The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c12.s13.1

c12.s13.1

In the Hellenistic world during this period the dominant thought forces came from Epicurus (B.C. 341-270) whose doctrine of the "wise man" (corresponding to the Hindu *Ṛiṣi*, Jaina *Arhat* and the *Śākyan Bhikkhu*) taught mankind the blessing of quietism and indifference to public life.³⁴ Equality of man in a world-state was preached by Zeno (B.C. 350-260), whose doctrine of "universal reason" might be easily assimilated to the *jñāna-yoga* of the Indian systems. By promulgating the cult of "indifference to emotions" this Stoic philosopher was propagating virtually the Jaina cult of Mahāvīra.