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The Jaina Idea of Universe
Prof. M. S. Ranadive
In metaphysics, man through different ages and stages of philosophy has observed the self and the non-self. He has always tried to give importance to the one or the other or to strike a sort of compromise between the two. He has formulated either one substance, like the Brahma of the Vedāntist or the matter of the materialist or else many substances like the Samkhya. Jainism takes its stand upon a common sense basis, which can be varified by everyone for himself. Jaina metaphysics divides the Universe into two everlasting, uncreated, coexisting but independent categories (i) Jiva (the soul) and (ii) Ajiva (the non-soul). Logically it is a perfect division and unassailable. The soul is the higher and the only responsible category. Except in its perfect condition in the final stage of Nirvana (liberation), it is the always in combination with matter. The body (the non-soul---Ajiva) is the lower category, and must be subdued by the soul.
According to Jainism, the Universe is uncreated and existing from eternity though undergoing modifications. Any object of knowledge that exists is called Artha which must be associated with Dravya (substance), Guna (quality) and Paryāya (modification). A substance exists in its own nature and has its own attributes and modifications. Moreover, it is united with Utpada or Sambhava (origination). Vyaya or Nāśa (destruction) and Dhrauvya or Sthiti (permanence), which are at one and the same time? One modification of a substance originates and other one vanishes; but the substance remains the same. Viz., the golden ring is changed into a new form called an earring, one form vanishes and the other one originates; but the substance gold remains the same.
Substance is divided into (1) Jiva (soul) and (II) Ajiva (non-soul).
1. Jiva-Soul is the central theme in the Jaina system. The soul is not created by anybody, nor is anybody created by the soul. It is essentially an unit of Cetana (consciousness) and Upayoga (conation). The soul is eternal but not of a definit size, since it contracts or expands according to the dimension of the body in which it is incorporated for the time beings. Souls are classified under two principle heads : Sansări (mundane) and Mukta (liberated). Liberated souls will be embodied no more; they have accomplished absolute purity; they dwell in the state of perfection in Nirvana at the top of the universe and have no more to do with worldly affairs. Mundane souls are the embodied souls of living beings in the world and still subject to the Cycle of Birth. Mundane souls are Sthāvara (immobile) and Trasa (mobile).
1. 'तं परियाणहि दब्व तुहुँ र गुणपज्जयजुत्त ।
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जैन दर्शन मीमांसा
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