Brahmana Jain

Jain Brahmins are the Brahmins who follow Jainism. They are known by different names according to the regions they are in India. These titles are Arcaka, Indra, Pandit, Purohit, Upadhye, or simply Jain Brahmin.[1]

Brahmins have played a major role in the diffusion of Jainism throughout India from the royal ministers like Chanakya and Bhadrabahu to monarchs themselves like King Mrigesvarman of the Kadamba Dynasty and King Bhadra Bhatt of the Harikela Dynasty. Several scholarly works greatly revered by the Jain community even today was composed by Brahmins such as those of Jinasena Suri and Siddhasena Divakara. Even Jain Brahmin laypeople contributed in spreading Jainism. For example, a revival of Jainism is identified in the 5th century BCE when a Brahmin couple (Nathasarman and Rami) donated land grants and made offerings at Vatagohai (Goalbhita) for the maintenance of a Jain vihara founded by Acharya Guhanandin.[2]

A Ganga Dynasty epigraph at Sravana Belgola reads,

The celebrated Gopanandi accomplished what had been impossible for any one ; for he caused the Jina dharma which had for a long time been at standstill, to attain the prosperity and fame of the time of the Ganga kings.[3]

There are also some ethnic groups that claim to descend from Jain Brahmins. For example, the Kotila caste of Gujarat claim to descend from the firstborn son Kotila, of Trikam the Jain Brahmin (who married an Ahir woman.)[4]

Some Brahmins declared that Jainism was the best religion for a Brahmin to follow. Their ideas of tolerance were well preached. Haribhadra Suri prayed, "As Brahma or Visnu or Siva or Jina— we salute all."

There are also Brahmins historically that were not Jain but offered their aid and solidarity to Jain preachers. For example, when in the 12th year as a monk, Mahavira took shelter in the cottage of Brahmin Svatidatta with a view to pass monsoon months there, and him and Mahavira often entered into philosophical conversations with Mahavira and believed Mahavira was a great monk.[5] There was also Bahula who gave hospitality at his settlement in Kollaga near Sravasti to Mahavira.[6]

Communities

It is even stated in the Vikramarjumasijayam, that Bhima, the father of two great Jain scholars Adikavi Pampa and Jinavallabha, who was a wise man embraced Jainism as he considered it as the best dharma.[7]

The Sevaks of Rajasthan are of Sakhadwipi Brahmin descent and originally converted because of the promise of their king. The story goes that the monarch was bitten by a venomous snake and a Jain saint said he would cure the king upon the condition that all his subjects become Jain, to which the ruler agreed. The students living in the Osia gurukul partook in this feast and hence although they didn't know the terms of the feast, they honored it and converted.[8]

Jain Brahmins exist in most regions where there are Jain communities. There is a Brahmin community in southern Karnataka which is traditional follower of Jainism and is known as Jain Brahmin. They have a hostel for students in Mysore, known as Jain Brahmin Hostel. This community is different from the Jain priests in Jain temples. There is an event in Indian history wherein the Vaji Brahmins of the Vengi region (in modern-day Andhra Pradesh) converted to Jainism.

Modern priestly duties

Jinasena admits the utility of a Jain Brahmin or ksullaka for the performance of kriyas.[9]

There are two types of Jain Brahmin priests - the Bhojak and the flower priests. The duties of the Bhojak are to act as a Jain temple pujari or worshiper. In one account their origin is said to be of Audichya Brahmins, in another account as Maga Brahmins that were hired to be pujaris in a temple by King Kumarapala, and in the third account as Mag Brahmins brought by King Jayasimha Siddharaja from Mandal (in Saurashtra.)[10]

The Jain Brahmins priests dress like normal Brahmins priests.[11] While in Shvetambar temples, the lay Jains will enter the inner sanctum of the temple to make offerings onto the murti or icon, in southern Digambar temples the priests make the offerings on behalf of the lay Jains.[12]

In Kohlapur, Maharashtra amongst the Jain community the sixteen samskaras or sacraments that Jain initiate into, are nearly the same as the sixteen Brahmin samskaras. Except that the Jain priest's ritual texts are not Vedic the rites do not differ from those performed by Brahmans.[13] Even their birth ceremonies are the same.

