, festivals, holy recitals, accessories used by Jainism during religious performances. In the last he elaborates the social consciousness in Jainism. - The Editor Preface: origin of Jainism emanates from the inquisitiveness of human beings seeking true knowledge of their being and bliss. Nature of an entity is its religion' in Jain philosophy. Infinite knowledge and bliss are the true nature of soul/ selfl ātmā. The path to realize this true nature of self is shown by their spiritual leaders, called Jinas. Jinas first realize this state of true self themselves and then guide others to achieve the same. Followers of the Jinas are called Jains and the path shown by them is called Jainism. Jains claim that 24 such Jinas, who also propagated their experiences and are called tīrthankaras or ford-maker, appear in each half of a time cycle?. This process continues from the beginning-less time. Mahāvīra was the most recent i.e. 24th ford-maker of Jains of the present time cycle. Jainism is India's one of the most ancient Sramana or nonVedic religious traditions and is distinguished by its extreme .1 History of Jainism Jains consider Rşabhadeva / Ādinātha as their first ford-maker and founder of Jainism in the present time cycle. He lived several millennia ago before the present work culture i.e. before living as a
