Some Important Facts About Jainsm
1. The Once Dominant Religion Of Indian Sub-Continent : Today, Jains in Indiaare a minisicule minority but at one time Jainism was the dominant religion in the indian sub-continent. Some of the important kings / dynasties which patronised Jainism from about 4th Century BC to 13th Century ad were :
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Nanda Kings of Magadh |
Bimbisar, Ajatshatru, Udayi & Successors. |
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Maurya Kings |
Chandragupta, he later became a Jain Ascetic, Kunal S/o Ashok the Great, Samprati S/o Kunal. |
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Cheta Kings |
Most illustrious cheta king was Kharvel of Kalinga (Modern Orissa) |
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Ganga & Kadamba kings |
In South India |
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Pratiharas |
North India |
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Chandellas |
In Central India |
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Hihayas / Parmars/ Kachhapaghata / Gohadavalas |
In Malwa / Gujarat / Rajasthan |
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Rashtrakutas / Chalukyas |
South of Indo-gangetic Plains |
2. Independence & Antiquity of Jainism : Modern Historians have accepted the existence of Jainism as an independent religion from the very beginning of available historical evidence and also that Lord Parshwanath was a historical entity (8th Century BC).
3. Tirukkural - Written By Jaina Acharya : The most celebrated and revered Tamil Grantha, also known as the Tamil Veda, was written by Jain Acharya (Acharya Kund kund)
4. Scientific Basis of Jainism : Jainism has a unique system of classification of various substances. Slowly the Scientific research is confirming the 'Shat Dravyas' into which all substances were classified by the Jains. These were Soul (Jiva), Matter (Pudgala), Space (Akaash), Dharma (the medium of motion), Adharma (the medium of rest), and Time (Kaal), It was Einstein who, for first time, recognised the Time as the 4th dimension. Scientists are exploring the concept of 'Ether' as a medium of motion (Dharma) & rest (Adharma).
Note: Words Dharma & Adharma, as Dravyas have a totally different meaning than the common usage of these words.
a. Sub-Microscopic Jivas : Existence of sub-microscopic Jivas (living organisms) of extremely small dimensions were propounded by Jains. These included such organisms as those which were Water-borne, Earth/stone borne, Fire-borne etc. They devised a unit as small as the 'Uvasannasanna' (about 10-13 in) to convey the idea of size.
b. Anekanta - co-existence of the Diverse : Modern Physics has proved the co-existence of the 'opposites' in stable entity; ve and the +ve charges co-exist in an atom. "Anekanta Vaada" is a unique concept of Jain Philosophy with immense relevance in modern times, as it allows co-existence of diverse view-points.
c. Eco-Friendly : Jain code of conduct (Aachaar, Aahaar, Vyavahar) are intrinsically eco-friendly and guarantee peaceful co-existence not only between man & man but the man & his entire environment of animal & plant kingdom.
5. Diet / Food System :
A large number of Researchers all over the Globe have come to the following conclusions.
a. The general superiority of Vegetarian fod and its beneficial effects on mind & body.
b. The beneficial effects of controlled abstention from food (Fasting) (Experiments conducted on IGUANAS showed that the survival rate of Iguanas infected with fever was significantly higher when kept without food during the experiment).
c. Beneficial effects of taking food well before sleep timings (Eating before sunset as advocated by the Jains has even greater benefits).
Extract from "The Encyclopaedia of the Future" edited by Geroge Thomas Kuriyan & Graham T. T. Molitor & published by World Future Society.
"Year 2030: Consumption of red meat vanishes, Vegetarianism allows millions of Tons of grain formerly fed to cattle, to be eaten by the humans".
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