Doctrines of Jainism

Author(s): Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi Godiji Jain Derasar Mumbai

Page 17

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF JAINISM
Dr. B. C. LAW M.A., LL.B., Ph.D., D. Litt., F.R.A.S.B.,F.R.A.S. (Hony.)
I AINISM has many distinctive characteristics of its own
and historically it occupies a place mid-way between
Brahmanism on the one hand and Buddhism on the other. The Jaina motto of life is ascetic or stoic. The path to happiness and prosperity lies through self-denial, self-abnegation and self-mortification. The fundamental principle of Jainism is ahimsa or non-harming, which is the first principle of higher life, which Mahavira inculcated to his disciples and followers. Parsva laid stress on the doctrine of ahimsa. Its visible effect was sought to be shown how the brute creation happily responded to the non-harming and compassionate attitude of men. The attainment of nirvana is the highest goal. The practice of tapas or austerities marks and characterises all the prescriptions, practices, and disciplines in Jainism. By purity of heart one reaches nirvana, which consists in peace. Nirvana is freedom from pain and is difficult of approach.2. It is the safe, happy, and quiet place which the wise reach. An ascetic will by means of his simplicity enter the path of nirvana. He who possesses virtuous conduct and life, who has practised the best self-control, who keeps himself aloof from sinful influences, and who has destroyed 'karma' will surely obtain mukti or salvation or deliverance. In Buddhism nirvana is declared by the Buddhas as the highest condition (paramam). It is
1. Sutrakrtanga, 1, 8.18. 2. Cf. Visuddhimagga, p. 612; Vinaya, 1, 8; Ibid.,
Dhammapada, V. 204.
II, 156;