The Eary Faith of Asoka

Shri Bharatvarshiya Digamber Jain Teerth Sanrakshini Mahasabha, New Delhi is reprinting the book 'The Early Faith of Asoka' written by Edward Thomas, published in 1876. The book establishes the fact that Buddhism was an offshoot of Jainism. The book is a historical find and of great importance to the Jains because it brings to light the forgotten inscriptions at Gimar, the final resting place of Moksha (Nirvan) in Gujarat. The rock inscription at Gimar, (2nd Cover) and edicts of Asoka (3rd & 4th Cover) confirm beyond doubt Lord Neminath's teachings of Jains. Gimar inscription also confirms that Girnar belonged to Jains from time in memory.

Jains have always practised and believed that Digamber Jains have an age old tradition of worshipping the footprints (Charans) of their Gods (Tirthankaras) from time in memory and this tradition is unique to Digamber Jains. In no other religion the footprints of Gods are carved in marble stones and worshipped. In Hindu and Buddhist temples and shrines there is no tradition of carving of footprints of Gods or worshipping the footprints. Digamber Jains have shrines all over India prominently at Shikharjee Parasnath (Bihar) and at Pawapuri (Mahavira) Footprints) and have been worshipping them for thousands of years and even from pre-Christian times.

Footprints of 22" Tirthankara at Gimar are clear and no amount of camouflaging can hide them. The truth has a uncanny habit of unfolding itself. The footprints of Neminath have been established beyond doubt. This is in continuation of Dig amber Jains age old tradition and no amount of denial can disprove this truth.

Lord Krishna of Hindu Avtar, was son of Vasudeva and Devki. Samudra Vijay was the elder brother of Vasudeva. Lord Neminath (22" Tirthankara of Jains) was the son of Samudra Vijay. Jains cannonical literature (Harvansh Purana) establishes this beyond doubt and this fact is established and accepted historically as well by Hindus. Thus it is a undeniable fact that Lord Neminath is a historical personality dating in the times of Lord Krishna. Hindus accept the fact that Lord Krishna is more than 2 thousand years earlier to Christian era. We are giving a Replica of Girnar inscription on the rock of Girnarji as found by National Museum, New Delhi as per their Archives record. This book is being reproduced without any addition and deletion as was printed in 1876 by Edward Thomas except the Preface and Note regarding the book. We are also adding the photographs of Charans of Lord Neminath at Gimar.

We are thankful to Prof. M. L. Jain, retired Professor of Delhi University for writing a precious Note of this book. He advises us in Teerth Sanrakshini Mahasabha and Digamber Jain Mahasabha publications. We are also thankful to Ms. Neetu Jain for designing the book.

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