Soul of Jainism

Shiv Sharma Dr.

Description

Jainism is an off-shoot of Hinduism. But it has its own specific attributes and qualities. This book contains the sum total of the teachings and preaching's of 24 Tirthankers and a successive chain of Jain Acharya's. The book will expose you to the concepts of liberation of soul, non-violence, truth or compassion. It is indispensable to those who are interested in the growth of Indian culture and ethos.

Sujets

• Philosophie et théologie
• Jainism

Informations

• Publié par: Diamond Books
• Date de parution: 01 janvier 0001
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9788128813436
• Langue: English

Extrait

The Soul of Jainism
(Philosophy and Teachings of Jain Religion)
 

 
eISBN: 978-81-2881-343-6
© Publisher
Publisher: Fusion Books
X-30, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-II New Delhi-110020
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Website: www.diamondbook.in
Edition: 2007
T HE S OUL OF J AINISM
By - Dr. Shiv Sharma
Wise Sayings
“A human being has in him both good and bad qualities, but it is self-restraint that will raise him above other creations. It is easy to return good for good, but it is sublime to do good for evil.”
“If you have been insulted, do not utter any word till you are free from its shock.”
“It is equally necessary not only to forget the mistakes of friends, but also pardon those who have been inimical to you.”
“There should be a constant within as to why and where one had committed mistakes and also adopt measures to remain calm even when challenges arise.”
“Self-control will solve the problems that a man may have to face while understanding other’s views and cultivating patience, will surely result in his success.”
“Renunciation is not a passive conformity to fatalism; on the contrary, it requires vigorous spiritual effort and exertion for constant self-purification.”
“Anger represents weakness of mind and the immaturity of a soul. Anger begets injustice, rashness, persecution, jealousy, cruelty and harsh comments.”
Preface
Jainism and Buddhism are the two contemporary religions which have their roots deeply seated in Hinduism. Hence, when we discuss Jain and Buddhist philosophies, we cannot segregate them from Hindu philosophy as most of the tenets and preachings of both the religions are off-shoots of Hinduism.
Jainism existed in a veiled form, before it was introduced to the world as a religion. It has its own specific attributes and qualities which were taught, preached and propagated by Bhagwan Mahavir, (599 BC.-527 B.C.) who was the 24 th Thirthankara. Hence 23 Thirthankaras had proceeded Mahavir - it was a successive chain of Jain Acharyas who contributed a lot to modern Jainism. While explaining the philosophy and teachings of Jainism, one has to take into account the teachings of all the Acharyas who laid much stress on liberation of soul, non-violence, truth, Asteya- Brahmacharya, Aparigraha, compassion etc.
I have tried to discuss and lay open threadbare all the tenets of Jainism. But, where ever I have ventured to critically review any aspect of Jainism, I have taken a positive view. When we compare Jainism with other religions, there are many common and uncommon points which I have highlighted, so as to impress upon the discerning readers, where Jainism lacked and where it took precedence over other religions.
If we look dispassionately and inpartially, Jainism has very few deviations but it has much in common with other religious concepts. Hence, I have tried to compare and contrast Jainism with other religions. Actually, no religion preaches hatred, selfishness, theft, deceit, non-violence, indulgence in worldly luxuries, and Jainism is no exception to it.
Message of Jainism is the same, though its interpretations are different, but the ultimate aim is unquestionably identical. Religion is not a mathematical approach, as it is a sheer matter of faith, devotion and patience. Ahinsa (non-violence) is the core factor and hallmark of Jain philosophy which I have dealt in fairly reasonable details. Variable and dissenting opinions are always existent in any growing religion, hence if a religion remains confined within its four walls and fails to absorb existent changes and opinions, it loses its flexibility and dies its own natural death due to restrictive and rigid approach. I have given reasons as to why Jainism could not transcend local barriers.
Before concluding, I would express my gratitude to all the authors whose legendary works have further added to my knowledge. It is earnestly hoped that this book will enlighten the readers about Jainism and also that it would serve the desired purpose
Dr. Shiv Sharma
Contents
Wise sayings
