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The Brahmin and
the Sudra, the high and the low, was the same in his eyes. All could equally effect their
salvation by a holy life, and he invited all to embrace his catholic religion of love. It
spread slowly as Christianity spread in Europe in early dates-until Srenika, Kunika,
Chandragupta, Sampriti, Kharavela and others embraced Jainism during, the first few
glorious centuries of Hindu rule in India.
Mahavira
Vardhamana, by preaching that every fine could lead a life of purity, of right conduct and
love and thus achieve his salvation, wanted to usher in a casteless and classless society.
Hatred or any inferior motive regulating caste distinction is outside the pale of Jainism.
Mahavira always preached that Ghrina (hatred) should be completely eschewed.
It is not necessary to go into the differences of the two sections of Jains- the
Swetambars and the Digambars. Briefly speaking, the Swetambars believe in Sabastra Mukti,
that women can attain salvation, recognize Sabastra Guru and hold that in the Kaivalya
condition Mahavira had illness. The Swetambar Jains holds that Mahavira Swami married and
ruled and had a daughter. They are also of the view that the 19th Tirthankara was a lady
Mallahkumari.
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