Chapter 28 – Jain Ägam Literature Introduction In most of religions, there is one or more main scripture books. Hinduism has the Gitä and 4 Vedas, Christians have the Bible, Muslims have the Koran, Persians have the Avesta, Sikhs have the Guru Grantha Sahib, and Buddhists have Tripitikas. Likewise, Jains…
Jain Philosophy (2) 27 – Jain History
Chapter 27 – Jain History Introduction It is difficult to cover the history of Jain religion with in the scope of this book, but we will attempt to briefly out line the salient features. Indian culture consists of two main trends: Shramanic and Brahmanic. The Vedic traditions come under the…
Jain Philosophy (2) 26 – Anekäntaväda III – Five Samaväya (Five Causal Factors)
Chapter 26 – Anekäntaväda III – Five Samaväya (Five Causal Factors) Introduction: Who is responsible for the events that occur in the world? Hegel said it is history. Marx said it is “the system.” Various views have been propounded to explain the occurrence of events. These theories put forward mutually conflicting…
Jain Philosophy (2) 25 – Anekäntaväda II – Pramäna, Naya and Syädväda
Chapter 25 – Anekäntaväda II – Pramäna, Naya and Syädväda Introduction Logic broadly means the study of the structure and principles of reasoning or of sound arguments. In the west, it also includes certain other meanings all related to different meanings of a Greek word “logos”. Logic is of prime…
Jain Philosophy (2) 24 – Anekäntaväda I – Theory of Multiplicity
Chapter 24 – Anekäntaväda I – Theory of Multiplicity Introduction Modern day logic is defined as the study of principles and method of argumentation. An argument in the system of logic is a set of statements. Jain logic is ancient. Its roots can be traced to the Holy Scriptures in…
Jain Philosophy (2) 23 – Fourteen Gunasthäna (Stages of Spiritual Development)
Chapter 23 – Fourteen Gunasthäna (Stages of Spiritual Development) Introduction In the book “Outlines of Jainism” Shri J. L. Jaini defines that: “In Jainism fourteen stages are indicated through which the soul progresses from an impure state to the final pure state of liberation (Siddha). The psychical condition of the soul…
Jain Philosophy (2) 22 – Shad Sthänaka (Six Fundamental Truths)
Chapter 22 – Shad Sthänaka (Six Fundamental Truths) Introduction: A true religion helps to liberate the Soul from the worldly cycle of birth and death. The entire Jain philosophy revolves around Right Faith (Samyag_darshan, Samyaktva, Samyag_drashti, Samakit). Right faith is in fact its basis. Without right faith, efforts to attain Moksha…
Jain Philosophy (2) 21- Punya and Päp (Virtuous Karma and Non_virtuous Karma)
Chapter 21- Punya and Päp (Virtuous Karma and Non_virtuous Karma) Introduction There are three types of inner aspects (Bhäva) – pure (Shuddha), virtuous (Shubha) and non_virtuous (Ashubha). The most desirable Bhäva is the pure one, which is devoid of any attachments or desire of accomplishment. This Shuddha Bhäva can exist…
Jain Philosophy (2) 20 – Theory of Karma
Jain Philosophy (2) 20 – Theory of Karma Introduction The Doctrine of Karma is a direct outcome of the extension of the age_old and well_established principle “as you sow, so you reap” to the spiritual sphere. In other words, this doctrine is nothing but an extension of the physical phenomenon…
Jain Philosophy (2) 19 – Nirjarä and Moksha (Eradication and Liberation)
Jain Philosophy (2) 19 – Nirjarä and Moksha (Eradication and Liberation) Nirjarä (Eradication of Karma) Every worldly soul happens to be confined (not free). The imprisonment is due to the bondage of Karma (Bandha). To be free, Jiva has to eradicate the Karma by which he is bound. The process…
Jain Philosophy (2) 18 – Samvar (Prevention)
Jain Philosophy (2) 18 – Samvar (Prevention) Samvar (Prevention of Karma) The process of stopping the influx of Karma is called Samvar. Pure(Highly spiritual) internal state of the soul causes the restraint of the mental, vocal and bodily activities which in turn inhibits the inflow of karmic matter(Samvar). The higher…
Jain Philosophy (2) 17 – Bandha (Bondage of Karma)
Jain Philosophy (2) 17 – Bandha (Bondage of Karma) Bandha (Bondage of Karma) Process of Bondage Karma particles attracted to the soul by Ashrav and then they get attached (bonded) to the soul. This process is called bondage of Karma. The main reason for the bondage is Mithyatva (ignorance), Kashäya…
