Introduction To Jainism

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: SKPG Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

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****3*3*** INTRODUCTION TO JAINISMS
all the angles. If this is done, if a person views the things from the view point of others, not insisting upon his own version, half of the controversy and quarrels will come to an end and the world peaceful. This noble thought is explained by Jainism through the principle of "Anekantavada". Most of the problems and controversies find solution when an event or opinion expressed by opponents like mother-son, husband-wife, mother in law and daughter in law, employer employee, workers of two parties, public leader, government and mass public, officials (Bureucrats) and public, two states or two countries, are viewed by them with optimistic approach is Anekantvad. Jainism has explained liberal & tolerant attitude towards views held by others, through the idealistic principle of Tolerance. Practise of Anekantvad has the power to initiate harmoy in the world.
DIGAMBAR SECT
Digambar : It is said that one whose attire is nothing but sky are called as 'Digambar'.
The monkhood in the Digambar sect of Jain is very tough In external appearance, there is total nakedness (uncovered body), Total isolation in life as far as possible, they stay in forest, one time consumption of Food & Water, and that too is standing posture. While collecting consuming, food they spread their hand together forming "Anjali" and observe strict rules as per procedural guidelines. They do not use utensils of any type. Besides, if a person offering food is not aware of the Do's & Don't's or procedure, in that case, monk seeking food, holds fast for that day, that too, silently without any expression. The stages of life during monkhood Elak, Kshullak, and for females they are called Arjika (Aryaji) They can put on only one white piece of cloth. The first step towards attaining liberation (Moksha) is attainment of SAMYAK DARSHAN (Right perception). Once that is attained, it puts near end to cycle of continous Birth - Death in different modes of life, (Bhava Bhramana) and ensures Salvation. They have faith in this aspect of Philosophy.
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INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM IS
FAITH, WORSHIP DEVOTION & RITUALS
To get realistic idea of soul (AATMA), Importance is given to studies of scriptures, recital of verses (Swadhyay), pondering on spiritual thoughts hearing interaction, or sermons - lecture (Satsang). Nevertheless, it is equally important to have regular Darshan of idols of Tirthankaras, hearing of sermons of Jineshwara too. Every morning, idols of Jineshwara are worshipped by pouring pure water on idols, (Abhishek). Prashak (without any voilence). Eight type of items like pure water (Lifeless) sandalwood powder in paste form, (Chandan Sukhad), corns of whole rice (Akshat), Flowers, offerings (Naivadya), Light Lamp (Deep) scented fire stick/powder (Dhoop) & Fruits are offered. All places of pilgrimage, Acharya, Upadhyaya are remembered with great devotional thoughts and worshippned (Ardhya) by Aarti.
PROCEDURE OF WORSHIP (PUJA VIDHAN):
During festival of "Dasha Lakshana Paryushana Parva" process of constitutional directives, (Vidhana) by Dashalakshana Dharma Mandala is performed. Thrice In a year during "Astanhika, Five Meru & Nandiswaradham are also being performed. Besides on separate occasions, 64 Riddhi Mandala, Panchaparmesthi vidhaan, Panch kalyanakk mandala, Indradwaja vidhan etc. are also performed.
PILGRIMAGE PLACES
Among places of pilgrimages, besides Sammetsikhar there are many other places Viz Champapuri, Pawapuri, Girnar, Kumbhojgiri, Gajpantha, Moolbidri, Mangitungi, Shravana Belgoda,
etc.
DISTINCT FEATURE OF DIGAMBAR SECT.
Among four modes of life, attainment of Moksha is possible only in human mode. Liberation too is possible only if human being concerned accepts Monk life with due commitment to observe avowed do's & dont's in the form of Five great vows
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