$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

SR No.: 000141
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee
Publication Year: 2004
Total Pages: 141
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Jaina_Education, 0_Jaina_education, & JAINA Books
File Size: 965 KB

Page 44

JAIN SYMBOLS should have all three: with right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct together we can achieve liberation. Right knowledge means having the knowledge that soul and body are separate and that the soul, not the body attains salvation. Right faith means one must have faith in the true knowledge of soul and matter and its relationship as defined in Jain Karma Philosophy. Right conduct means that our actions should be devoid of attachment and hatred.
At the very top part of the Jain symbol is a small crescent. It is known as the Siddhashilä. This crescent represents the abode of the Siddhas. It is the final resting place of liberated souls. The dot represents a Siddha. In order to achieve this stage, a soul must destroy all attached karmas. Every living being should strive for this state of Salvation or Liberation.
Symbol Adopted by JAINA:
Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) has adopted this symbol. The Swastika from main symbol has been replaced by the Om (Aum) symbol. In western world, Swastika is not viewed as a pious symbol. Let us see what Om represents:
The Sanskrit word Om (Aum) is made up of five sounds and letters; a, a, aa, u, and m:
• The first letter "a" represents Arihanta
(human being who has realized the true nature of reality and has conquered passions) The second "a" represents A-shariri (Ashariri means a soul without physical body, liberated soul or Siddha or perfected being) The third letters "aa" represents Acharya
(Ascetic who is head of the congregation) • The fourth letter "u" represents Upadhyäy
(Ascetic teacher) • The fifth letter "m" represents Muni (Sädhu
or Sädhvis who practice Jain principles).
Hence, the Om represents a salutation to the five revered personalities in the Jain religion. Om is a short form of the Namokar Mantra.
The text underneath the symbol, "Parasparopagraho Jivänäm" translates as "Living beings (souls) render services to one another".
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JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I