Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 006901
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Virchand R Gandhi, Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: World Jain Confederation
Publication Year: 2009
Total Pages: 298
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 5 MB

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- Symbolism that symbol the Jainas show that no one should preach that a certain religion is the whole truth. There is a Jaina saying which means that the six schools of philosophy are part and parcel of one organic whole, but if one is taken by itself, it becomes a false doctrine.
There is another symbol of the Jainas, and that, is the mango tree and six persons. They were members of the same club. They wanted to taste the mango fruit, and went to a mango grove. They approached a certain tree, and one said: “These are very beautiful and very delicious, and we must cut down the tree.” Another said : "We don't want all the mangoes, let us cut the principal branch." And another said: "Let us take a smaller branch." And another : "We don't want even so many; we will take one minor branch that will be enough for us." The last said: "We don't want even so many. What is the use of destroying or cutting the tree : it is a part of nature, and if you can have sufficient number of mangoes that have fallen to the ground let us take them only and not cut the tree.” Some think this to be the symbol of laziness, but it is not. It is teaching the saving of life? It teaches also not to sacrifice too much for a limited purpose. If you have an object in view the means resorted to ought to be commensurate with the end.
I could give you more Jaina symbols, but it would take all out time on one line. We will take some Brahmin symbols. Some are common to the Jainas too.
The Symbol common to all religions in India is “OM”. Which in Brahmin philosophy consists of three letters A, U and M? When these three letters are joined together, by the rules of euphony it is sounded OM. The Brahmins explain this symbol to mean the creative, the preservative and the destructive principles.
When the letter A is pronounced, the breath comes out from the throat, which signifies emanation or creation. The letter U,
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