Jain Philosophy (2) 04 – Ratna_trayi Moksha Märg (Threefold Path of Liberation) Threefold Path of Liberation (Ratna_trayi) The association of the soul with karmic matter masks the inherent qualities of the soul. Jain philosophy, asserts that a person obtains everlasting happiness when karma is completely removed from the soul. Jainism…
Jain Philosophy (2) 03 – Dharma and Its Significance
Jain Philosophy (2) 03 – Dharma and Its Significance Everyone has his or her own individual meaning of what religion is. To some it represents good conduct and humanitarianism, to others, meditation and philosophy, yet to others it may be about ceremonies and rituals. These are all various aspects of…
Jain Philosophy (2) 02 – Pancha Parmeshtis (Five Reverend Personalities)
Jain Philosophy (2) 02 – Pancha Parmeshtis (Five Reverend Personalities) Namaskär Mahämantra Namo Arihantänam Namo Siddhänam Namo Äyariyänam Namo Uvajjhäyänam Namo Loe Savva Sähunam Eso Pancha Namukkäro Savva Päva Ppanäsano Mangalänam Cha Savvesim Padhamam Havai Mangalam Namo Arihantänam I bow to Arihantas who have achieved enlightenment by overcoming inner enemies…
Jain Philosophy (2) 01 – Jain Concept of God and Universe
Jain Philosophy (2) 01 – Jain Concept of God and Universe Jain Concept of God The subcontinent of India, a cradle of civilization, is also the birthplace of three great religious traditions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Jain religion and its philosophy being one of the oldest,…
Chapter 32 – Yakshas and Yakshinis
Chapter 32 – Yakshas and Yakshinis Jains pay their respect and worship idols of Jinas for three reasons: He has liberated Himself and attained Moksha He expounded the path of Liberation To get an inspiration to become like Him The only goal of Jainism is to free ourselves from worldly…
Chapter 31 – Jain Festivals and Celebrations
Chapter 31 – Jain Festivals and Celebrations Jainism has a rich tradition of rituals and festivals. Jain rituals and festivals emphasize the spiritual aspects of Jainism. During Jain festivals, many events of Lord Mahävir’s life are acted out in symbolic form to bring out the message of Lord Mahävir in…
Chapter 30 – History of Jain Sects and Scriptures
Chapter 30 – History of Jain Sects and Scriptures Lord Mahävir’s preachings were orally compiled into many texts (scriptures) by his disciples. These scriptures are known as Jain Ägam or Ägam Sutras. The Ägam Sutras teach great reverence for all forms of life, strict codes of vegetarianism, asceticism, compassion, nonviolence,…
Chapter 29 – Anekäntaväda – An Elephant and The Blind Men
Chapter 29 – Anekäntaväda – An Elephant and The Blind Men Once upon a time, there lived six blind men in a village. One day the villagers told them, “Hey, there is an elephant in the village today.” They had no idea what an elephant was. They decided, “Even though…
Chapter 28 – Six Essentials (Ävashyaka)
Chapter 28 – Six Essentials (Ävashyaka) Jainism is a very practical religion, which helps us in every day affairs of life. Jainism has to be practiced and lived. Jain ethics is meant for all men and women in every walk of life. Contemplation of the soul is the main part…
Chapter 27 – Bhävanä (Reflections)
Chapter 27 – Bhävanä (Reflections) Jain religion puts a significant emphasis on the thought process of a human being. A person’s behavior and his actions are the reflection of his internal thoughts. It is not only the action but also intention behind the action results in the accumulation of Karma. …
Chapter 26 – Leshyäs – State of Mind and Karmic Stains
Chapter 26 – Leshyäs – State of Mind and Karmic Stains Leshyä means state of mind. In Jainism, a great deal of importance has been given to Leshyäs. Our activities reflect the state of our mind. Classification of Leshyäs : Let us understand how a person with different Leshyäs behaves…
Chapter 25 – Ächärya Hemchandra
Chapter 25 – Ächärya Hemchandra Ächärya Hemchandra was born in 1088 A.D. in the caste of Modha Vanik (merchant) in the town of Dhandhuka, sixty miles from the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat State. His parents were Chachadev and Pahini. When Pahini was pregnant, she had a beautiful dream. She…