Approaches to the Question of the Antiquity of Jainism
Summary
This scholarly article investigates the deep historical roots of Jainism, proposing that it likely predates Buddhism and possibly draws from even older, non-Aryan traditions such as the Indus Valley civilization and Ajivika practices. 🔍 Key Themes and Insights: 1. Jainism's Antiquity i) Unlike Buddhism, Jainism claims not to be founded by Mahavira but reformed by him, with 23 previous Tirthankaras mentioned. ii) Suggests Jain traditions predate Aryan influence and may have Mesopotamian and Indus Valley cultural roots. 2. Jain Atomism and Karma Theory i) Jain metaphysics is dualistic: eternal soul (jiva) and material karmic particles. ii) Karma is seen as extremely fine matter that binds to the soul due to passions—making Jain karma theory uniquely early and physical. 3. Relationship with Ajivikas i) Mahavira and Gosala (Ajivika leader) were originally together before splitting over ethical determinism. ii) Ajivikas believed in a fixed fate with no personal ethical control, unlike Jainism’s emphasis on individual effort and self-purification. 4. Archaeological Evidence i) Indus Valley seals depict seated figures in mulabandhasana and upright postures resembling kayotsarga—both significant Jain meditation poses. ii) These poses, especially in enlightenment scenes of Tirthankaras like Mahavira and Parsva, suggest continuity from the Indus period. 5. Middle Vedic and Early Yogic Links i) Vedic hymns (like the Muni Hymn) describe ascetic figures resembling early Jains or Ajivikas. ii) References to naked ascetics, long-standing postures, and shamanic stillness suggest overlap between proto-Jainism and early yogic-shamanic culture. 6. Later Sectarian Evidence i) Mentions Jain participation in extreme austerities and magical rites, indicating ancient tribal or shamanistic influence. ii) Confirms Jainism later distanced itself from such practices in favor of ahimsa and ethical purification.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
McEvilley argues that Jainism is likely older than Buddhism and emerged from an ancient, pre-Aryan stream of yogic-shamanic spirituality that included the Ajivikas and visual-meditative traditions seen in Indus Valley art. Though definitive proof is elusive, the philosophical, textual, and archaeological evidence strongly points to Jainism’s deep antiquity and transformation over millennia.