Jaina Philosophy and Religion

SR No.: 001604
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nyayavijay
Publisher: B L Institute of Indology
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 500
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Epistemology
File Size: 12 MB

Page 452

424
Jaina Philosophy and Religion
Meaning: Though Buddha, Jina, Hrsikeśa, Sambhu, Brahmā, Adipurusa, etc. are different names, the meaning for which they stand is identical. All these different names denote the same Supreme Soul.
Whatever image and whatever name one may accept as means to spiritual perfection, there is no reason for or sense in quarrelling with others, simply because they employ different names for the same ideal and worship different images symbolising it. Not only that, but on that account there should be no adverse change in one's friendly behaviour or attitude with respect to them.
Non-attachment should be the ultimate goal of each and every man. Without sacrificing this main object, Jaina religion respects philosophical views as well as codes of conduct or systems of rituals of other religious sects. This is clear from the following verse:
jitendriya jitakrodhā dāntātmānaḥ śubhāśayāḥ / paramātmagatim yanti vibhinnair api vartmabhiḥ //
Yaśovijayaji's Paramātma Paccīsi Meaning: Those who have control over their sense-organs, have subdued passions like anger, etc., have equanimous and calm mind, and
1. The name 'Buddha' means one who has attained pure spiritual knowledge or is the
knower of ultimate reality. The term 'Jina' has the sense of one who has conquered (removed) all the mental defects beginning with attachment. The name 'Hộșikeśa' yields the meaning 'lord of sense-organs' (i.e., one who has completely subdued sense-organs. 'Hysika' means sense-organs, and isa' means lord). The name 'Sambhu' means the source of supreme bliss. The term 'Brahma' has the meaning 'an embodiment of pure knowledge'. 'Adipurusa' yields the sense of Supreme Soul. The name 'Vişnu' means one who pervades the entire universe by his all-encompassing perfect knowledge. The term 'Sankara' conveys the sense of 'one who causes happiness to others or one who shows the path of happiness'. Names 'Hari' and 'Hara' mean one who destroys miseries of living beings. 'Mahādeva' has the meaning ‘one who shines with perfect light'. The name 'Arhat' means the supreme object of adoration and veneration. rāgādijetā bhagavan ! Jino'si Buddho'si buddhim paramām upetaḥ / kaivalyacidvyāpitayā'si Vişnuh Śivo'si kalyānavibhūtipūrņaḥ //(Author's Anekantavibhūti-Dvātrimśikā] Meaning: O Lord ! You are Jina because you have conquered passions like attachment, aversion, etc., you are Buddha because you have attained the supreme knowledge, you are Vişnu because you are all-pervasive by your all-comprehensive omniscience, and you are Siva because you are an embodiment of perfect spiritual good.