Notable scholars and sages

The influence brought by Brahmins or tactics borrowed from them into Jainism is described by scholars. For example, some Jain teachers like Vardhamanadeva and Munichandra partook in royal administration and even directing military, and so it is said that Jains adopted traditional Brahmin tactics in dynastic governments.[14] Certainly the scriptural contributions of Brahmins are well known, and before Indrabhuti Gautama there were none for Jainism. The organization of writing as well was borrowed from the existing Brahmin system. Some scholars like Dr. Vide Hoernle, even believe that the model of the Brahmin ascetic was the prototype from the beginning of Indian history for all ascetics to borrow important practices and institutions from though this is disputed. However, it is also believed by some scholars such as Oldenberg that related ascetic orders such as the Buddhists derived the disciplic successive tradition from Brahmins.[15]

There are also Jains who by legend are believed to have been Brahmin but scriptural evidence isn't available to confirm their backgrounds. For example, Kundakunda Acharya (or Elachariya) the Tamil sage is believed to be the son of Brahmin father and weaver mother.[16] Another is poet Tolkappiyar, author of the Tolkappiyam, who is called a "padimaiyon" or observer of Jain "padimai" (vow).[17] Also because Mantunga Acharya mentions mainstream Hindu demigods' names in his poems so often, Professor Hiralal Kapadia says that it is possible the poet Mantunga was a Brahmin.[18]

Mahavira's eleven Ganadharas

Mahavira's eleven ganadharas or "Masters of Jainism" were very important for preaching and spreading the message of Jainism, and attracting new followers. Mahavira's first converts was Indrabhuti who bought into the group 10 other Brahmins he converted.[19] Mahavira's nine ganadhars managed nine classes of Jain followers. All but sages Mandita and Maurya managed the classes. Sudharma is honored as one of the most important Jains in history. The author of the Kalpa-Sutra says that all the Jains are successors of Sudharma and that all the sakhas or orders of priests (including the ones today) originate from his historical leadership. Out of Mahavira and the other Ganadharas, he was the last survivor of that group of leaders.

The nine ganadharas of Mahavira were as follows:

Name Ethnicity Birthplace and time period Parentage Accomplishments
Achalabhrata Magadhi-Prakrit
Agnibhuti Magadhi-Prakrit Govara-gama Vasubhuti and Prthvi
Akampita Mathili Mithila Vasu and Nanda
Indrabhuti Magadhi-Prakrit Gorbara Vasubhuti and Prthvi It is believed he composed the twelve Angas, twelve Puvvas, twelve Upangas, ten Payannas, six Cheda-sutras, four Mula-sutras, and two Culika-sutras.
Mandita Magadhi-Prakrit Mauryagama Dhanadeva and Vijayadevi
Metarya Magadhi-Prakrit Vatsa Dhammila and Bhaddita
Maurya Magadhi-Prakrit Dhanadeva and Vijayadevi
Prabhasa Magadhi-Prakrit Rajagriha Bala and Atibhadra
Sudharma Magadhi-Prakrit Kulluka-gama Dhanamitra and Dhammilla
Vyakta Magadhi-Prakrit Kulluka-gama Dhanamitra and Dhammilla (or Varuni)
Vayubhuti Magadhi-Prakrit Vasubhuti and Prthvi

