Jaina Ethics

SR No.: 001334
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dayanand Bhargav
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 314
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Principle
File Size: 15 MB

Page 31

Faina Ethics These seven fundamentals of Jainism, it will be seen, are the corrolaries of the famous doctrine of Karman, on the foundation of which not only the edifice of Jaina ethics but of all ethical systems of India stands. As you sow, so shall you reap' is the most fundamental doctrine of all ethical systems. Man is the architect of his own fate. It is this belief which holds him responsible for his own miseries and happiness. It is this belief again, which inspires him to ethical considerations in his conduct. The brief sketch of seven fundamentals of Jainism, which is given here, is a bit difficult to grasp at the beginning and shall be dealt with in detail in the following chapter. But before that, the basis of these principles viz. the doctrine of Karman, should be examined now and here, because of its supreme importance for any ethical discussion. Doctrine of Karman ko
What is known as the law of cause and effect in the sphere of physical science is known by the name of karmasiddhānta in the sphere of ethics. It is not possible to behave in a particular way and escape its concommitant result. Similarly, no result ensues without a corresponding action. No effort, however small, goes for nought. We do not meet any result, which is not justified by our own past doings. This, in short, is the doctrine of karman, which is accepted by Brāhmaṇical, Buddhistic and Jaina schools of thought. But even this doctrine of karman has not gone unchallenged in the history of philosophy. We shall refer to some objections to the doctrine of karman at the end of this chapter. Herebelow we give a description of some schools of thought, which hold different factors to be responsible for our miseries and pleasures. We shall also try to explain the Jaina attitude towards these schools.
Different schools y g
The Svetāśvataropanişad gives a beautiful summary of the various schools of thought regarding the causes of misery and happiness prevalent in ancient India. It enumerates seven schools of thought which give prominence to either one or the other of the following factors :