Education in Jainism

SR No.: 269156
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hemant Shah
Publisher: Hemant Shah
Total Pages: 9
Language: English
Classification: Article & 0_not_categorized
File Size: 130 KB

Page 7

Taking note of the current education system that has undergone notable changes, the change is mainly because of the change in the concept, approaches and values that have changed also. Instead of knowledge for liberation we have technology for physical pleasures and comforts; instead of happiness and divinity within, we have cravings to succeed in a globalized material world outside. The growth of advanced technology, though required is certainly not enough. We need to know that information is not knowledge, and intellect is not vision. Veda says, "The intellectual understanding is only the lower knowledge (Buddhi); there is another and higher knowledge (Buddhi) which is not intelligence but vision, is not understanding but over standing in knowledge." In nut shell, we find the improvement of the current system of education or the removal of the misleading, materialistic worldly approaches in education is an immediate need. For this we will have to adopt and implement Jaina concept of education.
Conclusion
Education in Jainism is integral and intrinsic to Jaina way of life. We know that mere learning facts & figures or information is not knowledge and mere knowledge is not education. Education includes knowledge, vision and sound character. This education is means to attain the highest goal of life i.e liberation. Jainism as religion and a system of Indian Philosophy is a way of life. To live a Jaina way of life is to educate one's own self and develop the higher quality of soul leading towards perfection, and attaining liberation from pain and suffering. Jaina way of life is a controlled, disciplined life where one observes the five great vows: Non Killing (ahimsa), Truth (Satya), Non Stealing (Astaya) Non possessing (aparigraha) and virtuous life (Brahma charya). These vows and the other vows for the householder prescribed in Jain scripture make the life value oriented. Jainism offers a unique epistemology. Jainism talks about Non-absolutism. Truth is always a truth of one of the or some of the aspect of reality. The object of Truth having multi aspects, and truth is not about all aspects Truth becomes partial and relative. Truth or the judgment we deliver is non absolute. This approach has tremendous application towards Tolerance and Mutual understanding. A true Jain will be away from extreme judgments and conflicting or controversial opinions. This again will make peaceful co existence possible. Any talk on any subject related to Jainism is incomplete without a mention of its law of Karma. The base of Jain theory of reality its epistemology and its ethics is Law of Karma. Jainism takes care to see that the life which is full of activities through the process of