Adiyen would like to propose another perspective on Jainism during the Pallava era. As a failed historian, I always like to ask myself this question: 'What political advantage did the king have in doing this/allowing this?'
For example, what advantage did the Pallavas and Pandiyas have in allowing Jains to be defeated during Appar and Azhudai Pillai's time respectively?
In the early centuries CE, Jainism had obviously become a threat to the social contract of Tamil society - precisely because (i) it denied married/family life - Jainism has no 'middle path' - you either renounced totally or not at all; (ii) promoted fasting until death through ritual suicide as the highest goal; (iii) preached extreme non-violence; and (iv) built a powerful network of sannyasis throught Tamil Nadu who acted without regard to earthly authority.
Imagine you were a king and more & more of your people were choosing to follow this religion with the above four beliefs. Imagine the impact on society with young people choosing to become non-violent sannyasis who owed obedience only to the Jain body. Imagine the effect of constant preaching against family life and social relationships.
On the other hand, imagine Saivism which developed a well-articulated system that affirmed family life and relationships(even with God - just count the number of relationship words Nayanmars use to refer to Shiva). Which allowed for a just war principle. Which saw in the king a representative of Shiva.
Which would you, as a king, choose? I think the Nayanmars did not wipe out Jainism. They were merely the symbols of a backlash against a philosophy that was threatening to weaken the age-old structures of Tamizhagam.
By the way, did you notice the Vaishnavites were not the ones to overcome the Jains but the Shaivaites. Have you considered why? Shaivism had the advantage of being perceived as the local religion as opposed to the Vaishnavite religion.
For a historical parallel, you might want to explore why the anabaptists were persecuted in Europe in the 16th C. Same principle, different religions.
Adiyen, for one, think that Saiva Siddhanta as developed during the 3- 12 centuries in Tamil Nadu (esp in the Pallava and Chozha eras) is truly a wonderful system and it is a pity it is not well-known.
As much as Mamallapuram and Periya Koil, Thevaram and the ideas it contains are treasures worth preserving and promoting.
To: ponniyinselvan@ yahoogroups. com From: memark20@yahoo. com Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:01:01 +0000 Subject: [ponniyinselvan] Jainism
Adiyen would like to propose another perspective on Jainism during the Pallava era. As a failed historian, I always like to ask myself this question: 'What political advantage did the king have in doing this/allowing this?'
For example, what advantage did the Pallavas and Pandiyas have in allowing Jains to be defeated during Appar and Azhudai Pillai's time respectively?
In the early centuries CE, Jainism had obviously become a threat to the social contract of Tamil society - precisely because (i) it denied married/family life - Jainism has no 'middle path' - you either renounced totally or not at all; Not Necessary " jainism allows marriage and procreation. Otherwise the religion will end. There are many poojas/ vraths forGrahasthas. As in any religion saints were reverred.
(ii) promoted fasting until death through ritual suicide as the highest goal; The Vadakkiruthal was there in Tamil culture also.
(iii) preached extreme non-violence; butactually tried to assasinate Appar and Sambandar on all people who oppsed them.
and (iv) built a powerful network of sannyasis throught Tamil Nadu who acted without regard to earthly authority. That helps the king. The network will ensure that their Government survives. ( as we saw in AP)
Imagine you were a king and more & more of your people were choosing to follow this religion with the above four beliefs.
Sorry. The thevaram says still more people were hindus.
Imagine the impact on society with young people choosing to become non-violent sannyasis who owed obedience only to the Jain body. Imagine the effect of constant preaching against family life and social relationships.
Then Nedumaran would not have married Mangayarkarasi.
On the other hand, imagine Saivism which developed a well-articulated system that affirmed family life and relationships
There were Kapalikas too.
( even with God - just count the number of relationship words Nayanmars use to refer to Shiva). Which allowed for a just war principle. Which saw in the king a representative of Shiva.
Which would you, as a king, choose? I think the Nayanmars did not wipe out Jainism. They were merely the symbols of a backlash against a philosophy that was threatening to weaken the age-old structures of Tamizhagam.
The Jains and Bhuddist became arrogant and were using the king to end Hinduism. That back fired. The Nayanmars ended it.
By the way, did you notice the Vaishnavites were not the ones to overcome the Jains but the Shaivaites. Have you considered why? Shaivism had the advantage of being perceived as the local religion as opposed to the Vaishnavite religion.
Totally wrong: Vishnu is also one of Aindinai kadavul. He is equally worshipped. refer Aychiyar kuravai, Silappdaigaram says kottam for him also. Vishnu was equally referred in pathupattu and ettu thogai.
It is so happened that Nammalwar was before the advent of arrogant jainism and periyalwar after the end of it. ( Thirikadugam ) கண்ணகல் ஞாலம் அளந்துதூஉம் காமருசீர்த் தண்ணறும் பூங்குருந்தம் பாய்த்ததூஉம் - நண்ணிய மாயச் சகடம் உதைத்தூஉம் இம்மூன்றும் பூவைப்பூ வண்ணன் அடி.
For a historical parallel, you might want to explore why the anabaptists were persecuted in Europe in the 16th C. Same principle, different religions.
No Comments - Churchianity will end anything. mayan, Inka, Aztek,Jews.
Adiyen, for one, think that Saiva Siddhanta as developed during the 3- 12 centuries in Tamil Nadu (esp in the Pallava and Chozha eras) is truly a wonderful system and it is a pity it is not well-known.
Again - saivom and saivasiddandam are different. You can be an advaidi and saivan. there is even a separate sivadvaidam. but saiva siddantam is different.
The Saivism practised in TN is a good system.No doubt. But soranai illama poyiduche. Adukku srilankan saivom evvalovo better.
As much as Mamallapuram and Periya Koil, Thevaram and the ideas it contains are treasures worth preserving and promoting.
And divyaprabandam too.
Adiyen
Pallava Nambi Mark Sargunam
Alavarku (Nayanmarkum) Adiyan Sankaranarayanan.
New! Receive and respond to mail from other email accounts from within Hotmail Find out how.