More important persons

Name Ethnicity Birthplace and time period Sect Position Composition(s) Accomplishments
Akalanka Bhatt Deva Kannada Savanaballugole (near Cinraipatam, 8th century CE)[20] Digambara Svarupa-Sambodhana He was the son of Jinadasa (an Arhaddvija) and Jinamati. His brother was Nihkalanka. Their guru was Buddhist Bhagavad Dasa. He was said to be the pioneer in the field of Jain logic. Upon discovery by Akalanka and his brother's Buddhist guru Bhagavad that they were Jain, he ordered their deaths. Nihkalanka sacrificed himself so that Akalanka could escape. He competed in debate against both Brahmins Kumarila Bhatt of Mimamsa and Dignaga of Mahayana Buddhism.
Balachandra[21] Modheraka (in Gujarat) He is believed to have written on Jain leaders ganadharas but this work has yet to be found.
Bhadrabahu Bengali He was the chief spiritual mentor of Chandragupta Maurya.
Bhadrabahu Swami (Born 94 years after Mahavira's attaining of Nirvana.[22]) Acharang Sutra, Krutang, Avashyak, Dash Vaikalik, Uttaradhyayan, Dasha Shrut Skandh, Kalp, Vyavahr, Surya Pragnapti, Rishibhashit, and Vasudev Charit He had great knowledge of 14 Poorvas, which he passed on to Acharya Sthul Bhadra and thus, the legacy of great literature could survive. Acharya Bhadrabahu has a record of entering into Yoga Meditation of Mahapran Yoga. For twelve years continuously Acharya Bhadrabahu moved all over India and made profound development of Jainism and its spreading all over. He is respectfully remembered as first and last "shrut kevali" (most versatile knowledgeable personality) both in Svetambara and Digambara sects. His Vasudev Charit, which contains 125,000 words.
Bilhana Kashmiri (11th century CE) Anahillapataka, Karnasundari-natika, Parshvanathastaka
Brahmasiva[23] Kannada (12th century CE) Samaya-parikshe He was a Kannada Saiva at first but became a Jain.
Buddhisagara Suri (also Sripati) (11th century CE) Svetambara (Nagpuriya Tapagaccha) Pancagranthi-Vyakarana or Sabdalaksma (Sanskrit)[24] He started (or restarted) the worship of Ghantakarna in Jainism in Mahudi (northern Gujarat) by installing a shrine there.[25]
Chala Pille[26] Tamil Bhulokanatha or Sittanvasal (near Pudakottai, Tamil Nadu) Yati (Priest) He migrated from Tamil Nadu to Andhra for securing royal patronage of Jainism from competitors.[27] He was priest of the Brahma-Jinalaya Temple of Parshvanatha.
Chamunda Raya[28] Marathi Digambara The image erected by Chamunda Raya, "is not only the most ancient in date and considerably the highest of the three, but from its striking position on the top of the very steep hill and the consequently greater difficulty involved in its execution, is by far the most interesting."[29] He earned several titles such as Samara-Parashurama.[30] Some of these titles were because of his moral behavior, and others because of his military skills.
Chandra Sen[31] Maharastri-Prakrit Bhinmal (4th century BCE) He established the city of Chandravati wherein most residents were Jain, and several of them rich. The wealthy denizens of the city spent money for construction of Jain temples and other institutions.
Dhanapala[32] Avanti-Prakrit Ujjain (10th century CE) Digambara Bhavissayatta Kaha (Apabhramsa), Paiyalacchi (Prakrit Jaina-Maharastri), Rsabhapancasika (Prakrit Jaina-Maharastri.) He was a renowned stotra writer. He was converted by his brother Shobana from Buddhism.[33] He is best known for his hymns named Rsabhapancasika, written in Prakrit (Jaina-Maharastri.)[34] Bhavissayatta Kaha is another work in the Apabhramsa language. He also wrote Paiyalacchi in Prakrit.
Dhangiri Maharastri-Prakrit Tumbhivan (or Tumbavanagrâma in Malwa, 5th century CE) Svetambara[35] He was a reputedly wealthy Brahmin, in the town of Tumbhivan, lost his interest in wealth and decided to take Diksha, after hearing the sermons of the Jain Acharya Sinhgiri.
Durgasvamin Dingal-Prakrit (10th century CE) Svetambara He was a wealthy man but left for living as ascetic. Maharaja Indravarman donated one hala of land to him in Siddarthaka-grama of Varaha- Varttini (district.)[36] Also, he was a teacher of the reputed Siddharsi in Marwar around the 10th century.[37] He attained Nirvana in Bhillamala.
