Kuch Videshi Lekhako Ki Drushti Me Jain Dharm Aur Mahavir

This document is an article by Mahendra Raja titled "Jainism and Lord Mahavir in the Eyes of Some Foreign Writers" published in the "Munishri Hazarimal Smriti Granth". The author, having worked in English public libraries for about seven years, discusses various foreign authors' perspectives on Jainism and Lord Mahavir.

Here's a summary of the key points and authors mentioned:

Introduction:

• The author notes the vast amount of literature published in English about India, far exceeding that in any other language.
• He emphasizes that the authors of these books are often well-researched individuals, not mere armchair enthusiasts.
• Through his work as a cataloguer, Raja has encountered numerous books that discuss Jainism and Lord Mahavir. He decided to compile these observations into an article for the Hazarimal Smriti Granth.

General Observations by Foreign Authors:

• Most foreign writers agree that Jainism predates Buddhism, though both religions saw significant development in the 6th century BCE.
• Both Jainism and Buddhism are seen as movements that arose in opposition to Brahmanism and were largely successful in their objectives.

Specific Authors and Their Views:

1. Charles S. Braden (in "An Encyclopedia of Religion"):

   • Jainism is clearly older than Buddhism, with origins well before the 6th century BCE.
   • Jainism adopted the Hindu concepts of Karma and rebirth with some modifications.
   • Ahimsa (non-violence) is given more prominence in Jainism than in any other religion.
   • Jain temples are described as very attractive and grand compared to those of other faiths, possessing unique architectural significance that often leaves visitors stunned.

2. Editors of "Life" Magazine (in "World's Great Religions"):

   • Jainism began as a movement against the evils of Hinduism in the 6th century BCE.
   • Ahimsa is the core principle of Jainism, practiced with an intensity that can seem extreme to Westerners.
   • This extreme adherence to Ahimsa explains why Mahatma Gandhi was seen as a follower of Jainism.
   • "Life" suggests Jainism is more of a "creed" than a "religion" due to its emphasis on ethics, despite having Tirthankaras and temples.
   • Jainism is presented as having renewed relevance in the modern era, especially in the context of world brotherhood and peace.

3. Geoff W. Gilmore (in "The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge"):

   • He identifies Parshvanatha as the founder of Jainism, who initiated an independent ideology that gained traction two centuries later through Mahavir, who lived about 250 years after Parshvanatha.
   • Gilmore highlights the similarity between Jainism and Buddhism, particularly Ahimsa.
   • He argues that Jainism gives Ahimsa greater importance due to the strictness and practical application by Jains.
   • He cites the Jain monks' practice of wearing mouth coverings (rajoharan) to avoid harming micro-organisms and carrying a broom to sweep the path as evidence of their commitment to Ahimsa.
   • Gilmore controversially suggests that Jainism originated from Brahmanism, pointing to similarities like the prohibition of mendicants wandering during the monsoon, the practice of filtering water, and mendicants carrying a begging bowl.
   • Raja disputes the claim about water filtering being a practice in Brahmanism, stating it's a unique Jain characteristic aimed at preventing violence.
   • Gilmore attributes Mahavir's success to his social standing and connections with wealthy individuals, as well as the appeal of his simple life to lower classes. Jainism's success against Brahmanism is attributed to its openness to all castes and rejection of the caste system.

4. A. L. Basham (in "A Concise Encyclopedia of Living Faiths"):

   • Basham provides a clear and objective introduction to Jainism and Mahavir, possibly the best among modern writers.
   • Jainism claims to be as distinct from Hinduism as Buddhism, perhaps even more so.
   • Jainism has always been purely an Indian religion.
   • Unlike Buddhism, Jainism never compromised with Theism and flourished in its homeland.
   • Buddhism's survival is largely credited to monasteries, which were destroyed by Muslim invaders.
   • Jainism's survival is attributed to a small number of educated and cultured followers who remained steadfast in their beliefs and practices, integrating the principles into their lives.
   • Basham suggests a similarity between Jainism's concepts of soul and salvation and Hindu Samkhya philosophy, possibly stemming from a common ancient source.
   • A key Jain characteristic is the belief that the entire universe is animate.
   • Despite this, Jainism has indirectly compromised with Hinduism by sometimes worshipping Hindu deities and inviting Brahmins for rituals during life events. However, it has never compromised on Theism.
   • Jainism remains in its original form as it was over two thousand years ago.
   • Despite their smaller numbers, Jains are influential in Indian social and political life due to their wealth, prosperity, and high level of education. They are unlikely to be absorbed into Hinduism.
   • Jainism's principle of Ahimsa has significantly influenced modern India, particularly Mahatma Gandhi, who was influenced by Jain monks in his youth. Gandhi's concept of Ahimsa is considered a direct contribution from Jainism.

