ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

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

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Uniqueness and Relevance of Jainism Dr. Shugan Chand Jain
Who is a Jain? Technically the term Jain is derived from Jina, a perfect human being who has conquered the world (cycle of transmigration of soul in birth-death-birth cycle and associated pains) and attained pure soul state. He attains liberation by conquering his sensual pleasures, expectations and invokes the true nature of his soul that is infinite knowledge, bliss and energy to enjoy these forever. A Jain is the one who follows the way of life and path of spiritual purification as propagated by him. Thus we see Jain doctrine is based on the concept of realizing the full potential of one's soul to achieve lasting peace in this and future lives. Jain doctrine talks of non-violence, self-restraint and austerities / penance to achieve these objectives both in our existence in this world and at spiritual purification levels.
We shall have a brief look at Jainism from community, social, economic, education angles and then proceed to see its philosophy and how it can perhaps guide our quest for unfolding secrets of knowledge about our universe, and us and contribute to the betterment of life of all.
Statistics:
Lord Mah vra rejuvenated the ancient principles of Jainism in Eastern India some 2600 years ago. Today Jains are mostly in Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Jains have also migrated to USA, UK and other countries in search of new wealth and opportunities.
Jains are generally very religious, peace loving, non-violent community who value education and hard work to achieve their material and spiritual objectives. As per the recent census of Government of India GOI, more than 98% Jains are literate with more than 50% at least graduates. Thus, we see them in professions like medicine, law, engineering, IT and management while the others are in trade and business. Dean Deepak Jain of Kellog Univ., Ajit Jain CEO of Buffet group, Navin Jain the IT entrepreneur in USA, The Palanpurias in Antwerp controlling the diamond trade, Oswals, Patnis, Walchands, Adanis, Lalbhais, SP Jain etc. are just a few names who speak of Jains and their achievements. Even though they are less than 0.5% of total population of India, it is estimated that they contribute more than 5% of the GDP.
On the social front, they have set up more than 4800 schools and colleges in India, several thousands hospitals and dispensaries, research institutes, orphanages and homes for elderly and destitute. These figures dispel the notion that Jains are mostly self-centered and do not concern about the society and its welfare.
Jains have always contributed significantly towards the arts, culture and other similar activities. rava abelgola, Dilwara temple, Ranakpur, Jaisalmer, Sonj ki Nasi in Ajmer, Deogarh, Gopachal in Gwalior, Ellor caves, Elephanta caves in Orisa etc are shining examples of a disproportionately high number of temples and pilgrimage places built and visited by Jains. Lal Mandir, opposite Red Fort in Delhi is another example of Jains being in the forefront of Indian religions. Now, tma Vallabh Sm raka in North Delhi, Ahi s Sthala in South Delhi and over 500 temples and sth nakas in Delhi alone, are the newest additions in the contribution of Jains in art and places of worship. Similarly the amount of Pr krat and Sanskrit literature of Jains available from the start of 1st century BC is a shining example of the literally nature and contribution of Jains.
Antiquity:
Jainism is an independent religion belonging to the rama ika tradition in India. Buddhism also belongs to this tradition. Jains claim their religion to be eternal. Their texts describe their first tiratha kara/ fordmaker (achiever and propagator of the Jain path of spiritual purification) of the present time cycle, Rṣabha Deva to have existed several millennia ago. References of v trasana, v rtyas, munis and Rṣabha Deva in Vedas and Aristanemi in Mah bh rata take Jainism way back. Similarly excavations from Mohanjod ro and Gujarat show signs of nude Jain idols in padm sana establish that Jainism existed more than 4000 years ago. Historically it exists from the time of Lord
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