Antiquity, Ancienty and Utilities of Jain Religion 

Presently, there is an existence of nearly 12 to 13 religions in the world such as Budhism, Christianity, Islam etc., But among all these, the religion of Jainism is distinguished and unique. The antiquity anciently of Jainism can be explained on the basis of following issues: 

Issue 1 : The remains of the oldest Indian civilization are available from Mohan-Jo-Daro and Harappa. Mr. Chandra in the August issue of 1932 of Modern Review observed based on the coins availed from above remains, “The Gods standing in this coin are found in the Kayotsarga style (a special style used by Jain followers while worshiping God) This style is a special style deployed by Jain Yogies”. This specimen is available in the museum of Mathura. We also find a famous Rishabhdev idol over there. There are also found the figure of a naked God and a sign of ‘Swastik’, which is a sign of the seventh Jain Tirthankara. 

Smt. Gusewa believes that the thought of self-knowledge was spread over North-east region, of river Ganga; and as we know, Jainism had developed there only. There is no reference of self-knowledge/ self-realisation in Vedas. Of course, it should be remembered that the their Brahmvidya (Knowldege of self) was found in Upanisadas, in post vedic era. 

Issue 2: In hand written manuscripts of the Hindu scriptures like Rigveda, yajurveda, Manusmriti, Yogavashistha etc. we find the descriptive references about remembering, bowing down, praising, pooja, Dikshas (Renunciation of the world) attaining the ultimate knowledge, Moksha (the final freedom) etc. 

Issue 3 : In interesting research studies conducted by the foreign scholars like Dr. Herman yakobi, Dr. Furor, Prof. L.D. Barnet, A.A. McDonald, Major J.G.R. Flong etc., indicate that the ancientry of Jainism traces of Brahmin Religion, and that Jainism has the Characteristics of the extremely accurate, philosophical, ethical, topmost monkism. 

Issue 4 : The famous Indian scholars, Archeologists and a scholaristic personality like Dr. S. Radha Krishan also prove the ancientry of Jainism with the help of graphs, civilization, scructure, from the language etc., and hold that the principle of non-violence as preached by Lord Rishabhdev was perhaps older than coming of Aryans in India; and that the same principle was much known at that time. 

Dr. Vidhya Bhooshan opines “The roots of Jainism traces back to the beginning of this world. I don’t hesitate to make a statement that the Jain philosophy is older than the Vedanta and other philosophies.” 

Justice Rangnekar of the Bombay High Court as well as Justice of the Madras High Court have also have expressed their opinions which almost support the above views. 

Utility 

A path to Holiness 

The utility of such distinguished and special Jain religion is necessary for over-all development of life and that of the world. Jain Religion provides an absolute right to live to each of species. It prohibits the violence of even the smallest and micro species. Jain way of thought and its code of conduct is totally useful to man to achieve salvation as well as to clear the thoughts, speech and acts of people. 

A path to Divinity

Jainism provides sure and subtle instruction in the roots of life for non-violence, truth, keeping away from theft, celibacy and non-possession. There is an ardent love for individual, family, country, and the whole world. Likewise, it provides the messages of mercy, compassion, pardon, detachment for common people, which result in creating cleanliness and generosity. These virtues can be useful not only to attain humanity, but also greatness, goodness, divinity and perfection in the future. 

A path to Universality

The rules and regulations of this religion may look rather strict or hash, if one examines from outside or to those who believe only in enjoyment. Never the less the same strict rules and regulations are strictly and scrupulously followed voluntarily by the institution of Jain monks and Jains also to be away from karma and Moha (Desire for worldly pleasures). Consequently, the roots of religion go deep in life, with the clarity of thoughts and deeds. Thus, The aims of Jainism is the clarity of vision and the clear road to the good deeds are associated with universalism. That is why it is useful for over all development of life and that of the universe.