Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 491

466 STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SÜTRA [Ch. VIII answers, partly in that of dialogues, legends, numerous parables. familiar similes, analogies and incidents of their daily lives.
Here he is found to have developed and systematized the fundamental principles of the doctrines of Jainism laid down by his predecessors on a firm ground by making some improvements on them, as their moral precepts demanded a deeper metaphysical foundation necessitated by the religious conditions of his time.
It is revealed in the question of Kebi put to Gautama Indrabhūti as recorded in the Jaina Sätras' that there were no fundamental differences between the Laws preached by Lord Pārsvanātha and Lord Mahāvira, because both of them pursued the same end. So the development of the metaphysical side of Nirgrantha religion was a historical necessity due to the existence of other strong oppositions of heterodox religious sects having different faiths, such as, Brāhmaṇism, Ajīvikism, those of the Carakas, Parivrājakas, Vānaprasthas, other Tirthikas, etc., and the followers of Lord Pārsvanātha, and the first schism led by Jamālī, his own disciple.
In such a condition of religious firmament Lord Mahavira reformed and consolidated the whole Nirgruntha Sangha on a solid ground of metaphysical principles by absorbing the followers of Lord Pārsvanātha and strengthened it by converting, initiating, and admitting those of the other sects and the common people to his order.
In this respect he only followed in the foot steps of Lord Pārsvanātha and erected a great edifice of Nirgrantha religion on the foundation laid by his great predecessor.
He persisted in carrying out his mission with best effort, attention and undaunted courage against a heavy opposition. He brought it to a successful conclusion, and passed away with glory, entrusting his work to be continued by his devoted followers to perfection.
IS. B. E. Vol. XIV. p. 122, Pt. II. Jacobi's Jaina Sūtras,