Vijyanandsuri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth

Author(s): Navinchandra Vijaymuni, Ramanlal C Shah, Shripal Jain
Publisher: Vijayanand Suri Sahitya Prakashan Foundation Pavagadh

Page 886

Neminath
23.
Conch (Sankha used for & lowing in temples) Snake Lion
Parsava Nath Mahavira
24.
The above table shows that out of twenty four Tirthankaras fourteen are identified with animals of different varieties, two with birds and fish, three with vegetable world and the rest with miscellaneous inanimate objects. In this way we see that 19 out of 24 symbols have been drawn from the animal and vegetable kingdom.
This attitude is further perceived in their general approach even in the matters related to the sub-conscious world. This point can be exemplified by a mythological belief among the Jainas that the mothers of each Tirthankara had 16 dreams in their sleep before giving birth to their respective divine children who subsequently attained the divine position of Tirthankara. In these sixteen dreams, four relate to animals i.e. an elephant, a bullock, a lion and a pair of fishes besides other dreams which include even smokeless fire. This may be only a mythological story but it does reflect the attitude of Jainas towards the sanctity of the animal world. IMPACT ON SOCIAL LIFE
In the Second part we have seen that the attitude of Jainas conditioned by the philosophy of Ahimsa is mostly dominated by don'ts and very little do's. Therefore it has also had its simultaneous effect on the way of life, vocations, eating habits, social customs etc., observed by the Jaina community as such.
In India the Jaina community is considered essentially as a business community. In trade and business also the Jains generally do not indulge in such trades as may entail any such activity which may ultimately lead to killing of animals. The agriculture, animal husbandry and cattle rearing are not their main planks. This is perhaps the reason that even in business activity they are mainly confined to general merchandise, textiles, manufacturing of medicines, books and stationery, food grains etc.
The Jains observe 8 days in a year in the rainy season as the days of religious significance known as Paryushana during which they either observe fast or avoid eating such things which may be considered as involving violence of even one sensed beings. This strict adherence to
Jaina Attiiude To Animal World: Impact On Social Life In India
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