Essence of Jainism

SR No.: 001537
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sukhlal Sanghavi
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1988
Total Pages: 228
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Religion
File Size: 12 MB

Page 210

Chapter 16
BRAHMA and SAMA
As far as Indian philosophical thinking on reality is concerned, we can state that it has two sources. One is Svātmā - the Self and the other is Praksti- primordial matter, The implication is thta the former is internal and the latter external. “Sama' the element that inspires equanimity - Samatā
In some remote unknown time, man was inspired to ponder over himself. He asked himself : What am I? What type am I? What is my relation to the other Jivas ? He becomes introvert to seek answers to these questions. As a result of his introspection, he realized that he was the element known as life. He also realized that other classes of animals hold the same life-force. Tbis led bim to the realization of his equality with other classes of animals. This realization further led to the introduction of the different meanings and their background in the realm of philosophical thinking and pursuits. This flow of the intellect is known as 'Sama'.
‘Brabma'-its meanings
The other origin of intellect is the external matter. Personswho were attracted towards the various facets of universal matter, its events and inspiring forces, acquired from it the background of poetic thinking and poetry. To illustrate, the poet who accepted the shower of the beart-felt experience of the delighting and romantic vision of the goddess Uşas, sang of her in the saktas of Uşas as a young lady dressed in red garments. The poet of the Rgveda, who, while roving in a boat in the rising waves of and tides of the ocean, was reminded of Varuna, tho presiding deity as a protector and he eulogized Varuņa as all-powerful protector,
The poet who had the romantic experience of the lighting and ir evealing powers of the flames of Agni, composed the mantras