$JES 401 Jain Philosophy and Practice 2 Level 4 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 31

Chapter 03 - Religion (Dharma) and Its Significance
Concept of Religion "Inherent nature of a substance is the Dharma or religion of that substance". For all living beings, the purity of soul is the essence of life. A soul's inherent qualities include infinite perception, infinite knowledge, infinite bliss and infinite energy. Any activity, which helps an individual to realize and then achieve these inherent qualities, is religion or Dharma. Therefore, to see, to know, and to realize the true nature of the soul is the religion. Anything, which drifts away an individual from realizing and achieving the true nature is not a religion (Adharma). The etymological meaning of the word Dharma, the Sanskrit word for religion, explains this thought very well. Dharma is "that which holds from falling". In other words, religion is what holds living beings from falling into a miserable state (from a spiritual standpoint), and that which lifts life higher in spirituality. Human beings have always been seeking answers to such questions as: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where will I go after death? Who is God? Who made this universe? What is my relationship with the universe? What is my real nature? The Jain literature indicates that there are three ways to find answers to these questions: a) experience b) use of logic and c) Agams (Canonical Books - collection of sermons). In general the religion may be categorized in four parts: a) theology, b) metaphysics, c) ethics and d) rites & rituals. Theology explains who I am. What is our true nature? Who is God? Metaphysics explains who I am not. What is the universe? What is non-living? What is the relationship between living and non-living? Ethics explains how we live our life. What should be our daily conduct? What and how should we practice? How can we purify our conscious mind? How can I remove impurities from myself? Rites and rituals involve praying, adoring, paying our respects to and worshipping the Tirthankars. The real purpose of the rites and rituals is to be inspired to become liberated and free from attachments and aversions. The purpose of prayer is for this inspiration and not for asking for material things. According to Bhagawan Mahävir, religion from a realistic point of view consists of four parts: Equality of all living beings Every living soul has right to put forth self-effort to improve itself and not to be stripped of that right Not to rule over other living beings including humans, animals or all other forms of life All views should be viewed with equanimity - without like or dislike. Everyone has some concept about the best qualities that a human being should have. Each human being strives to exemplify these qualities. For this purpose, an individual puts forth effort. Their effort to achieve these qualities is religion. The best qualities are perfect perception, perfect knowledge, perfect character and conduct, and unlimited energy (Anant Darshan, Jnän, Charitra and Virya). We are imperfect and we want to be perfect. If we want to have the best qualities, we have to believe that they are achievable. The process to achieve these best qualities is religion. Thus, religion is meant for purification of our consciousness and realization of our own nature. How is it possible to practice the religion? According to Bhagawan Mahävir: "Whatever you wish for yourself, wish the same for others". If we practice this simple message our lives will be very full filled. The correct beliefs, knowledge, and conduct are the main modes for practicing religion. Rites and rituals have their place, but only if the main modes are the focus of our life. Beliefs and knowledge are like paint