Jainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago

SR No.: 014010
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain, Shreeprakash Pandey
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 402
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 23 MB

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Jainism in a Global Perspective
outnumbered by Jaina sadhvis and among them many leading figures have emerged who have contributed to the advancement of Jaina philosophy through practice, preaching and writing.
Dr. Vilas Sangave in his paper on "Jainism-the oldest religion", pointed out that notwithstanding limited number of followers of Jaina religion has retained its independent identity as a distinct religion and not an offshoot of Hinduism or Buddhism. It is not only an ancient religion, but has got an unbroken continuity despite it not being a proselytising religion. Its distinctiveness lies in not being a religion propounded by a non-human being or based on a sacred book of non-human origin. Twenty four Jaina Tirthankaras have first practiced and then preached. Dr. Sangave traced the contribution of Lord Rṣabhanatha, the founder; Lord Mahavira - the last Tirthankara along with those of Lord Parsvanatha, and Lord Neminatha in the context of their historic origins. He presented impact of Jaina tradition on Hinduism & Buddhism, and held forth on the archaelogical evidence tracing back to the bronze age of the Indus Valley civilisation concluding the Jaina religion originated atleast 5000 years ago in India.
Shri Shantilal V. Sheth speaking on "Jainism and world peace" stressed the Jaina teaching "Thou are their own master" the doctrine of supreme potentiality and consolation - and flowing firm that the ethical principles of non-violence in its deepest perspective and implication. Establishing the organic link of non-violence with Anekāntvāda, Aparigraha and Equanimity, Mr. Sheth presented Jaina religion as showing a practical approach towards world peace based on love and friendship and spirit of service and equated science plus spirituality as sarvodaya i.e., welfare of everyone in the Jaina ethos.
In his paper on "Concept of God in Jainism", Dr. Jitendra B. Shah pointed out that Jaina religion does not believe in the concept of one infinite, absolute, omnipotent, omni-present and omniscient entity as God. In the sense of extra cosmic personal creator, there is no any such concept of God in Jaina religion. Jaina religion believes in the eternity of existence of the very substance and universality of life and not in any one eternal God. Reaching the highest state of existence of the soul is the divine spiritual concept when the soul gets rid of all karmic bondage. He explains at length