ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 277

SCHOOL
TIONAL
OF
TAN STUDIES
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY,
Living being is independent encompasses the independence of each living and human being.31 An entity is accompanied with origination, destruction and permanence. Its transformation is self generated and other entities are not responsible for it.32
All living being can attain the status of supreme soul of paramātmā i.e. attain bliss through their own efforts. The first statement in the charter of the human rights says that a human being is with the faculty to think and has self consciousness. Jains also believe that each living being is with consciousness and its manifestation as perception and knowledge.
Jains define jīva (living beings) are defined as saini i.e. with the faculty to think. It has consciousness and its manifestation as knowledge. It has faculties to smell, taste, and touch and hear through its sense organs33 as Jains believe that such beings are with five senses. 34 Jiva has consciousness and the capability or its manifestation i.e. with knowledge and perception.35
Jains do not believe in independence without any limits. Jains do keep in mind the independence of other beings also. This fact brings forth the concept of ahimsa which emphasizes friendship and brotherhood towards all living beings.
Pancastikaya says that the nature of human being is consciousness and its manifestation. Human, sub-human, heavenly and hellish beings are with five senses.
bāvā jivädiya jivaguņa cedana ya uvaogo suranarayariya, jivassa ya pajjyä bahugā3
Utträdhyayan Sutra says:
31 Pancastikāya verse 16-19, 27
32 Kätikeyanuprekshā. Verse 217.
33 Tattvärthasūtra II.24
34 Paňcastikāya verse 16
35 Ibid 12/8, 9
36 lbid 16
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0