Rise of Heterodox Sects

Numerous religious sects arose in the middle Gangetic basin in the sixth century B.C. We here of as many as 62 religious sects in this period. Jainism and Buddhism were very important.

Causes of Rise of Religious Movement

In post -Vedic times, society was clearly divided into four varnas-Brahmanas, vaishyas, and shudras. Each varna was assigned well-defined functions, although it was emphasized that varna was based on birth and two higher varnas were given some priviledges. 

Naturally the varna-divided society seems to have generated tensions. The Kshatriyas, who acted as rulers, reacted against the domination of the priestly class called brahamanas, who claimed various priveges. It was one of the causes of the origin of new religions. Vardhamana Mahavira who founded Jainism, and Gautama Buddha, who founded Buddhism, belonged to the kshatriya clan, and both disputed the authority of the Brahmanas.

The trade of money-lending was established in the Vedic age. The practice of providing loans on interest was also legal but the trade was generally looked down upon by the brahmans. The vaisyas who practised this trade wanted to raise their social position in the eyes of religion. So the vaisyas extended generous support to both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. The merchants, called setthis, made handsome gifts to Gautama Buddha and his disciples.

The Vedic practice of killing cattles in sacrificial rituals was inimical to the emerging agricultural economy. Besides, the Sanskrit language was the knowledge of a chosen few while the common masses spoke Prakrit.

Jainism

The Founder: Rishabha, who was the father of king Bharata, the first chakravarti king of India, founded Jainism. The Vishnu Purana and Bhagavat Purana describe Rishabha as an incarnation of Narayana. Rishabha as an incarnation of Narayana. Rishabha was succeeded by 23 other Tirthankaras. Parsvanath (850 BC) was the 23rd Tirthankara. Jainism became a major religion under Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.

Varadhamana Mahavira- Varadhamana Mahavira was born in 540 BC in a village Kundagrama near Vaishali. His father was the head of a famous kshatriya clan (Inatrika) and his mother a Lichachhavi princess. They were also connected with the royal family of Magadha. In the beginning Mahavira led the life of house holder, but in the search for truth he abandoned the world at the age of thirty and became an ascetic. He kept on wandering for twelve years, and abandoned them altogether when he attained perfect knowledge or kaivalya at the age of  42. Through kaivalya , he conquered misery and happiness, because of this conquest, he is known as Mahavira or the great hero or jina., i.e. the conqueror, and his followers, are known as Jainas. He propagated his religion for thirty years, and his mission took him to Kosala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa etc. He passed away at the age of 72 in 468 BC at the a place called Pavapuri near modern Rajgir in Bihar.

Teaching- Jainism taught 5 doctrines;

1- do not commit violence,

2- do not speak a lie,

3- do not steal,

4- do not aquire property, and

5- observe continence (brahmacharya)

3 Gems or Ratnas of Jainism

According to Jainism, attainment of Moksha or Nirvana was the most important human desire.

1- Right Faith (Samyak Vishwas) in the omniscient Lord Mahavira

2- Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnan) of the doctrines of Jainism

3- Right Conduct (Samyak Karma), i.e. fulfillment of the great five vows of Jainism (a) ahimsa (b) truthfulness (C) no stealing (d) no attachment of property (e) chastity or brahmacharya.

Sacred Literature: According to Svetambaras, the original doctrine taught by Mahavira was contained in the 14 old texts called Purvas, which were passed orally and were compiled later as twelve Angas.

The sacred literature of the Svetambaras is written form of Prakrit called Ardhamagadhi and may be classified as follows:

1- The twelve Angas

2- The twelve Upangas

3- The ten Parikaranas

4- The six Chhedasmaras

5- The four Mulasutras. Niryuktis and Churini are the comments on 14 Purvas. 

Twelve Angas of Jainism

1- Acharanga 

2- Sutrakruthanga

3- Sthananga

4- Somavayanga

5- Vakyaprainapti

6- Dharma- Kathanga

7- Upaska-Adhyananga

8- Anthakrudasanga

9- Anuttarapada Kanga

10- Prashnavyakaranaka

11- Vipakasutranga

12- Drustipravadanga

Jaina Philosophy- The Jaina philosophy may be studied under the following heads:

Syadvada-All our judgements are necessarily relative, conditional and limited. According to Syadvada the theory may be seven modes of predication (saptabhangi) are possible. Absolute affirmation and absolute negation both are wrong. All judgements are conditional.

Anekantavada- The Jaina metaphysics is a realistic and relativistic pluralism. It is called Anekatavada or the doctrine of the 'manyness of reality'. Matter (Pudgala) and Spirit (Jiva) are regarded as separate and independent realities.

Instruments of Knowledge- According to Jaina philosophy, the following are the main instruments of knowledge:

1- Matijnana: Perception through activity of sense organ, including the mind.

2- Srutajnana: Knowledge revealed by scriptures.

3- Avadhijnana: Clairoyant perception.

4- Manahparyayajnana: Telepathic knowledge.

5- Kevalajnana: Temporal knowledge or Omniscience.

Jaina Councils

1st Council was held at Pataliputra at Sthulabahu in the beginning of the third century BC and resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas to replace the lost 14 Purvas.

2nd Council was held at Valabhi in the 5th century AD under the leadership of Devaradhi Kshamasramana and resulted in final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.

Spread of Jainism 

- Jains built stupas with railings, pillars, and gateways. The Hathi Gumpha, Udaigiri and Khandagiri caves of Orissa contain Jain relics of Inscriptions.

- Mathura became a centre of Jain art during the Kushana period.

- The statues of Gomtesawara and Karakala testify to the excillence of Jain architecture.

- Dilwara temple at Mt. Abu and temples a Ranakpur are example of superb workmanship.

Impact of Jainism

- Jainism made the first serious attempt to mitigate the evils of varna order and ritualistic vedic religion.

- The early Jainas discarded the Sanskrit languages mainly patronized by Brahmans and adopted Prakrit language.

- Their religious literature was written in Ardhamagadhi and the texts were finally compiled in the sixth century A.D. in Gujarat (Vallabhi).

- The Jainas composed the earliest important works in Apabhramsha and prepared its first grammer.

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