Haribhadra Suri (also Virahunka) Maharastri-Prakrit Chittor, Rajasthan (705 CE to 775 CE) Svetambara Compendium of Six Philosophies (Sad Darsana sammucayas) and The Essence of Religion (Dharmabindu.) He was a Rajasthani Brahmin, very well noted in the 8th-century Jain community. He had taken a personal vow to be the disciple of any person whose work proved beyond his understanding.He wrote in Sanskrit and Prakrit on ethics, ascetism, yoga, logic, and rituals. He also composed works on satire and astrology as well as novels and canonical commentaries. With his Compendium of Six Philosophies (Sad Darsana sammucayas). He created a novel style of logic in an era noted for the equality of its philosophical debates. The Essence of Religion (Dharmabindu) is a major contribution to the religious life of the laity. He was the royal priest of King Jitari. He converted the Porwals (Pragwata) of Shrimala (modern Bhillamala) to Jainism. He assumed the title of "Virahunka" when his nephews were defeated in debate by a Buddhist.
Harihara[38] Bengali (13th century CE) He was a Bengali poet patronized by Vaghela King Vastupala.
Irivabedehga Satyasraya Kanada Yapaniya He was the son and successor of Kesava Bhatt, and he continued to extend patronage to Jainism.[39]
Jayaghosa Magadhi-Prakrit He is mentioned in the Uttaradhyayana Sutra as a famous Jain monk that undertook Jain vows and subdued all his senses.
Jinavallabha Suri[40] Telugu Vengipura, Andhra Pradesh (11th century CE) Digambara Pindavisuddhi
Jinesvara Suri (also Sivadasa or Sridhara) Maharastri-Prakrit (11th century) Svetambara (Nagpuriya Tapagaccha) Gaharayanakosa
Kadua Sah Dingal-Prakrit (1438 CE) Svetambara (Ancala Gaccha) He was a Nagar Brahmin and subsequently became a lay member of the Ancala Gaccha, a subsect of the Svetambara.
Kapila Magadhi-Prakrit Kaushambi He was a great scholar and is remember for having sprinkled powder on the Parshvanatha's icon in Ujjain.
Kapila Muni Svetambara Adhyaya VIII (section of Mula-Sutra) He was [according to Shanti Suri] was the son of Kashyapa and Yasha, and he wrote the Adhyaya VIII section of Mula-Sutra scripture, which forms an independent discourse titled "Kaviliyam".[41]
Karmegha Pulavar Tamil Kongumandalam (17th century CE) Kongumandala Satakam.
Kakuda Katyayana[42] Magadhi-Prakrit (6th century BCE) Mahavira refers to his philosophy of pluralism or Anekavada.
Kankamar Muni (11th century) Karakanduchariu (Apabhramsha)
Kautilya He befriended Chandragupta Maurya and aided him in politics to become emperor of the Mauryan Dynasty, and successor to the Nandas. He is considered one of the greatest politicians of Indian history.
Kesava Bhatt Kanada Yapaniya At Betole we see a record telling that he belonged to the Mulasangha of the Yapaniya gachcha.[43] His son was his successor.
Keshiraja Kannada Permadi Shabdamanidarpana He wrote the non-spiritual text Shabdamanidarpana of grammar.
Khandaga Kaccayana[44] (6th century BCE) He was an apostle of Parshva's doctrine in Mahavira's period.
Meghachandra Bhattar Siddhantadeva Tamil (12th century CE) He is stated to have belonged to the anvaya of Kundakunda Acharya, Mesha Pashanagacchha and Kanurgana from an inscription of Jadcherla in Mahabubnagar district from 12th century CE.
Nagamiah[45] (also Nagamayya) Kannada Punganur
Nannul Pavananti[46] Tamil Nannul Tradition goes that after he wrote the grammatical text Nannul, the then ruler Ciyakahkan requested Pavananti to write a simple Tamil grammar so as to enable even ordinary people to understand it.
Pundarik (19th century CE)
Pushpadanta[47] Digambara Mahapurana (Apabhramsa) Puspadanta was a Digambara and patronized by Bharata of the Rashtrakuta court. After he embraced Jainism, he became the leading Apabhramsha of the period, and was patronized by Krishna III's ministers Bharata and Nanna.[48]
Nagavarma I Kannada Vengipura, Andhra Pradesh (11th century CE) Digambara Chandombudhi He was the army general of Chalukya King Jagadekamalla.
Nagavarma II[49] Kannada Vengipura, Andhra Pradesh (11th century CE) Digambara An inscription declares he was "born of a heavenly coral tree arising in the ocean of Brahmans."
