Adinatha
dates unknown, India pre-history
dates unknown, India pre-history
| Adinatha is a unique, mythical name in India’s history. I say mythical, not historical, because history doesn’t account for such things. But Adinatha is like the source of the Ganges. The Jainas consider Adinatha their first master, their first tirthankara. He has two names, Rishabhdeva and Adinatha. He is the first tirthankara: hence adi-natha, the original master, the one who was first, the one who began it. The Jaina tradition was born from Adinatha. In the Rig Veda Adinatha is mentioned with great respect, described in extremely respectful terms. Hence he is also given total respect in the Hindu tradition. The Hindu tradition has not given any respect to Mahavira, they have not even mentioned his name. If there were no Jaina and Buddhist scriptures it would not be possible to know by Hindu scriptures alone that Mahavira ever existed. But Adinatha has been given great respect. It seems that the Jaina and Hindu traditions became separated only later on. At the time of Adinatha they must have been one, no differences were obvious. This is why the description in the Rig Veda shows respect, great respect. And as far as Jainas are concerned, he is their first tirthankara. He is the very foundation of their whole religion. Tantrikas also maintain that Tantra began with Adinatha. And Siddha Yogis also maintain that Adinatha was their first master. Thus Adinatha seems to be the original source. As if all the traditions of this country emerged and flowed from this one single individual... --Osho Die O Yogi Die, ch. 7 |
aka: Rishabh Deva
Adinath is a Sanskrit word meaning "first Lord".
Indian semi-legendary god, avatar, teerthankara, ....
Jain religion considers him the first teerthankara, out
of 24
Hindus also consider him a deity
Adinath is a Sanskrit word meaning "first Lord".
Indian semi-legendary god, avatar, teerthankara, ....
Jain religion considers him the first teerthankara, out
of 24
Hindus also consider him a deity
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