Introducing Jainism

Author(s): Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 44

INTRODUCING JAINISM
PART II. SOME ASPECTS OF JAINISM
VIII. Free thinking in Jainism
In the evolution of world's thoughts and culture, the Jain literature can supply us material on free thinking and sophistic ideas. Herein lies the value of Jainistic teachings and practices. The Jains afford us many an interesting glimpse of every day life of a section of people of India. They are identified as a part and parcel of Indian life, not only of the life of the monks themselves, but also that of the other classes of people as well.
From his teachings and preachings it appears that Mahāvīra was an outstanding exponent of social equality and justice. He stood both for the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, and for the ruler and the ruled. He did not allow anybody to be exploited and oppressed, but through his principles of non-violence he maintained peace and tranquility in the society with his splendid and imperishable excellence of sincerity and strength.
It is generally said that Jainism is basically a revolt against some of the fundamental issues of Vedic religion. But to me it appears that it is not. At the very outset, it should be borne in mind that Jainism should be treated as one of the ways of interpreting human life and society, and from that point of view it is, in a sense, unique in its nature. Mahāvīra has, of course, challenged some of the fundamental issues of Vedic religion, but they are interpreted in a more straightforward way than were done before. His logic is more mundane and acute than the previous one. And from that point of view it seems revolutionary, but it is really not.
IX. The Constitution of the Universe
The Jains do not believe in the creator-God. To them, the world is beginningless and endless, and no God has ever created the world.
According to the Jain conception, this world is eternal