Pampa[50] Kannada Vengipura, Andhra Pradesh (11th century CE) Digambara Vatukosa
Pampaiah[51] Rona
Ponna[52] Kannada Vengipura, Andhra Pradesh (11th century CE) Digambara Shanti Purana His Shanti Purana was on the 16th Tirthankara Shantinatha.
Pujyapada Bhatt (also Acharya Devanandi)[53] Kannada Kolangala (510 CE to 600 CE) Digambara Manual of All Reals (Sarvartha Siddhi), and a commentary on the Tattvartha Sutra, Jainendra Vyaakaran, System of Meditation (Samadhi Tantra), Eulogy of Accomplishments (Siddhapriya Stotra), Ten-fold Devotions (Dasa Bhakti), and the Sermons on Desirable Practices (Istopadesa).[54] He was a Kannada Brahmin ascetic. He was a poet, philosopher, grammarian and expert of indigenous medicines. He has been credited with many accomplishments, which aided in the promotion of Jainism in the south.
Raghava Pandaviya (also Shrutakirti) Telugu Virincipuram (near Nellore) Digambara Dvisamdhana-kavya (Sanskrit) His Dvisamdhana-kavya poems were from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Ranna[55] Ajita Purana, Gadayuddha His Ajita Purana was on the 2nd Tirthankara Ajitanatha.
Sajjambhava[56] Rajgriha (4th century CE) Dasavaikalika Sutra[57] He was another born from Rajgriha and was elected the head of the Jain order by Prabhava.
Siddhasena Divakara Avanti (c. 500 CE to 610 CE) Descent of Logic (Nyaayavtaar), the Logic of the Right Wisdom (Sanmati Sutra), Eulogy of Welfare (Kalyaana Mandir Stotra), and several hymns. He was a Jain ascetic who founded the Jain system of logic, and was instrumental in the popularity of Jainism in eighteen kingdoms of central, southern and western India.[58]
Siddharshi Srimala, Marwar (10th century CE) Svetambara Upamitibhavaprapaficakatha (Sanskrit)
Skandaka Katyayana (6th century BCE) He was a disciple of Mahavira.
Soma[59] Magadhi-Prakrit He was one of the chief disciples of Tirthankara Parshva.
Soma[60] Kotindra, Saurashtra, Gujarat He was well-versed in the Vedas and Agamas and performed the six prescribed rites.
Soma Bhatt Telugu Medak inscription mentions him.
Somesvara Suri[61] Gujarat (13th century CE) Kirtikaumudi, Prasasti He was a royal patron of the Vaghela King Vastupala and composed the Kirtikaumudi and Prasasti, and several inscriptions of in Girnar and an inscription at the Mt. Abu temple of Neminatha.[62]
Sushil Kumar[63] Hindi Shakarpur, Haryana (1926-1994) Svetambara (Sthanakavasi) Acharya Was an Acharya known better to Jains as "Guruji", was born a Vaidik in the Shakarpur village of the Haryana province. At the age of 15, he took Diksha (became a sanyassin) into the Sthanakvasi, a Svetambara sub-sect. He is believed to be the fulfillment of a prophecy. Brigu Samhita says, "In this era, Sushil Muni is a perfect master...he is briliant as the sun, as peaceful as the moon, as wise as the Buddha...every word he speaks becomes a mantra. He is the door to liberation..."[64]
Sayambhava Kotikapra, Pundravardhana (4th century BCE) Dasavaikalika Sutra He was a dasapurvi (leader) of the srutakevalins to which Bhadrabahu which eventually become leader after scholarly succession of a few other leaders.
Sahkaradasa[65] He was the teacher of Paramara king and was converted by Abhayadeva Suri.
Vadiganga Bhatt (Munjaraya)[66] Kannada (10th century CE) A grant was made to him by King Marasimha of the Ganga Dynasty.
Vidyananda (8th century CE) Digambara Ashta Shahastri (Sanskrit), Aptapariksa He compiled in the Sanskrit language, Ashta Shahastri with eight thousand verses.
Vishalaksha Pandita (also Yelendur Pandit) Telugu He was minister of Chikka Devaraja of the Wodeyar Dynasty.
Umasvati (also Umaswami) (2nd century CE) Tattvartha Sutra or Tattvarthadigama Sutra He was a composer who was so loved by Jains that he is considered by the Digambara sect to be a Digambara member and the Svetambara sect to be a Svetambara member. His Tattvartha Sutra is accepted as authoritative by all Jain traditions.[67]
Vag Bhatt (5th century CE) Neminirmana
Vag Bhatt I Vagbhattalankara
Vag Bhatt II (12th century CE) Chandanushasana, Risabha-deva-chahta

