Introduction to Jainism and its Culture

SR No.: 001605
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 334
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Culture
File Size: 21 MB

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THE FORM OF JAINISM
Jainism is basically a soul-based religion or a spiritual religion. All its contemplation is soul-centric. Its whole metaphysical system, even while exposing secrets of the complex structure of the universe, is aimed only at the ultimate goal of self-realization. All its code of conduct and whole methodology of purification of thought is directed at revealing the sublime form of soul. This spiritual knowledge of Jainism is the paranormal science that throws light on the subtle secrets of the inter-relation between soul and non-soul (matter) and the scientific process of disunion of the two.
This universe is made up of six entities. The names of these six entities are -- being, matter, dharma (the principle of motion), adharma (the principle of rest), space, and time. Of these only the being is sentient (living) and all others non-sentient (non-living). All these entities exist since time immemorial and will continue to exist always. None of these is ever non-existent or destroyed and there is no reduction or increase in the quantum of any of these. The process of integration and disintegration of ultimate particles (paramāņu) is responsible for the creation of this physical universe. The evident diversity of the world of the living is due to the bondage between soul and matter. The attributes of a being are sentience (cetanā) knowledge, bliss, etc. The attributes of matter are form, taste, smell, touch, etc. The principle of motion is the passive cause of motion in beings and matter. The principle of rest is the passive cause of rest in beings and matter. The space entity provides locus for existence to all entities. The time entity is the determinant of the transformation of all entities. Each entity is the performer of its own transformations and not that of other entities. However, they are merely motive causes of transformations in each other. This principle of cause and effect is the basis of the framework of entities.
An entity has attributes (guna) and modes (paryāya). Attributes are eternal and indestructible but the modes are created and destroyed every moment. Thus with reference to attributes an entity is permanent and with reference to modes it is ephemeral. This permanence and impermanence is relative. Neither some person created this universe nor was it created at some specific moment. This universe is never completely destroyed. It only transforms. When paper is burnt it turns
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