Revival of Sramana Dharma in the Later Vedic Age
By Jyoti Prasad Jain
Summary
Jyoti Prasad Jain’s article examines the revival of the sramana (renunciate) tradition during the later Vedic period, focusing on the historical figure of Pārśvanātha, the 23rd Tīrthaṅkara. According to Jain tradition, Pārśva lived about 250 years before Mahāvīra and taught a fourfold ethical code comprising non‑violence, truthfulness, non‑stealing and non‑possession. The article recounts Pārśva’s life: born to King Aśvasena of Vārāṇasī, he renounced worldly life at age 30, attained omniscience after twelve years of austerities and preached for seventy yearsimage/file:///home/oai/share/jain_journal_1972_10_520028_std.pdf#:~:text=,tool%20to%20view%20the%20page. He opposed meaningless penances such as self‑mortification and animal sacrifice and emphasised compassion and internal purity. His followers included kings, merchants and ascetics, and he attracted both urban and rural audiences. Jyoti Prasad Jain highlights archaeological and literary evidence supporting Pārśva’s historicity, including inscriptions referring to his four vows and images dated to the 2nd century BCE. The article argues that the sramana movement predates Buddhism and contributed to the ethical ferment of the Upaniṣadic age. By advocating monastic discipline and lay vows, Pārśva challenged Vedic ritualism and paved the way for Mahāvīra’s elaboration of the five vows. The author also situates the revival in a broader socio‑political context: growing urbanisation and merchant wealth created space for non‑Vedic worldviews; increasing violence and ritual sacrifices prompted ethical counter‑movements. Jain stresses that the sramana revival was not a negation of Vedic culture but a reformist current that sought to restore the primacy of ahimsa (non‑violence). He concludes that the enduring appeal of Jainism lies in this ethical core and that understanding Pārśva’s role is essential for appreciating the tradition’s antiquity.
Conclusion
The article portrays Pārśvanātha as a pivotal figure who revitalised the sramana heritage during a time of ritualistic excess. By formulating a concise ethical code and exemplifying disciplined renunciation, he inspired a broad cross‑section of society. His emphasis on compassion over ritual laid the foundation for Mahāvīra’s later teachings and influenced wider Indian thought. The narrative suggests that Jainism’s survival through millennia owes much to its ability to engage with social currents while steadfastly upholding the principle of ahimsa.