Book Title: Gems of Jainism
Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy

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Page 86
________________ Values in Jainism for the Modern World 77 that there is a checking of the inflow of karma and there is an annihilation of accumulated karma knows as Nirjarā For this Jainism prescribes external and internal austerities and practice of penance. Thus, in Jaina phiposophy, we find the deeds - deeds done through thinking, speaking and doing i.e. through mind, speech and body, become significantly important. It is here we will find how in Jainism the 'Values' and practice of the values carry a great importance. The five great vows of Jainism is nothing but the expression of Jain Axiology. They are five great values which if practiced with faith and sincerity, are sure to transform the life. These values are moral and eternal. It was, it is, and it will forever be important and relevant to mankind. We will see all about these values in our third and the last part (lecture). Besides, Jaina religion has its own cosmology, theology, mythology and astrology. Each one is in great details making Jainism very rich in its literature. But at the heart, centrally, Jainism is a religion of Achāra i.e. religion to be practiced, to be observed. Practicing religion means practicing its principles, its values and teachings. Let us now concentrate on religious values of Jainism and their relevance for the modern world. PART-III VALUES IN JAINISM Introduction: Like any great religion, Jainism has its evolution and developed its various concepts, rituals, ethical codes and philosophy. Though, in modern times, less popular amongst the western scholars, Jainism has always, “exerted abiding influence not only on the minds of its devotees and admirers but also on their creations, thoughts, and ideas expressed through administration, art (including iconography), literature (in addition to canonical or other religious texts) and sciences (including pseudo - scientific ideas and practices) "20 Prof. S. N. Dasgupta says "The Jain literature was written in Prakrit and from its general trend one would regard it as a sort of folk philosophy interested in overcoming the moral aspects without any Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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