Gems of Jainism

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy

Page 68

Reason and Faith in Jainism
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preambles of faith. “It is here that the faith is supported by reason, since such doctrines of faith are demonstrated to have rational grounds, and by extension, the whole of the faith is made more credible to one who does not possess."
Yet, both in East and West, there are traditions that held that there are some religious claims, the strict mysteries, which cannot in principle be discovered to be true by means of purely rational investigation. Such claims or such mysteries are unverifiable and unfalsifiable by any purely rational means. In Indian philosophy and also in Jainism both reason and faith are accepted as sources of knowledge. Reason, in fact, is considered essential for Faith Though faith is considered higher and more important way of coming to knowledge of God, reason is also compatible with faith. In Indian Philosophy and Jainism reason is an important means to support what faith has revealed. This is what we call reason's service to faith. The greatest service reason can offer to divine faith is that of systematic analysis of religious belief and defense against error. This certainly does not means that the truth of faith depends upon rational arguments and analysis.
Swami Paramanand in his book titled “Faith is Power” says that faith and reason are not opposed to each other, they supplement each other. One should remember the difference between faith and belief. Belief is superficial and is easily shaken, but faith makes us strong and steadfast. What one requires knowing, in the present world of intellect and intelligence, is that the Faith is not an abstract indefinite sentiment to be put away on shelf. Faith is necessary for us all. Faith is always understood, and should be understood, in its three fold aspects: Faith in one's owns self, in humanity, and in God. All these three aspects are interdependent and are not isolated.
Faith is always marvellous, one of the greatest spiritual gifts to mankind, because it gives us direct access to Divinity. Indian Philosophy holds that unflinching faith helps in attaining wisdom, which brings supreme peace. Jainism holds that unflinching faith