Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 1

SR No.: 008001
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 650
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 15 MB

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vaded by it. Jainism algo agreeing with them on this point admits the Atman-the Soul. Buddhism on the other hands oriticises and rejeots it.
The substance of the world for the Jains is the Jiya or the Living Being or the Soul. This is Atman described by another term and thereby we get the closest similarities between the Jaina system and the Vedānta or the Sankhya system. For these systems, however, the Ātman is co-extensive, with the universe; while for the Jains, the Jiva is limited, and the Soul is in every being, in every object; it penetrates and animates the lowest particle of dull matter.
In another instance also, Jainism displays an affinity with the other orthodox religions. In the later system, as well as, in the earlier ones the notion of Quality disappears in some measure absorbed by the notion of substance.
According to the Jains, not only the Jiva and the Matter are substances but also Time and Space as well as Dharma and A-dharma. Invain will you search elsewhere than in Jainism for the theory which thus considers as substances Dharma (or Righteousness ?) and its opposite*
* These two substances-Dharma and A-dharma-art all throughout by the Western scholars of eminence like Dr. Jacobi and others, and by the Indian scholars like Prof. Manila Nebhoobhāi, interpreted incorrectly as here and hence they betray their ignorance,
Dharma, though in a popular sepse means, merit, and A-dharma, demerit-they are here taken as substances. "Dharma is a material force in the universe by which alone, the act of niovement is possible. From the swiftest movement of electricity to the slowest movement imaginable, it is through “ Dhartha" that it is possible. Nothing in nature has in itself the power of movement, which only comes through the aid of Dharma-being one of the elements of Nature.