Gems of Jainism

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

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Gems of Jainism
modes of Upāsanā or worship are Mantras (Hymns), Murti (image) and Puja (ritual and worship)"0.
About religion, Jainism says that an extra ordinary worship could be through (i) soul, (ii) Guru or teacher and (iii) scripture."11 It talks about three kinds of worship (i) discouraging sins (Duskratāgarha) (ii) encouraging good deeds (Sukratanumodana) and (iii) submission (Sarana) "12
Thus we find religion, in Jain sense, is an activity, or as we earlier said, a way of life, which is devotional, purposeful and goal oriented. Religion, to Jainas, is a way and not the goal; it is a means to reach to the end but not an end, where the real goal is the liberation of the soul from its bondage with matter. Jain religion is highly theistic presenting a perfect theistic system having its popular belief as well as Sadhana leading to a very sound position. Conclusion
We have seen what religion in its general term means, what is its aim and what is its role. How East and West differ in their emphasis. With reference to Jainism as a system of philosophy, and as one of the oldest living religions, we have seen what actually religion mean in Jainism. Jainism, because of its utmost emphasis on "emancipatory self-effort”, “the extreme position of Law of Karma" and "exclusion of Divine Grace” becomes a religion of actual practice - i.e. Achāra. What is to be practiced is in detail mentioned in scriptures but in short we can say all Acharas that lessen the Karmik-veil and uplifts the soul by purifying and leading to a higher stage (Ganasthāna) make a Marga - this is 'Religion' to Jainas.
Part-II
UNDERSTANDING JAINISM
In the previous lecture (Party I), we have tried to understand ‘religion as explained and advocated by Jaina School of thought. Now we will try to know Jainism. We will try to know Jainism as