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

Page 83

Jainism is predominantly spiritual religion. It stresses on shifting one's perception from outer physical world to the inner spiritual world. By nature no soul in this world is either sinful or religious. When one commits a sin he becomes a sinner. If he stops committing sin and accepts religious conduct the same person is called religious. Great sinners have renounced evil and become religious. If a person determines and makes efforts in right direction he can stop being a sinner and become religious. After being religious he can progress to be a sage and then a supreme-soul (Paramātmā or God). To understand this it is necessary to first understand the concept of divinity as accepted in Jainism.
CONCEPT OF DIVINITY
Deva is Bhagavāna or Paramātmā or God. Here the term Deva does not mean the beings of the divine realm or deities or gods. To understand the concept of Paramātmā it is necessary to understand soul. All the souls in the world are same with regard to their form. Every soul is endowed with the attributes of sentience (cetanā), knowledge, bliss, etc. However, with reference to pursuance, nonpursuance, and accomplishment of the goal of attaining that sublime inherent nature the souls are of three classes - extrovert soul, introvert soul, and supreme-soul. Extrovert soul is that which is absorbed in the activities of the five sense organs. It considers the physical body as him (self or soul) and material possessions and family as his own. It thinks only about pleasure and pain derived from these and considers himself to be the doer and enjoyer. He never thinks of his soul. Such extrovert soul is ignorant, has false perception, and is deluded. Such soul is also called sinful. Such soul considers the extraneous attitudes like attachment and aversion as its own and fails to differentiate between soul and non-soul.
That which considers soul to be different than body is called an introvert soul. It considers carnal and mundane indulgences to be detestable and not pleasurable and partakes only reluctantly. It has discerning awareness of matter and soul. It thinks and acts for soul only. It always endeavours to get rid of the attachment, aversion, fondness, and other vices inflicting his soul and reveals the sublime