$JES 911 Essence of World Religions Reference Book

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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Essence of World Religions
of attachment and aversion continues suffer and binds with new karma. Jain philosophy is ennobling and optimistic, where the soul of man and woman evolves to Godhood when karma or material world has no longer any power over the soul. The ultimate goal of Jainism is for the soul to achieve liberation through understanding and realization. This is accomplished through the supreme ideals of nonviolence, equal kindness, reverence for all forms of life, non possessiveness, and through the philosophy of non-absolutism (Anekäntaväda). Above all, these ideals translate into a religion of universal love and compassion not only towards human beings but also towards all forms of life and environment. The vows taken by Jain monks and nuns are very severe. They involve the elements of asceticism which consist of various external and internal austerities. The external austerities acquire inner strength to stay unaffected by any kind of physical hardships or disease including staying on fast for any length of time until proper food is received, and non-possession of worldly items. The internal austerities constitute a Jain variety of Yoga, meditation, and non-attachment (or complete detachment) to worldly life With regard to truth, Jain philosophy firmly states that the whole truth cannot be observed from a single viewpoint. To understand the true nature of reality, it is essential to acknowledge the multiple perspectives of each situation or idea. We must strive to be openminded and embrace the positive thoughts and vantage points of other human beings, religions, and philosophies. This concept is called Anekantaväda (non-absolutism). Jainism states that; Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Vegetation, the five basic elements of our environment also possess life. However the destruction of one or the other form of life and limited possession is essential for our survival. Therefore, the goal is to minimize the negative impact of our existence to other living beings and environment. Hence Jainism advocates Vegetarianism and against raising animals for food for both, ethical as well as environmental reasons. Jainism is unique in allowing a very spiritually advanced person to move slowly towards his own death by certain practices (principally fasting) under specified circumstances. This is a
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