Scriptural contributions

Before Indrabhuti the Jain Brahmin Ganadhara of Mahavira, there were no Jain scriptures. He is credited with writing several Jain sastras.

The Jain canons, both Digambara and Svetambara were organized based on the Vedic Brahmin literature. As Buddhists emulated the textual organization system of Vedic Brahmin scholars[68] so did the Jains. The scriptural division of sastras into Anga and Upanga categories for major Jain scriptures was brought by Umasvati. In about 800 CE Jinasena's Parsvabhyudaya poetic biography by him included also poet Kalidasa's Meghaduta.[69]

Sanskrit became a language to learn for many educated Jains. Because local Jain scriptures throughout India were in the vernacular languages, in order to spread their wisdom to the entire Jain community and educated Indians everywhere, they were translated into Sanskrit. For example, Muni Sarvanandin translated Lokavibhaga. With the Sanskrit writing education and emulation of scriptural organization from the mainstream Hindu scholars, Jainism became a very academic religion which debated intellectually.

Local languages too flourished with Jain Brahmins. Pampa, Ponna and Ranna, popularly known as 'three jewels of Kannada literature' enriched Kannada literature.[70] Nannul Pavananti wrote the Tamil grammatical text Nannul. Legend says that after he wrote the Nannul, the then monarch Ciyakahkan requested Pavananti to write a simple Tamil grammar so as to enable even ordinary people to understand it. Pujyapada Bhatt was also a Kannada grammarian. Keshiraja was also a Kannada grammarian who composed the Shabdamanidarpana. The greatest poet of Apabhramsa is said to be Puspadanta who wrote his Mahapurana, Jasaharacariu, and Nayakumaracariu at Manyakheta under patronage of minister of Rashtrakuta King Krishna III.

The importance of Brahmins was recognized, and the need to protect them is explicitly referred to in the Purananuru, Silappadikaram, and the Jivaka-chintamani.[71]

In kingdoms

Monarchs

Ministers and clerics

Tradition mentions that Rashtrakuta Dynasty's Krishna I appointed Jain Brahmins as his negotiators in Calukyan dominions.[72] A copperplate grant from the Gupta period found in the vicinity of Somapura mentioned a Brahmin donating land to a Jain vihara at Vatagohali.

Legends about Brahmin figures

Ambika Devi is also known commonly as Agnila and Kusmandi amongst other names. As all Tirthankaras have a Yaksha guardian, she is the guardian of Neminatha, the 22nd Ford-Maker. She is a popular deity of worship in Jain temples and homes. In the unpublished scripture Ambika-devi-kapla of Subhacandra, "Om Kusmandini rakte rakta-mahisa-samradhe subhasubham kathaya jhvim svaha" is the mantra. Haribhadra Suri in his Lalitavistara refers to her as Vaiyavrttakara and a Sasanadevata. Her sons Siddha and Buddha are also known as Subhankara and Prabhankara. According to legends, after human life she was reborn in the Kohanda Vimana heaven, where she also became known as Kohandi.

In legends, Parsvanatha in his previous incarnation was Marubhuti.

There are stories about two non-ascetic Brahmin brothers born to Hutasana and Jalanasikha. They were Jalana who was straightforward, and Dahana who was deceitful. They were born reborn in Indra's internal assembly. Later Jalana achieved Nirvana because he was the truthful one.

