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Jainism in a Global Perspective
the causes, resulting in belief (darśana) as the effect.
My reason for doing this is as follows. The Tirtharkaras were the pioneers who propounded the principles. The only available starting point for them was observance of human nature. Hence, for them it was belief of the universe which led to right knowledge and right conduct. On the other hand, today we are much more fortunate in that the self-realised Sages have written down their experiences in the form of scriptures. This leads to a reversal in the role of belief, conduct and knowledge for us. Knowledge is already available to us, being contained in the scriptures. Right conduct too, has been prescribed by the enlightened Sages. Knowing and practicing will thus lead to understanding of the Truth. In other words, the Sages began the quest for Truth. Once they had discovered it, what was their cause with the resultant effect, switched to become the effect and cause respectively of their followers.
The doctrines of the Jaina Philosophy are well documented, so there is no doubt that the knowledge will survive in the 21st century, and indeed as long as people are able to read what is written on Jainism.
But I pause here to make a distinction between the Jaina Philosophy and the Jaina religion.
To me, the Jaina religion is something more than the mere philosophy, which may be an active area for intellectual debate, but alone will do little to fulfil the purpose of its creation. The Jaina religion is meant to guide people to lead a moral and ethical life. This would benefit both oneself (accelerating the process of attaining Mokşa), and in addition, the entire society.
Therefore, to be a follower of the Jaina religion, one not only requires a knowledge of the Jaina Philosophy, but in addition, one has to put into practice those known doctrines, i.e. make them one's code of conduct.
Thus, a religion requires a philosophy and practice. Only by putting into practice what we know, will we be able to achieve the third element of the trifold path of liberation i.e. right conduct.
Only by practicing its propounded principles in day-to-day life will there be sufficient spiritual development to ensure that Jainism survives in the 21st century.
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