ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 82

B.2.2.4
Jain Concept of Omniscience
Br. Hem Chand Jain
Benediction
Mokṣamargasya netāram, bhettaram karma bhubhrutām Jñātāram viśva tattvänam, vande tadgūna labdhayell
INTERNATIO
SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
Faraga
I bow to the leader and promulgator of the path of liberation, the destroyer of the large of karmic impurities and the knower of the reality completely so that I may also realize these qualities.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
1.0 Introduction
According to Jaina metaphysics, our universe is an amalgam of six kinds of substances, namely soul (Jiva), matter (Pudgala), principle of motion (Dharma), principle of rest (Adharma), space (Akāśa) and time (Kāla). Except soul, all the other five substances are non-souls (Ajiva). Thus the whole universe consists of souls and non- souls. Souls are infinite in number, matter (Pudgalas) are infinite times more, principle of motion (Dharma), principle of rest (Adharma), space (Akāśa) are each one in number and omnipresent while time (kāla) is innumerable. The soul's distinguishing quality is consciousness, which manifests itself as knowledge and perception. Distinguishing qualities of matter are touch, taste, smell and colour. All that is visible/perceptible in universe is matter. Soul and mater are both active i.e. have the capability to act and move while the other substances are inactive and just support the actives of both souls and matter. Except matter, remaining all the five substances are non-concrete (Arūpī). Space provides accommodation to all the other five substances.
Here the term 'Dharma' (religion) should not be confused with principle of motion (Dharma). Defining Dharma, Samantabhadra in his famous work' Ratnakaraṇḍa-śrāvakācāra observes that 'Religion is something that takes the mundane beings out of the worldly misery and establishes them in the highest bliss. I will preach that true religion'.1 All the living beings in the universe want pleasure and are afraid of the pain and pangs of transmigration. Jain Tirthankaras have shown the path to remove miseries and attain true happiness. Here, one should know that everything in this universe is independent and eternal. This universe is
1Deśyāmi samīcīnam, dharmam karma nivarhanam. Sansara dhukhatah sattavan, yo dhartyuttame sukhe, Ratnakaranda-śrävakācāra by Smanatabhadra, 112/1
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