Jainism and Vedic scriptures

Tirthankaras in Vedic scriptures

Some mainstream Hindu scriptures like the Puranas clearly mention the Tirthankaras. It is now accepted that Vedas and other Vedic scriptures do too.

Tirthankara Translation Passage Veda
Rishabha But Risabha went on, unperturbed by anything till he became sin-free like a conch that takes no black dot, without obstruction ... which is the epithet of the First World-teacher, may become the destroyer of enemies Rig Veda X.166
Rishabha Om namo arhato Rsabho, om Rsabhah pavitram.
Om trataramindram Rshabham vadanti amrtaramindram
Arishtanemi So asmakam Aristanemi svaha Arhan vibharsi sayakani dhanvarhanistam yajatam visvarupam arhannidam dayase Rig Veda Astak 2, Varga 7
Arishtanemi Om svasti na indro vrddhasravah
svasti nah pIZsa vis'vavedrih
svasti na sta'rksyo Aristanemih
svasti no brhaspatir dadha'tu
anena svastikena bhagavad durgciya'h		 Rig Veda 1.89.6a /
Sama Veda 2.1225a /
Kaivalya Upanishad[78]

The Rig Veda mentions Rishabha the 1st Tirthankara, and Arishtanemi the 22nd. The Yajur Veda mentions both of them, and then Ajitanatha and Suparshva too, in cantos 25 and 92.

Below are documented sections of scripture that reference one or more of the 24 Jinas venerated in Jainism:

Jainism not nastika doctrine

Scholar Āṇṇāsāheba Laṭhṭhe writes that Jainism cannot be called a nastika doctrine because some its Tirthankaras are "worshiped and praised" in the Vedas.[79]

Jains themselves have been branded nastikas for not accepting the Vedas, and they in turn have accused many non-Jains of being Nastikas. According to Jainism, nastikavada is a system of beliefs that are nastika in nature. Jains assign the term nastika to one who is ignorant of the meaning of the religious texts[80] or those who deny the existence of the soul.[81]

The Jains acharyas, Manibhadra and Haribhadra associated Jainism of astika classification and associated the Lokayata (Charvaka) philosophy and pro-Vedic Vedanta with nastika.[82]

Jain interpretation of Vedas

As mainstream Hindu scriptures don't declare the Vedas themselves fundamental to achieving Moksha but as holy texts, so too many Jains view them as sacred but not fundamental for Moksha. Vasishtha Rishi for instance, in his Dharmasutra (VI, 3) declared, "acharahinam na punanti vedah" ("Vedas do not purify one.")

Some historical Jain scholars have believed the Vedas actually represent metaphorical sacrifices (a claim which the Upanishads also endorse!) In this view, the sacrifices are seen as proper human behavior to destroy desire. The Uttaradhyayana Sutra outlines the story of Jain Brahmin Jayagosha confronting a staunch orthodox Vedic sage and when the sage asks Jayagosha to tell him the meaning of Vedas, the latter supplies the Jain view. Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Chapter 25

Orthodox Vedic Sage: Tell us the most essential subject in the Vedas, and tell us what is most essential in the sacrifice; tell us the first of the heavenly bodies, and tell us the best of dharmas.
Jayagosha: The most essential subject in the Vedas is the agnihotra, and that of the sacrifice is the purpose of the sacrifice; the first of the heavenly bodies is the moon, and the best of dharmas is that of Kashyapa (e.g., Rishabha).
Jayagosha: The beautiful (gods) with joined hands praise and worship the highest Lord (i.e. the Tirthankara) as the planets, &c., (praise) the moon.

According to the Dipika commentary of Uttaradhyayana Sutra by Harshakula, the "sacrifice" here means the ten virtues: truth, penance, content, patience, right conduct, simplicity, faith, constancy, not injuring anything, and Samvara.

