Introduction To Jainism

SR No.: 034405
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: SKPG Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre
Publication Year: 2015
Total Pages: 52
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 1 MB

Page 39

SIXMISASA. INTRODUCTION TO JAINISMUSASISRENSA
Among these six types of Drayas except for the Kaal (time element), other five Dravyas are known as "ASTIKAYA". One that exists and remains in the form of collective expanded element is given the sign of "Astikaya". Dharmastikaya, Adharmastikaya and Akasatikaya are formless and "whole" i.e. it cannot be broken. Whereas Jivastikay, Pudgalashtikay & kaal are infinite & neverending.
ATMA - SOUL ATMA is known as "SOUL" or "SPIRITUAL SELF"
Jain Philosophy gives utmost importance to "SELF" your own Spiritual "SELF" and entire Philosophy deals with various aspects of "ATMA".
Each and every living being of the universe i.e. Three 'Lokas' is known as ATMA or JIVA It is a formless substance, quite invisible and totally different from body, sense & mind.
The existence of ATMA is eternal i.e. It is "self existing without any time limit either of Past a Future.
Series of Tirthankars of infinite Past, Present and endless Future have attained or will attain Purification and Perfection of the Soul by eliminating all karmic Particles of Soul and end the cycle of Birth life span and Death in rotaion to Four modes of life viz Human, cellestial beings, (Deva-Dieties) Tiryanch (Birds, Animals, insects etc.,) and Hellish there are 84 lacs type of modes in which this cycle rotates. The ultimate state is that of liberation or Godliness known as "SIDDHATVA". The prime quality of 'ATMA is Eternal knowledge, Eternal Perception and Eternal inner consciousness i.e. "Real Happiness of Spirituality (ATMIC SUKH) devoid of all miseries whatsoever & attachments. It was only due to Association (evil) of Karmic element that made him full of misery and Painful life experiences.
In Short 'ATMA' is basis of Jain Philosophy and it cannot be contained in words. It is an experience to be felt and it cannot be described in totality. Only supreme Godly souls have realised through their 'Keivalya' and proptogated the knowledge to all living beings.
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919 SISISI INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM DISKASX
'ATMA is subject in itself and vast in nature. Only Supreme souls like Airhant, Siddhas have known thoroughly through their own perfect purified knowledge and realised by self experience.
The ultimate goal of all living beings should be to attain liberation through self realisation.
If fact each and every individual 'SELF" has infinite Pastwithout any beginning that is called AVYVAHAR RASHI. It is a state full of miseries infinite souls started common body. When an individual, one particalar Soul gets salvation or liberation one soul comes out from this AVAYAVAHAR RASHI & enters Vyavahara Rashi & Gradual Development begins.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT - BHAVANA - ANUPREKSHA
To purify the Soul as also to lighten spiritual self, from the heavy influx of karmic particles, Ancestral Spiritual Teachers (Acharyas) have shown methods of Spiritual purification. The first meditational thoughts (Chintan) on Spiritual reflection was undertaken by respected Kartikey Swami. Mahopadhyaya Shri Vinayvyasji has, in its form of "Shanta Sudha Ras" elaborated 12 Spiritual Reflections (Bhavana) and Four Para Bhavanas.
Bhavana means Anupreksha i.e. by Reviewing from inner perception, Spiritual insights get opened and with this inner review (perception) Spiritual path gets new Direction.
Twelve Spiritual thoughts reflections which are instrumental in taking detachment (Vairagya Vardhak) to further heights are given as here under: 1) ANITYA BHAVANA -
A truth (Reality) is realised that Body is mortal & tempory. They are not "for ever". 2) ASHARAN BHAVANA :
An element providing protecion (refuge) to the Soul is not permanent.
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