ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 336

SELF BUDYIS THE
comprehension of rich heritage of social, cultural, religious, spiritual and human values in the light of Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra of Ācārya Samantabhadra. Its antiquity, esoteric philosophy and spirituality, ritualistic aspects in practice, literature, language and culture will manifest its contribution to the human values. Jainism is therefore called sramaņism. Samantabhadra nicely dealt with the principle of humanity and human rights in the Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra on the basis of old Jain tradition. Apparently the works of Ācārya Kundakunda and Umāsvāmi have affected his thinking.
Meaning of Śramanism Samantabhadra used the word Śramaņa in the Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra. Accordingly, we can state that Jainism is one of the most ancient religions based on non-violent and humanitarian approach towards all beings. It is an indigenous religion originated and developed on Indian soil with a profound progressive attitude and judicial understanding and philosophical indispensable necessities of the time. Jinas and Tirthamkaras who conquered the senses and worldly desires and attained the perfect knowledge and eternal happiness through observing the right asceticism for welfare of all animate. They are the builders of the ford, which leads across the ocean of suffering. They taught moral causation stating that have a humanitarian attitude and exhaust the bad actions of past by severe practices and asceticism. The only persons who can be helpful advisors in this sphere are those who have reached to a stage of complete moral perfection. Their religion is called Jainism and its followers are called Jains. In early period they were called sramaņas (Ascetics) and their tradition is named as Śramanic tradition.
The word Samaņa derived from the word śama (equanimity), śamana (dissipation or selfcontrol) and śrama (to strive). There is no spiritual improvement without persistent and sincere efforts in the right direction. This has been mentioned in the Pāli Tripitaka and its commentaries at length. Jain asceticism is not a self-torturing religion, but it is the religion of penance rested on right faith, right knowledge and right conduct (Ratnatraya) which is the path of purification and emancipation from all karmas . The etymology of word "Tapa" itself means self-mortification through right actions. Non-violence along with chastity was its fundamental characteristic based on asceticism from the very start. It is not only associated with Tirthańkara Mahāvīra or Nigantha Nātaputta but his predecessors Pārsvanātha and Rşabhadeva also.
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