Boddha and Jain Knowledge Tradition in Pali and Prakrit Languages

Summary:- Before writing anything about Buddhism and Jainism and before analyzing their philosophy, it is necessary to take into account the background against which these two religions emerged. This background is that of Vedic religion. There are some thinkers who believe that Jainism is from the period concurrent with the Vedic culture or in fact from the period preceding that culture. That opinion will be consulted in the context of the analysis of Jainism, but here it should be considered that the background of both these religions is that of Vedic religion. The features of this Vedic religion are found in Vedic literature. There were many thinkers who were tired of the complexity of the system of success that later evolved into Vedic religion and considered it meaningless. But it should be remembered that all of them considered Vedic religion and Shruti as the standard. On the contrary, the founders of both Buddhism and Jainism, as well as the various proponents of the numerous sects that existed in Magadha at about the same time, did not believe in Vedic religion. The sects of some existed for some time, remained strong, but later became extinct. On the contrary, both Buddhism and Jainism have survived to this day. Buddhism has already firmly established its place in other lands of the world, beyond the circle of its birthplace, for many centuries. Just as Vedic religion and culture had a positive and negative impact on this religion; So Hindu religion and philosophy were affected by this religion and its philosophy. Therefore, before writing anything about Buddhism and Jainism and their philosophies, it is necessary to briefly introduce Vedic religion and the literature in which that religion is clearly evident. Key Word:- Buddhism and Jainism,Vedic culture, Mahavira, Gautam Buddha, Tirthankaras.