Jainism
The Jain religion recognizes
the fundamental natural phenomenon of Symbiosis or mutual dependence,
which forms the basis of the modern day science of ecology. Life is
viewed as a gift of togetherness, accommodation, and assistance in a
universe teeming with interdependent constituents. Jainism does not
subscribe to any deities. Everything is "self-created".
Jain whether monks, nuns or householders, therefore, affirm prayerfully
and sincerely, that their heart is filled with forgiveness for all
living beings and that they have sought and received the forgiveness
of all beings, that they crave the friendship of all beings, that
all beings give them their friendship and that there is not the slightest
feeling of allienation or enmity in their heart, for any one or anything.
They also pray that forgiveness and friendliness may reign throughout
the world and that all living beings may cherish each other.
What is Jainism?
Jainism is nature in the purest and truest form. Jainism is as old
as nature, which has neither beginning nor any end. The mission of
Jainism is the mission of nature, which is to work for the welfare
of one and all, to rise from the pitfall of ignorance and inaction
to the spiritual climax of infinite bliss and perfect knowledge. i.e.
absolute freedom.
Jainism is a religion based on cosmic principles, eternal principles
on which this colossal machinery runs without any mistake or even
a single momentary halt. The principles of modern science are true
and temporary in particular context of space and time only, but the
principles of Jainism are true for all time, for all space, for everybody
and everything. Jainism throws light on the colossal structure of
universe, its shape, size, origin, purpose and mechanism. It deals
in perfect details with six reals out of which the universe is made.
Everything that happens in the universe is according to the fixed
pattern of eternal laws, which are unshakable and infallible.
Jainism does not belong to any particular sect or fixed dogmas. Jainism
does not say that some particular class will be given freedom and
the others will remain in bondage, it is a perfect form of democracy.
It emphasises equality of opportunities to achieve perfect freedom
and spiritual perfection, be it a highborn or any backward class member,
even the lowest form of life. Each one has the potentiality of reaching
the highest state. It believes that every soul has immense power,
which can be released like the nuclear energy.
Jainism believes there are two kinds of energies, one is the energy
of mechanism and the other is the energy of intelligence. In technical
terms they are called matter and life. (Jada and Chetana). Energies
of gravitation, magnetism and electricity are believed to be three
scientific forces, which sustain the universe. But the subtle forces
of silence and solitude of surrender and prayer, of love and sympathy,
of dedication and determination these subtle forces etc., are manifestation
of the energies of intelligence. It is a rule in nature that subtle
forces of Yoga- (The activities of mind, speech and body are more
powerful than the gross forces of material science).
Two Kinds of Energies
"The energy of intelligence not through mind alone, nor through
heart alone but through the whole of your totality is the highest
wisdom" says Jainism. You should distinctly distinguish between
what you are and what you are not. Jainism starts with the Holy curiosity
to know the marvelous structure of reality and ends in the flawless
perfection which is the combination of Joy, Knowledge and Energy.
The Fundamentals of Jain Philosophy are that (this universe) the
whole cosmos is self-created, self ruled, self regulated and self-administered,
according to the mighty and eternal cosmic law. Every conceivable
subject in Jain Scriptures is well discussed in a systematic and convincing
way that one would realise that if the Jain Doctrines are well understood
and practised, it is certain that the world will enjoy lasting peace
and prosperity instead of present day, world of hatred and violence!
Practically all religions have individuals as Supreme God. Jain religion
believes that all worldly souls possess inherent attributes (principle
qualities) 4 original - infinite knowledge, Infinite Cognisance, Infinite
Power, but wordly souls are obscured by the veil of Karman and when
liberated they can reach the highest state.
Jainism is based on two basic substances: a) ätma and b) karma.
Nine tatvas (elements) of Jainism are based on Ätma and karma.
To succeed in our crusade to free our souls, we must know all about
karma and ätma, and their interrelationship. Here, we will make
a brief attempt to understand the doctrine of karma.
Jains have gone in extraordinary details to describe the theory of
karma. The involvement of the soul with karma has had no beginning.
The soul of samsäri has always been impure, just as gold in a
gold mine. As gold cannot be purified until it goes through the refinement
process, the soul cannot be purified until it goes through proper
purification process of achieving perfect perception, perfect knowledge
and perfect conduct. As long as the soul is impure, it will continue
the cycle of birth and death (the cycle of transmigration - samsära).
The impurities are called karma. There is a continuous interaction
between soul and karma. It is very likely that the most souls will
have endless journey through the cycle of four destinies - dev (heavenly
beings), manusya (human beings), näraki (hell beings) and tiryancha
(animals, plants and all other living beings).
According to Jainism, the universe is everlasting and imperishable,
created by no God and governed by no Higher Being. The universe is
self-regulated. The universe is consisted of six substances (dravyas).
Everything in this universe is either jiva or ajiva or a result of
these two. There are five ajiva (non-living) substances; matters &
energy (pudgalästhikäya), medium (principles) of motion
(dharmästhikäya), medium (principles) of rest (adharmästhikäya),
space (äkäshästhikäya) and time (käl). There
is one jiva substance (soul). Thus, we have six basic substances (dravyas).
The universe is consisted of these six universal substances. All of
the six substances are indestructible, imperishable, immortal, eternal
and continuously go through countless changes.
