$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

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

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PHILOSOPHY
B04 - Six Universal Substances I: Jiva or Living Being
• Manushya (Human) beings • Dev (Heavenly) beings • Tiryancha (Animal, birds, insects, vegetations) beings
• Näraki Hell (Infernal) beings It is the kind of Karma bound to the soul, which determines the realm in which a given soul will be born after death. Thus, it is only our deeds and Karma, past or present, which will determine our destiny after death. Human Beings
One who leads simple, straightforward, and compassionate life is generally reborn as human. To be reborn as human it is imperative to observe vows and restraints, have deep faith in true Guru, strive to gain true knowledge as preached by the Tirthankar Bhagawan, lead a life free of strong attachment to worldly things, and exercise a strong control over anger, ego, deceit, and greed. As human beings, we have been endowed with the ability to think and differentiate right from wrong. We can decide what is good for us, and what is not. We also have capacity to control our mind and activities. We can learn principles of Jainism and practice them by adopting appropriate vows and restraints. We can also renounce worldly life (Samsär) and become Sädhu, which can help us lead
to liberation. Heavenly Beings
Those who lead simple and disciplined life, observe vows of Shrävak or ascetic, observe penance, and follow a good moral life are generally reborn as heavenly beings. Heavenly beings have superior physical capabilities, numerous supernatural powers, and access to all luxuries. But heavenly life is also transient. They are also not free of death. Heavenly beings cannot adopt restraints or become Sädhu. Therefore, heavenly being cannot attain liberation from their heavenly life. They will have to be reborn as human beings in order to attain liberation. We may be born as a heavenly being due to more good Karma (Punya). But at the same time we must remember that the
soul will never attain liberation from a heavenly life. Tiryancha Beings
Those who are selfish, deceptive, cause troubles, or wish evil for others are likely to be reborn as Tiryancha. Lion, elephant, bird, plant, bug, etc. are examples of Tiryancha beings. Some animals, birds, sea creatures, and reptiles do have a mind but their thinking capacity is limited. So, they
cannot follow any vows nor progress spiritually. Infernal Beings
Those who engage in violence, lying, stealing, and excessive sensual pleasure or are too possessive, angry, egoistic, greedy, deceptive, or intensely attached to the worldly life are likely to be reborn as infernal beings in hell. As an infernal being, one has to continuously suffer. Infernal beings spend most of their life fighting among themselves, and thus causing more suffering to each
other. Therefore, such a life is absolutely unsuitable for spiritual pursuit 06 Conclusion Among all living beings, the most happiness is found in celestial beings, while the most suffering is found in infernal beings. Neither celestial nor infernal beings can take any vows. They cannot attain salvation during that life. Animals possess only limited restraint and, therefore, they cannot attain salvation. Only human beings can use logic to the fullest extent, can perform austerities, can live with restraint and can do meditation. Thus, a soul can attain Moksha only through human life. In conclusion, we, the humans are the masters of our own destiny. We must not blame anyone or anything else for our destiny. Let us aspire to lead a spiritual life without delay so that we may be reborn as human beings again and continue to progress on the path of liberation.
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015