5. E. Royston Pike (in "Ancient India," a book for children):

   • Pike's chapter on Mahavir is titled "The Prince Who Became Great Hero," which is an English translation of "Mahavir."
   • Pike places Mahavir within the Indian context of his time, mentioning rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.
   • He describes the prevalence of violence, animal sacrifice, and the caste system before Mahavir's advent.
   • Brahmins held a monopoly on religious knowledge and rituals, making religion complex and exclusive.
   • Pike notes the growing interest in philosophy and religion among people, who began questioning the Brahmanical authority and seeking answers to "why" and "how."
   • Mahavir's real name was Vardhamana, born into the Lichchavi clan of Vaishali.
   • He was born around 540 BCE. After his education and marriage, he renounced worldly life at age 30.
   • He spent about 12 years wandering, practicing austerity, and eventually renounced all possessions, including clothes, becoming a "Jina" (conqueror) in his 13th year.
   • Mahavir, though not the founder, was instrumental in spreading Jainism. He is considered the 24th Tirthankara, a spiritual leader who guides people towards liberation.
   • The article describes the characteristics of a Tirthankara as someone who is impartial, fearless, and detached from worldly desires.
   • Mahavir taught for about 30 years and passed away at around 72 years of age.
   • His principles differed from the Upanishads; he believed in the soul but not a universal soul.
   • Jainism emphasizes the cycle of birth and death and the importance of karma.
   • The path to liberation is Ahimsa, extending to all living beings, including plants and water.
   • Jains practice minimal consumption, avoid animal sacrifice, and have a strict vegetarian diet.
   • Practices like filtering water and wearing mouth coverings are for preventing harm to microscopic organisms.
   • The first animal hospital in India is attributed to Jains.
   • Ahimsa is the backbone of Jainism, followed by truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
   • The ideal path for liberation is to renounce the world and adopt a monastic life.
   • The Digambara sect emphasizes nudity for ascetics.
   • Mahavir's teachings have had an indelible impact for over two thousand years. His principles of the soul, simple living, and treating animals equally are worthy of the highest respect.

6. George A. Barton (in "The Religions of the World"):

   • Barton views Jainism, like Buddhism, as a movement against Brahmanism.
   • He states Mahavir surpassed Gautama Buddha in his denial of gods. Mahavir did not believe in gods, but accepted rebirth and karma like Buddha.
   • Jainism has five ethical principles (Ahimsa, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession) aimed at preventing these actions. He believes it's incorrect to assume Jainism borrowed these from Buddhism or vice versa, and Jacobi suggests a common Hindu influence.
   • Jains consider the killing of non-human beings a great sin, leading to the establishment of animal hospitals in every Jain-inhabited village and town.
   • Jain temples are praised for their beauty, grandeur, and architectural excellence.

7. E. W. Hopkins:

   • Hopkins does not consider Jainism a religion, arguing that religions not believing in God and advocating human worship have no right to exist.

8. "Encyclopedia Americana":

   • Jainism is one of India's many religions.
   • Its birth and development are attributed solely to Ahimsa.
   • The religion quickly attracted people by opposing Brahmanical sacrifice, leading to the establishment of most animal hospitals by Jains.
   • Jain temples are described as beautiful, grand, and architecturally superior, possessing a distinct style.

9. "Encyclopedia Britannica":

   • Jains are considered an important sect in India.
   • Due to their prosperity, Jains are more influential than their numbers suggest.
   • The author accepts that Jainism is older than Buddhism.
   • While the first 22 Tirthankaras might be mythological, Parshvanatha and Mahavir are considered historical figures and the founders of the religion.
   • The author notes that much Jain literature exists but remains unpublished and inaccessible, hindering public knowledge.
   • Jain architecture, especially temple construction, has a unique style that is difficult to surpass. While some Jain cave temples and stupas show Buddhist influence, their stone carving art reached its peak.

10. Jack Finegan (in "The Archaeology of World Religions"):

    • This book offers the most detailed and clear description of Jainism and Mahavir encountered by the author.
    • It dedicates about 60 pages to Jainism and Mahavir, with around 20 illustrations.
    • Finegan discusses almost every aspect of Jainism based on religious texts.
    • He details the 24 founders, Jain literature, the characteristics (symbols, age, height, period) of all Tirthankaras, and the decreasing lifespan and height of successive Tirthankaras.
    • He considers the figures for earlier Tirthankaras exaggerated and mythological, similar to deities in other religions.
    • He finds the descriptions of the last two Tirthankaras plausible and considers Parshvanatha and Mahavir the only historical figures and founders.
    • While some aspects of Parshvanatha's life might be exaggerated, they could be true given the social conditions of the time.
    • The book discusses Mahavir's birth date, core principles, cosmology, philosophy (Jiva-Ajiva, Pun-Pap, Asrava), analysis of religion, and the spread of Jainism against the backdrop of Indian history through various eras (Shishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, Kushana, Gupta, and medieval periods).
    • The book provides extensive details on Jain history and its architecture and painting during these periods, which are rarely found elsewhere.

Conclusion:

• The author acknowledges that it's impossible to reference every English publication discussing Jainism or Mahavir in a short article.
• He lists some other important publications at the end for interested readers.
• He concludes by highlighting "The Archaeology of World Religions" as a particularly significant work for its comprehensive and clear details.

The article aims to present the diverse and often insightful perspectives of foreign scholars on Jainism and its central figure, Lord Mahavir, showcasing their understanding of its history, philosophy, and practices.