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
At the death when Body A lies dead all have left it alone hense death came. The five perceptions remain intact but cannot work while if donated eye can work, skin, kidney, heart all can work in the other body if transplanted. This confirms that senses did not die or live. It was something else which perceived through this left over machine or medium. That knower is considered as the Soul the equipotent supreme in all the living beings of Vegetation, Animal and Protist worlds. That knower is spreaded throughout the formor body of the living being and perceives, neither body nor mind can perceive.
Whole of the life while awake, the body feels the demands through desires which direct the senses to feel the external world. But no desires appear when sleep over takes, though body keeps alive. This clearly shows that the originator of desires has taken rest who commands the senses. That is called as Mind- the external Mind, because it commands the senses towards the external world. Its location is considered by the Jaina Sages in the upper part of body (Heart and Head). When the external mind rests either in sleep or in Meditation and Yoga, the internal mind keeps awake and contacts with the soul. If through Meditation its union with Soul is enhanced it appears strong as an eight petal lotus in heart. An inward journey begins & the Soul awekens. Memory sharpens and spiritual elavation starts. Body slowly looses its demands & even telepathy & the sixth sense" as they call it, develops. Jinas achieved Kevaljñāna through such journey in utter purification and showed the world path for salvation. It is now that the equipotent soul unites. Love prevails. Compassion springs out as a fountain from hearts and harmony prevails.
Since the mind disappears with death, hence its formation should start from the very beginning of life.
To shape mind therefore, it is very much necessary, to care for it, at the very pre-natal stage as advised under the ancient Indian Culture.
All the living entities in nature, who possess responsiveness and moods, along with memory, do carry mind.
They all perceive pain through their limited sense organs, and desire for ease and happiness.