Antiquity Or Jainism And Tirthankara Mahavir

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Antiquity of Jainism and Tirthankara Mahavir" by Dr. Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar:

The text argues that Jainism is an ancient, independent religion with pre-Vedic origins, deeply intertwined with the broader Sramanic cultural system of India. It posits that Jainism predates and is not an offshoot of Brahmanism or Buddhism, though it shared influences and engaged in dialogues with them.

Key Arguments and Themes:

• Two Indian Cultural Systems: The text distinguishes between two primary cultural systems in ancient India: the Brahmanic/Vedic system and the Sramanic/Non-Vedic system.

  • Brahmanic System: Characterized by ritualism, sacrifices (often carnivorous), a priestly class (Brahmins) claiming divine lineage, a caste-based social structure, and a focus on worldly enjoyment and harming enemies.
  • Sramanic System: Emphasizes equality, equanimity, self-effort, non-violence (Ahimsa), truth, moral and spiritual development, and self-salvation. It was often led by Kshatriyas and stressed individual responsibility for deeds. Rituals were not seen as the primary means of liberation.

• Sramanic Antiquity: The author strongly asserts that the Sramanic tradition, including Jainism, is demonstrably older than the Vedic period.

  • Vedic Literature: Mentions of Sramanas, Vratyas, Arhatas, Asuras, and Munis in Vedic texts like the Rigveda and Atharvaveda are cited as evidence of their presence and influence.
  • Indus Valley Civilization: Archaeological findings from Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, such as nude figures in yogic postures, are identified as possible depictions of Tirthankaras, particularly Rishabhadeva, placing Jainism's roots in this pre-Aryan civilization. The text links the Indus people and their culture to the Dravidians, who are in turn connected to Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara.

• Tirthankaras as Propagators, Not Founders: The text clarifies that the Tirthankaras, including Rishabhadeva, Parshvanatha, and Mahavira, are not founders of Jainism but rather spiritual victors and propagators of supreme truth and spirituality. They attained their enlightenment through right conduct and penance, revealing the path of purification and liberation.

• Influence and Interaction:

  • Upanishads: The philosophical shift in the Upanishads towards the soul and meditation, and the incorporation of concepts like Vratas (Jainism) and Silas (Buddhism), are attributed to the influence of Sramanic ideology.
  • Buddhism and Jainism: Both arose in the same region and had followers who engaged in intellectual exchanges. While Mahavira and Buddha were contemporaries, their teachings are presented as part of the broader Sramanic tradition.

• Key Figures and Concepts:

  • Rishabhadeva: Identified as the first Tirthankara, son of Manu Nabhi and Marudevi. He taught essential skills like agriculture, writing, housing, and art, making him the first teacher of mankind and the "God of Agriculture." His worship is linked to the Indus Civilization, and he is also identified with figures like Shiva in Vedic literature.
  • Kulakaras: Considered legislators and founders of civilization, they appeared during the transition from the Bhogabhumi (era of enjoyment) to the Karmabhumi (era of action). Rishabhadeva is listed among them.
  • Salaka Purushas: A group of 63 great personalities, including 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis, Balabhadras, Vasudevas, and Prativasudevas, are discussed, with their lives and events correlated with historical periods.
  • Mahavira: Presented as the 24th Tirthankara and a realist philosopher who advocated the ancient Sramanic tradition with his own interpretations. He is highlighted as a contemporary spiritual leader to Buddha, promoting non-violence, truth, and self-realization. The text provides details of his life, renunciation, places of wandering, attainment of Kevalajnana, establishment of the Sangha, and his Nirvana, also discussing the scholarly debate on his death date (favoring 527 B.C. as per orthodox Jain tradition).
  • Parshvanatha: Recognized as a historical figure who preceded Mahavira by 250 years, teaching non-violence and gaining Nirvana. His historical presence is supported by archaeological evidence.
  • Neminatha: The 22nd Tirthankara, mentioned in Pali and Vedic literature, linked to Lord Krishna.
  • Sramanology: The core principles of Sramanism are elaborated, including detachment, knowledge with right conduct, asceticism, renunciation, non-violence, austerity, equanimity, and rejection of Vedic authority and the caste system.

• Creation of the Universe: The Jain concept of an eternal, uncreated universe is contrasted with Vedic mythology. Jain cosmology involves cycles of ascendant and descendent eras (Utsarpini and Avasarpini) and world-systems (chakkavālas).

• Vedic Opposition and Assimilation: The text notes that Vedic Aryans were often opponents of Sramanic groups, labeling them with terms like Dasa, Dasyu, and Vratya. However, it also suggests that some Vedic hymns later praised Rishabhadeva, and Vedic thought eventually incorporated Sramanic elements.

In essence, the book establishes Jainism as a profound and ancient indigenous Indian religion, rooted in the Sramanic tradition, characterized by its ethical framework of non-violence and individual liberation, and chronologically preceding the major Vedic and Buddhist movements. It emphasizes the role of its Tirthankaras in preserving and propagating these eternal truths.