Jaina and Krishna- Part 2

This long tradition of twenty-four Jaina tirthankaras is the oldest and greatest heritage in the dimension of renunciation. It has no parallel in the whole history of man. And there is no possibility that any other religion is going to surpass it in any future. It is because gradually the dimension of renunciation is itself dying. So it seems plausible to believe that there will be no more tirthankaras after the twenty-fourth, because renunciation has altogether lost its relevance for the future. However, it had immense relevance in the past. Scriptures say that Neminath is the twenty- second of Jaina Tirthankaras and he is Krishna’s cousin, scriptures also mention Krishna’s meetings with Neminath. Whenever Neminath happens to visit his town Krishna goes to pay his respects to him. It is significant that when Neminath comes, Krishna pays him the visit; Neminath never goes to visit Krishna. A renunciate is not expected to pay his respects to a non-renunciate; it is very difficult. A renunciate becomes very harsh on him; he tears himself away from all relationships and attachments. No one is his friend and no one is his enemy. So the question of Krishna being linked with him in some esoteric venture simply does not arise. Moreover, Neminath is not in a position to help Krishna spiritually, because he is one- dimensional in his approach. On the contrary, Krishna is multi-dimensional. Therefore, although Neminath is very significant figure in Krishna’s time, he does not leave his imprint on history. A renunciate cannot impress history; he cannot leave any spectacular foot prints on the sands of time. 

It is interesting that of the twenty-four tirthankaras, only two, the first and twenty third are mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. About the twenty second, it is guessed that the person named as Gohr Angiras is none other than Neminath himself. Even Mahavira is not mentioned in Hindu scriptures. In fact sacrifice and renunciation means severance of all ties with history. It means departure from the worlds of doings and non-doings. Renunciation is the journey into a space where nothing is made and unmade, where utter emptiness reigns.  Neminath has a great treasure of his own. He has the heritage of twenty-one tirthankaras, the essence of great spiritual experiences. Sometimes Krishna goes to listen when Neminath is speaking to people of the town. And only Krishna is capable of this humility. He was one who is interested in every aspects of life.

Let us understand Krishna to understand Gita

Wishing you all good health & happiness,

Dr. Dwaraka, Director, Mitran foundation- the stress management people