|
Jain Brahmins are the Brahmins who follow Jainism. They are known by different names according to the regions they are in India. These titles are Arcaka, Indra, Pandit, Purohit, Upadhye, or simply Jain Brahmin.〔P. 103 ''The A to Z of Jainism'' By Kristi L. Wiley〕 Brahmins have played a major role in the diffusion of Jainism throughout India from the royal ministers like Chanakya and Bhadrabahu to monarchs themselves like King Mrigesvarman of the Kadamba Dynasty and King Bhadra Bhatt of the Harikela Dynasty. Several scholarly works greatly revered by the Jain community even today was composed by Brahmins such as those of Jinasena Suri and Siddhasena Divakara. Even Jain Brahmin laypeople contributed in spreading Jainism. For example, a revival of Jainism is identified in the 5th century BCE when a Brahmin couple (Nathasarman and Rami) donated land grants and made offerings at Vatagohai (Goalbhita) for the maintenance of a Jain vihara founded by Acharya Guhanandin.〔P. 44 ''Publication, Issue 23'' By Asiatic Society, 1968〕 A Ganga Dynasty epigraph at Sravana Belgola reads, There are also some ethnic groups that claim to descend from Jain Brahmins. For example, the Kotila caste of Gujarat claim to descend from the firstborn son Kotila, of Trikam the Jain Brahmin (who married an Ahir woman.)〔P. 45 ''The Tribes and Castes of Bombay, Volume 1'' By Reginald E. Enthoven〕 Some Brahmins declared that Jainism was the best religion for a Brahmin to follow. Their ideas of tolerance were well preached. Haribhadra Suri prayed, "''As Brahma or Visnu or Siva or Jina— we salute all.''" There are also Brahmins historically that were not Jain but offered their aid and solidarity to Jain preachers. For example, when in the 12th year as a monk, Mahavira took shelter in the cottage of Brahmin Svatidatta with a view to pass monsoon months there, and him and Mahavira often entered into philosophical conversations with Mahavira and believed Mahavira was a great monk.〔P. 39 Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira: life & doctrine By Kastur Chand Lalwani, Mahavira〕 There was also Bahula who gave hospitality at his settlement in Kollaga near Sravasti to Mahavira.〔P. 109 Jaina system of education By Debendra Chandra Dasgupta〕 ==Communities== It is even stated in the ''Vikramarjumasijayam'', that Bhima, the father of two great Jain scholars Adikavi Pampa and Jinavallabha, who was a wise man embraced Jainism as he considered it as the best dharma.〔P. 27 ''Epigraphia Andhrica, Volume 2'' By Government of Andhra Pradesh〕 The Sevaks of Rajasthan are of Sakhadwipi Brahmin descent and originally converted because of the promise of their king. The story goes that the monarch was bitten by a venomous snake and a Jain saint said he would cure the king upon the condition that all his subjects become Jain, to which the ruler agreed. The students living in the Osia gurukul partook in this feast and hence although they didn't know the terms of the feast, they honored it and converted.〔P. 885 ''People of India: Rajasthan'' By K. S. Singh〕 Jain Brahmins exist in most regions where there are Jain communities. There is a Brahmin community in southern Karnataka which is traditional follower of Jainism and is known as Jain Brahmin. They have a hostel for students in Mysore, known as Jain Brahmin Hostel.() This community is different from the Jain priests in Jain temples. There is an event in Indian history wherein the Vaji Brahmins of the Vengi region (in modern-day Andhra Pradesh) converted to Jainism. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア(Wikipedia)』 ■ウィキペディアで「Brahmana Jain」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|