Gems of Jainism

SR No.: 001803
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 142
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Articles, & Religion
File Size: 8 MB

Page 126

Nature of Salvation
117
3. In 6th to 10th only 2 causes are in operation i.e. passions
and activity. The unbelief and lack of self control are
absent 4. In 11th to 13th only activity cause operates. The other
three are absent. 5. In the last Ganasthana a bondage of Karma no longer
takes place. The state of the Release:
The soul when totally free from Karma, is a released soul and it does not need to be embodied. The released one, according to Jainism, goes to the end of the world. “Relieved of all matter, the soul ascends in a strait line during a Samaya to the summit of the world, as a gourd freed from all filth sinks no longer to the bottom but rises to the surface of the water”17 “Without visible shape, bodiless, but a dimension in space of 2/3 of that which they had during their last existence, they dwell there thence forward into all eternity and enjoy the infinite, incomparable, indestructible, supernatural happiness of salvation."18
According to Jainism the soul released is a soul in state of Sidddhahood. In this state the soul is free and enjoys Ananta catustaya i.e.Four Infinites : knowledge, perception, energy and bliss. The released soul is a conqueror - a Jina and is thus a hero. He possesses all the attributes of God, such released souls have become the objects of worship. What is the state of Soul in or after Moksa? Here the philosophy ends and Theology begins. According to Jaina theology such liberated souls will go to Siddhashila, a mundane place, and will be there eternally.
The absolute purity of the soul is its liberation. Conclusion :
The issue of nature of liberation' in Jainism, significantly, hints certain very important philosophical positions. Let us also note these positions.
The Jaina philosophy of Soul begins with the assertive judgement: 'the soul exists'. Jainism is an Atmavādi