Spread of Jainism

The spread of Jainism, the ancient Indian religion, was a gradual and influential process that spread not only to the Indian subcontinent but also beyond its borders. Jainism, which emerged around the 6th century BCE, spread through the teachings of its revered spiritual leaders, most notably Lord Mahavira, who preached a philosophy of non-violence, truth, and austerity.

Jainism spread across various regions of India and gained prominence, especially in present-day states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The religion’s core principles of nonviolence and compassion, as well as its emphasis on self-discipline, attracted followers from various walks of life.

The spread of Jainism was not limited to the Indian subcontinent. Over the centuries, Jain communities settled in other parts of the world, particularly in East Africa, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Jainism’s philosophical and ethical teachings, along with its emphasis on nonviolence and respect for all living beings, continue to attract followers and gain interest worldwide.

The spread of Jainism helped with the establishment of temples, shrines, and educational institutions. In addition, the charitable activities of the Jain community, such as the promotion of education and health care, have contributed to the visibility and growth of the religion.

The spread of Jainism was not only through missionary activities but also through the influence of traders, scholars, and practitioners who carried its principles and scriptures across regions and created an environment for its acceptance and understanding.

Today, the influence and teachings of Jainism continue to resonate and promote a culture of non-violence, ethical living, and spiritual growth among its followers, both in its country of origin and around the world.

Spread of Jainism

Introduction

Jainism is an ancient religion with roots in India. Jainism currently has between 4-5 million believers spread throughout the world, but primarily in India. The goal of Jainism is to attain perfection and overcome karma over many lifetimes. Jainism focuses on non-violence. While Jains believe their religion is thousands of years old, most scholars date it to the 6th century BC and Mahaviras, a teacher and spiritual leader. The origin and spread of Jainism can be related to several factors. Jainism flourished throughout India during Mahavira’s lifetime and after his death. Mahavira established an organization of his disciples, which included both men and women, to spread the teachings of Jainism.

Key Factors in the Spread of Jainism

Jainism rose rapidly in India and deeply influenced Indian culture. Jainism has been an integral part of Indian culture for several million years. However, there was significant growth and expansion of Jainism during the lifetime of Lord Mahavira in the sixth century BC. He traveled to different corners of the country and enriched the lives of local people with his teachings. After his departure, his disciples played a significant role in further popularizing the Jain religion throughout India. Evidence of the geographical extent of Jain culture is evident from the beautiful Jain temples and Jain sculptors found throughout India. When factionalism occurred, the bonds between people in the Jain community weakened, and the popularity of Jainism began to decline. Factors that facilitated the spread of Jainism are:

(1) Role of Lord Mahavir

The 24th or last Tirthankara of Jainism, Lord Mahavir, played a significant role in spreading the ideology of Jainism among the common people. He used simple language in his preaching, which appealed to people from all sections of society, like Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. He became an inspiration to them

(2) Support of kings and rulers

The kings and rulers of the sixth century BC were influenced by Lord Mahavira’s simplicity, penance, and austerity, which motivated them to embrace Jainism. His followers included great rulers like Chandragupta Maurya, Ajatshatru, Bimbisara, Kharvela (North), and southern dynasties like Kadamba, Ganga, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, and Shilahara. These rulers tried to spread the philosophy of Jainism in their kingdom. They also provided financial support to encourage the growth of Jainism in India

(3) Role of Lord Mahavir’s Disciples

Lord Mahavir organized Sanghas during his lifetime to spread awareness of Jainism among the people. Later, his disciples took on the responsibility of organizing Sanghas and spreading the message of Lord Mahavir’s preaching. They also convened Jain councils for this purpose

(4) Role of Jain scriptures

The kings and rulers were responsible for documenting the main teachings of the Jain religion in the language used by the masses, which was then Ardhamagadhi Prakrit. These sacred Jain texts were also later written in Sanskrit. These lyrics helped reach more people

(5) Role of Jain Institutions

Caves and viharas were built where a large number of devotees could come for religious gatherings. These places turned into learning centers where scholars studied, analyzed, and discussed the renowned Jain literary works. Mathura and Shravanabelagola were the two most famous research institutions of Jainism

(6) Use of simple language

Mahavira preached his teachings in Prakrit, which was then the language of the common people, instead of Sanskrit, which the people did not understand. His doctrines were simple, which attracted many followers.

(7) Organized religious order

Mahavira left behind a strong, organized religious order of Jain munis (sages) to propagate his doctrines. There were eleven disciples of Mahavira known as Ganadharas (head of schools), among whom only Arya Sudharma survived Mahavira and became the first ‘Thera’ (chief teacher) of the Jain order. Bhadrabahu was the sixth Thera who migrated south and preached Jainism. The missionary zeal of Jain munis helped spread Jainism throughout the country. When Alexander invaded India, Jain munis were present on the banks of the Indus River.

(8) Non-discriminatory treatment

Mahavira believed that all human beings are equal and held that everyone has the right to attain moksha by living a life of purity. He preached that there should be no discrimination based on caste and even promoted the freedom of women and included them in the Jain Sangha (community). This helped Jainism gain popularity among the people oppressed under the caste system.

(9) Simple Doctrine

Vardhaman Mahavira’s Jainism came as a welcome relief to the masses. They were already poisoned with highly complex Vedic rites and rituals. Jainism, unlike the Vedic religion, was simple. People found it easy to understand and accept. Non-violence and other practical morals advocated by Jainism attracted people. A relatively easier path to liberation was its edge over the Vedic religion, and thus it gained a wider following.

(10) Role of Jain Monks

The role of Jain monks and mendicants was unique for the spread of Jainism. Beggars directly indoctrinated by Mahavira went to spread Jainism to all corners of India. The Jaina saint Bhadrabahu was involved in the spread of Jainism in South India during the 4th century BCE. He took Emperor Chandragupta Maurya to Shravanabelagola in the south, where he breathed his last. Traders and entrepreneurs have always embraced Jainism. The Jaina assembly at Pataliputra convened after Bhadrabahu’s departure to the south and compiled the teachings of Mahavira into twelve “angas”. Another such assembly was convened in 512 BCE at Vallabhi (in Gujrat) under the presidency of Nagarjuna. It codified all the principles and ‘agamas’ of Jainism into Anga, Upanga, Mula, and Sutra. Jain saints spread Jainism from their seats, which led to its spread throughout India. One such center was the Udayagui cave complex in Bhubaneswar.

(11) Role of Jain writers

The facile pen of Jain writers contributed greatly to endearing Jainism to the masses. Authors like Hemachandra, Haribhadra, Somadeva, Gunabhadra, and Ravikirti wrote extensively on the principles of Jainism. Their fiery scriptures warmed people’s hearts with their religious fervor and spiritual radiance. These causes were responsible for the spread of Jainism among the masses. The harvest was overwhelming and remarkable.

Conclusion

The Mahavamsa refers to the existence of Jainism in Ceylon even before the advent of Buddhism. Jain traditions take the history of Jainism in a whirlwind even before the arrival of the Aryans. Ravana is to build a Jain temple there at Trikutagiri. Kalakcarya is another Jain monk who is said to have visited Burma. The existence of Jainism can be proven even in Afghanistan. Digambara Jain monks were in Iran, Siam, and Philistia. Greek writers also mention their existence in Egypt, Abyssinia, and Ethiopia. It was also propagated in Kabul, Campa, Bulgaria, and other foreign countries.

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