Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

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to embodiment. The soul in Jainismi as in most of the Indian systems, is the factor which polarizes the field of matter and brings about the organic combination of the elements of existence. The Jains do not deny the existence of soul as an external substance with consciousness as its fundamental attribute. The soul is eternal by its very nature. It is one of the six substances. It is susceptible to the influence of karma which consists of acts that produce effect on the nature of soul.
Knowledge, faith, and virtue signify the comprehensiveness of Jainism as taught by Mahavira. Knowledge means right knowledge; faith, right faith; and virtue, right conduct. These three .constitute the path to moksa or salvation. Knowledge as represented in the Jaina canon is rather religious vision, intuition or wisdom than knowledge in a metaphysical sense.
KNOWLEDGE – FIVE KINDS In Jainism there are five kinds of knowledge. Of them kevala is the highest or unlimited knowledge The right faith consists in an insight into the meaning of truths as proclaimed and taught, a mental perception of the existence of the system as propounded, a personal conviction as to the great