Gems of Jainism

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

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Gems of Jainism
not introduce, here, the Jaina-religion to you. We rather want to know what is religion according to Jainism. In other word, we want to understand what religion means to a Jain. Again, Jainism being a religion of the East, we will be seeing the whole issue in the light and emphasis of what religion means in East.
Jainism considers 'Religion' to be a way of life. Life and Religion can not be separated. They are not different, not separate and cannot be thought about one without the other. Religion to Jainas, as earlier said, is a way of life. Where there is life, where there is aim and goal of life, the methods or way to reach the goal, Religion is its ultimate path - a way that transforms soul into a higher soul.
Thus religion according to Jainism is not dogmas, philosophies, doctrines or discussions and critical evaluation of the principles. Religion though includes all these above mentioned aspects, is ultimately a matter of Practice and observance, something to be lived as per the doctrines and not to be discussed or to be intellectually understood. Religion is concerned, in Jainism, with dayto-day activity - the actual living of a human being. Activities by mind through its thoughts and thinking, activities of speech through its expression and utterances and activities of body through its deeds and doings - all these become expression of Religion. Thus religion in Jainism is Achāra i.e. the conduct or actual living. The essence of religion, in Jainism, is to experience and realize a state of mind which is equanimous (Sāmai) while dealing with others in course of daily activities and affairs with family and friends. According to Jain scriptures, “Friendliness (Maitri), Activity (Pramoda), Compassion (Karuna) and Neutrality (Madhyastha) are four qualities (Bhavana) required in the foundation of religion” 7 Jainism and almost all great scholars and Achāryas like Pt. Sukhlalji & Sri Haribhadrasuri, give a great importance to equanimity or right faith (Samyakkarana). Jain religion considers the following five, the practice of which obtains a right vision (Smyakdarshana):