ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 171

3.1 Concept of Existence of Soul and Belief of Reincarnation Jainism believes in the concept of existence of soul as the center of each living being. This soul is polluted with karmic particles from eternity and that this soul will continue to occupy a new body upon death of the present body till it is completely freed of these karmic particles and attains liberation -mokşa. Therefore, in Jainism the importance of body & its health is temporary.
3.3 Concept of Destiny (kramabaddha-paryāya) and Co-factors (five samavāya): Destiny is described in Jainism very differently then commonly expected definition. In Jaina concept one is destined to pain, pleasure, disease, disability, death and so on according to previous and present karmas and their fruitions. This destiny is in one's own control as one's deeds are as per one's free will. Therefore indirectly one can control his/her disease & disability. For any act or process to be completed following co-factors will come in to play:
One's own efforts (puruşārtha) • Proper time (kāla) • Ability of one's own soul (upādāna)
Destiny (niyati) • Association of a catalyst (nimitta)
4.0 Modern Ethical Issues The modern day life style, changing paradigms of pleasure has given rise to many issues. Some of these shall be discussed below with Jain view.
4.1 Ethics of Contraception and Population Control Jainism prescribes vow of limited celibacy for householders and complete celibacy for monks and nuns. For householders 8th & 14th day of every fortnight (4 days a month), complete celibacy is recommended. Householders are also supposed to observe complete celibacy on Jaina festivals like Mahāvīra Jayanti, Mahāvīra NirvāṇaDay, and Paryusana Days. Concept is to teach control of pleasure of senses in order to decrease influx of avoidable karmas.
Secondly each sperm is considered to have life and is capable to produce life. Therefore unnecessary killing of sperms should be considered violence, and therefore limited celibacy
Page 158 of 273
STUDY NOTES version 5.0