Preface Jainism Versus Other Religions Life History of Mahavira Legends about Mahavira’s birth Trishala’s Dreams Birth of Vardhamana Mahavira Name - giving Ceremony Events during Mahavira’s childhood Types of Knowledge Wandering of Mahavira Mahavira Attains Enlightenment Tirthankaras who preceded Mahavira Life and events of Parshavanatha Death of Mahavira Different versions about Mahavira’s Nirvana Earlier incarnations of Mahavira Leading Disciples of Mahavira Goshala Monks, Nuns, Laymen and Laywomen Other Jain spiritual leaders Jain Philosophy and other Philosophies Hindu and Jain Philosophy Jain and Buddhist Philosophy Fundamental Truths The First Category Jiva The Second Category Agiva The Third Category Punya The Fourth Category Papa The Fifth Category Ashrava The Sixth Category Samvara The Seventh Category Bondage (Bandha) The Eighth Category Nirjara The Nineth Category Moksha Karma Buddhism and Karma Hinduism and Karma Jainism and Karma Kinds of Karma Interrelation in various types of Karma Twelve vows of a Layman Five Great vows of an Ascetic Ahimsa Vrat Asatya Tyaga Vrat Asteya Vrat Brahmacharya Vrat Aparigraha Vrat Ratna Traya Right Knowledge Right Faith Right Conduct Three Evils and Right Conduct The Jain Worship Shvetamber Worship Private Pooja Jain Festivals, Holy days and Fasts Miscellaneous Rituals and Superstitions
Bibliography
Jainism vs Other Religions
Hinduism is undoubtedly the oldest religion of the world, but Jainism and Buddhism are much older than Christianity and Islam. Hinduism is not considered as a religion as it is a way of life. After the death of the founders of various religions such religions came to a virtual halt due to lack of permissive and pragmatic approach. A growing religion keeps its windows and doors open, so as to let in fresh air, light and fragrance of other religious views. When fanaticism creeps into any religion, the number of its followers takes a downward trend and ultimately it extinguishes and becomes a non-entity.
Roots of Islam are embedded in Egyptian Civilization from which Islam emanated. Prophet Mohammed was an Arab and the Holy Quran is also written in Arabic language. The Arabs had many Gods and deities whom they worshipped, but Islam had only one God, one prophet and one scripture. Moreover, Egyptian Civilization is not a religion like Islam. There is no variation in preaching, practices and philosophy of the Jains and the Buddhists, though some glaring departures cannot be denied and overlooked. But it is a historical reality that roots of both the said religions are deeply embedded in Hinduism. If people accept a new religion, it has to have some novel and exceptional traits, otherwise people will refuse to subscribe to its teachings and preachings.
For the Christians Biblical Commandments are the final word of Jesus Christ, who is considered as a prophet and angel by the Christians whose holy book is Bible. This community does not believe in idolatory, though it is also a stark reality that statues and replicas of Christ and virgin Mary adorn the Christian Churches, but both of whom are not worshipped. The Christians, like the Muslims, believe in the existence of God but neither of them believe in the existence and worship of Gods and deities, as God is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, compassionate & considerate.
Religion and State Patronage
History guides that all the religions in the world prospered and spread due to royal and state patronage. In some countries, states regains were based on a specific religion - this way it can be called as a state religion. The problem surfaced when there was too much interference by the state in the religious affairs of a community or when the state tried to usurp freedom of religion by enforcing its own laws on a religion. There are numerous instances when government functionaries were inducted into religious institutes and the educational, social and cultural organisations, with a view to exerting control over such bodies. There are also instances when the rulers had to seek assistance and support from religious leaders and institutes, so as to keep their authority intact.
In the above scenario a sort of conflict surfaced between the state and the religion. A tug-of-war ensued resulting in dominance of one power over the other. As conflict between state and religion did not forebode well for either of the parties, a compromise formula was worked out, where both the warring groups could follow their own path without interfering in each others affairs. But such a truce was only a temporary phase as neither side wanted to play a second fiddle. When individual gains take precedence over collective gains, confrontation is unavoidable; hence it is an ongoing process when one side uses the other for its personal ends and vice Versa.
The third force acted as a commenting factor and it was the force of money-power. The rich are needed by both the factions, hence they served as a conduit between both the parties. These days it is the money power that rules the roost, hence rich people have become almost indispensable to both the sides.
In short, religion was politicised and commercialised by these rulers and elite class who wanted to ground their own axe, of course at the cost detriment to religion. The concept the Philosopher-states man give way either to a religion dominated political system or a religion dominated by political rulers. So, in one form or the other, religion and politics still continue to influence each other.
Hinduism vs Jainism
Hinduism is like a growing Banyan tree under whose influence many religions took inspiration and grew to such an extent that they developed into pendent religions, even though they branched from Hinduism but, even then, retained their separate entity. The Vedas, Puranas, six schools of Indian Philosophy, Vedanta, Yoga, Upanishadas, the epics like the Ramayan,