Essence of Jainism

Author(s): Sukhlal Sanghavi
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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Essence of Jainism
path of Nivartaka dharma or liberation. On studying this strange: and variegated warp and woof of Indian culture, we can clearly see that in the Atmavādi philosophies of India, all except the ritualistic Mimānsakas are adherents of the dharmas of abstention. The Buddha and Jaina philosophies, are no doubt Nivartaka, but even the Vedic Nyaya-Vaiseṣika, Samkhy-Yoga and Upanisadic philosophies are well-grounded in Nivartaka dharma All these, whether vedic or non-vedic, look upon ritualistic practices as just contemptible. They all look upon right knowledge or knowledge of the Self and the life of dispassionateness based on its knowledge as acceptable and praiseworthy. They further believe that only through this man can free himself from the cycle of rebirth.
We have stated above that the Pravartaka dharma was societyoriented. It is here meant that every individual lives in his society and observes all social duties that are related to his life in this world and all religious duties that are related to his life hereafter. Every individual is bound in debts such as, to the sages, ancestors and gods, that he can be free from them only by study, continuation of family line and performance of sacrifices etc., respectively. It is proper for an individual to ponder over his negligible desires; but a total annihilation of these is neither possible nor desirable. According to the Pravartaka dharma, the stage of the householder is a must for all individuals; and for him no development is possible by trasngressing these.
Nivartaka dharma is individualistic. It originates from the intense inclination of self-realization. It therefore very naturally inspires the person desiring liberation to seek answers of these questions: Is there anything like Atmatattva or not? If yes, what form does it have? How is it related to other elements? if its realization is possible, by what means, etc. These questions cannot possibly be answered in the absence of pondering, meditation, austerity and an absolutely detached life. Such a realistic life ispossible only in case of certain unique individuals; it is not possible that it may become socio-oriented. That was the reason why, as compared to Pravartaka dharma, the sphere of Nivartaka dharma was very much limited. For the Nivartaka dharma, there