In the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Harikesa states:

Austerity is my agni, the soul is fire place, meditation is offering-ladle, the body is the dried cow-dung as fuel and actions are the enkindling wooden-sticks;.[83]

Renowned scholar Vimalasuri in Ussesa (canto XI) in another scripture interprets the Vedic sacrifices as metaphorical to sacrifice the animals within, and that this true way is the Arsa-Veda (Veda of Rishis)[84] or the Vedas:[85][86]

"Body is the altar, mind is the fire blazing with the ghee of knowledge. This fire consumes or destroys completely the heap of sacrificial sticks of sins produced by the tree of karman.
Anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, hatred, and delusion-these passions along with the senses, are the sacrificed animals which are to be killed. Truth, forgiveness, nonviolence are the adequate sacrificial fee which is to be paid. Right faith, conduct, self-control, celibacy, etc., are the gods (to be propitiated). This is the true sacrifice as laid down in the venerable Vedas and expounded by the venerable Jinas. This sacrifice, when performed with complete contemplation or profound meditation, brings the reward, not heaven, but the highest nirvana (=moksha) liberation.
Those, however, who perform sacrifices by actually slaughtering animals go to hell just like hunters."

This "Arsa-Veda" spoken of by Vimalasuri is also spoken of by some other scholars such as Madhava and Aurobindo.[87] So then some scholars believe that originally both the Samanic and mainstream Hindu sects had the same Vedas. The Buddhist Suttanipata makes a reference to "the Vedas of the Samanas as well as those of the Brahmins."[88] There are Jains even in modern time that believe the Jainism originates from the Veda. An example is given by scholar T.N. Dhar who visited Mathura and met with a Swami Vijayananda of the Digambara sect that made this claim.[89]

Another scholar that claimed to have the compassionate message of the true Vedas is Thiruvalluvar, who is believed by many scholars to have been a Jain. His parentage is from a Brahmin father and he was addressed "Aravalianthanan" (Brahmin who possesses the wheel of dharma.[90]) Many writers have written of him and in one quote is a relationship made between him and the message of the Vedas, "Of him It is no other than Ayan (Brahma) himself, seated on the beautiful lotus-flower, who, assuming the form of Valluvar, has given to the world the truths of the Vedas, that they may shine without being mixed up with falsehood."[91] Silappadikaram quotes a verse from it. Nikakesi too quotes from it a few times, and whenever it does it proclaims of the Kural, "as is mentioned in our scripture".[92]

Further, Jain Sage Jinabhadra in his Visesavasyakabhasya cites a number of passages from the Vedic Upanishads.[93]

Even many of the Vedic sages are honored by Jain scholars, for their asceticism. Sages like Yajnavalkya, Rajaputra, Nara, Narada, Gautama, Apastamba, Angirasa, and Romapada are also mentioned in the Yasastilaka for their austerities.[94] Somadeva, author of the Yasastilaka goes on to honor the priest craft of Pingala, Matanga, Marichi, and Gautama chanting the Saman, and quotes some Vedic authorities like Manu, Vyasa, Vasistha and others.[95]

See also

References

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  2. ↑ P. 44 Publication, Issue 23 By Asiatic Society, 1968
  3. ↑ P. 41 A comprehensive history of Indian Buddhism By Asim Kumar Chatterjee
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  5. ↑ P. 39 Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira: life & doctrine By Kastur Chand Lalwani, Mahavira
  6. ↑ P. 109 Jaina system of education By Debendra Chandra Dasgupta
  7. ↑ P. 27 Epigraphia Andhrica, Volume 2 By Government of Andhra Pradesh
  8. ↑ P. 885 People of India: Rajasthan By K. S. Singh
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  13. ↑ P. 140 Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, Volume 24
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  15. ↑ Oldenberg notices a relationship between the regular Brahmin model: "The Order of Buddhists presents, as long as the Master is alive, a union of teachers and scholars after the Brahminical model", P. 337 Buddha: His Life, His Doctrine, His Order By Hermann Oldenberg
  16. ↑ P. 4346 Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: sasay to zorgot edited by Mohan Lal
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  18. ↑ P. 105 "NINE SACRED RECITATIONSOF THE JAIN RELIGION (A Study of the Nine Smaranas and All Aspects Associated with Them.)" By Vinod Kapashi
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