ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 230

Since Jain philosophy aims at attaining the ultimate i.e. state of BLISS and eternal existence in that state; its festivals aim at taking its followers away from the worldly pleasures and bring them back to the path of spiritual purification for moving forward in its journey to attain BLISS.
Thus the distinguishing characteristic of Jain festivals is to consider them as occasions / events in our life which break the monotony of our daily routine life and invigorate us with new energy and thinking so that we can enjoy life and prepare ourselves to achieve our long-term objectives. If we analyze our life sans festivals, we shall find that life is boring and without charm. The festivals e are thus the occasions when we get away from the ordinary and do extra-ordinary things like take stock of our life, and learn new things or do, undertake activities for long term forward movement of our life. Festivals are thus catalysts to provide a new direction, a new inspiration and look into life and world at large.
The underlined theme of Jain thinking is, 'We have been going through millions of transmigratory (birth-death-birth) cycles since beginning-less time and will continue to do so until we understand the nature of soul and give a turn to our knowledge and way of life to attain the pure soul state.' Thus festivals for Jains are the opportunities to enhance their spiritual beliefs by shedding wrong beliefs (mithyātva), learning more about their religious practices and enhancing their conduct to be closer to the stated right conduct in the scriptures. True celebration of festivals for Jains implies enhancing self-control (samyama), giving up sensual pleasures, knowing and experiencing more about pure soul.
1.0 Peculiarities of Jain festivals Jain religion is emphasizes spiritual purification to attain its pure state. Thus they aim at selfimprovement. Accordingly its festivals have the following peculiarities:
a. Spiritual purification It is the primary objective of Jain festivals. Therefore they try to minimize the four passions (anger, deceit, pride and greed) by adopting the three jewels i.e. right belief-knowledge and conduct. They practice nonviolence, non-stealing, speaking truth, non-possession and celibacy. Fasting, meditation, prolonged worshipping in the temples, reading holy texts and listening to the religious discourses by monks and scholars, donating money, food etc, giving up some normal foods or bad habits to attain greater self control and visiting holy places and people are some of the activities undertaken for enhancing spiritual purification.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
Page 217 of 317