What is Jainism

SR No.: 006714
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: Champat Rai Jain
Total Pages: 210
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 11 MB

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ESSAYS AND ADDRESSES
The tattvas are seven in number, and arise naturally in the course of investigation. Deliverance of the soul from the power and forces of 'sin' being the end in view, the first thing to know is the nature of that which is to be freed-whether it be capable of being liberated ? Whether it will survive the operation, etc., etc. The very first point for study, then, is the nature of the soul, which, for that reason, constitutes the first tattva-Jiva.
The next thing to know is the nature of the material of which the chains of captivity are made-whether they can be destroyed? whether their destruction be desirable? and the like. The second tattva, accordingly, is what is known as Ajiva (literally, the nonliving, or not-soul).
The next thing to know is how comes the ajiva to approach or encroach upon the jiva? This is called asrava, which is consequently our third tattva. The next point is the determination of the principle or law which regulates the forging of karmic bonds. This is bandha (bondage) and covers such matters as the duration, intensity, etc., of the forces of karma.
The fifth and the sixth tattvas are called samvara and nirjara respectively. The first of these is concerned with the stoppage of fresh asrava. and the second, with the destruction of the existing bonds. Taken together, they deal with the method of liberating the soul from the thraldom of karma. The seventh tattva is concerned with the nature of the resulting state of freedom or liberation-moksha. Whether it be a condition to be desired? what is the status of the liberated Soul? and all other similar questions, which have a bearing upon the conditions of existence in nirvana, fall under this head.
These are the seven tattvas, and they cover the entire field of enquiry. The jiva is held in captivity by the companionship of ajiva and is undergoing all kinds of suffering and pain. How may this fatal companionship be terminated ?-is the one problem of Life which is to be solved. Religion is the SCIENCE which concerns itself with the solution of this problem, and the tattvas are the heads, or essentials, of knowledge under which the subject naturally divides and presents itself for treatment. They are the only subjects the knowledge of which counts for our well-being; he who does not