Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

In order to spread the teachings of Jainism, Mahavira organised an order of his followers which admitted both men and women. Lord Mahavir was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara. According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were human beings but they attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through meditation and self-realization. 

In order to sort out ideological differences and to compile the main teachings of Jainism, a council was convened in Pataliputra, modern Patna. But the Jainas from southern India under the leadership of Bhadrabahu boycotted the council and refused to accept its teachings. From then onwards, the southerners began to be called Digambaras, and the Magadhans Shvetambaras.

Mahavira, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism, opposed all forms of religious rituals and sacrifices. He was also against the Varna system. In his opinion, through pure and meritorious life members of the lower castes can attain Moksha. Jainism was, in general, against dividing people on the basis of caste or Varna.

Jainism grew during the second urbanization phase when the trade was increasing and Vaishyas were also rising both economically and socially and wanted to challenge Brahmana supremacy. Early Jainas thus discarded Sanskrit which was the language of the elite and used Ardhamagadhi (an eastern dialect of Prakrit) and Prakrit to reach out to the common masses.

The earliest Jaina works are in Ardhamagadhi, an eastern dialect of Prakrit.

Five vows of Jainism: 1. Non–Violence, 2. Not to Steal, 3. Not to Accumulate, 4. Not to tell A lie, 5. Celibacy.

The path that Mahavira advocated was one of the strict asceticism, renunciation and moral cultivation. He instructed his followers to implement three jewels: 1. Right faith, 2. Right knowledge, 3. Right conduct. 

Jainism was divided into two sects named as Shvetambara and Digambaras during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. 

Kharvela was a descendant of Meghavarmana. The latter was the founder of the royal house of Chedi. Kharvela was a Jain and despite his fervor for Jainism, he was addicted to military conquests. Kalinga rose to power under his rule. Information regarding his life, rule, religion, and conquests can be gained from Hathigumpha Inscription.

Anuvratas are the "little vows" in Jain religion which are to be followed by the followers of this religion. Along with this, there are "Mahavrats " which are to be followed by the saints of this religion. There are five anuvratas which are :

Acharya Bhadrabahu was the last acharya of United Jainism. During the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, Bhadrabahu predicted 12 years of famine in Magada. As it was impossible to follow the rules of Jainism strictly during the famine, he with his disciples moved to Karnataka. Then Sthulabhadra who was also the disciple of Bhadrabahu decided to stay in Magadha and follow Jainism by making its rule simple and easier. This next sect was known as Shvetamabara. Thus Jainism was divided into two sects: Sevtambara and Digambara.  

Angas are also known as "Agamas". The canonical text of Jainism is known as Agamas. Agamas contain those lectures which were given by Tirthankara after getting Kevalayajana. Out of these twelve Angas 12th Anga have been destroyed completely. Earlier versions of Jain Agamas were written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit language but later on, different languages were used for writing agamas.

The traditions of Lord Pasharvanath, Mahavira Swami and even from before that were compiled as "Purvas." The word 'Purva' itself means 'before'. There are 14 Purvas. These 14 Purvas are described in the 12th anga of Jinvani which is called as 'Drishtivaad anga'. Many of these 'Purvas' were dedicated to the description of secret magical knowledge and supernatural powers.