Introduction To Jainism

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

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****3*3*** INTRODUCTION TO JAINISMS
world except that of getting liberation. This type of death of householder Shravak or Monk is called "PANDIT MARANA" OR "SAMADHI MARANA", guaranteeing Either Liberation or at least divine celestial life in Urdhva Loka limiting number of cycles (Bhava) of Birthlife-Death to minimum 3 or 5-15 (maximum).
Kashaya Anger, Pride, Deceipt, Greed the 4 main kashays subdivided into four stages totaling 16, added with 9 Nokashayas of Charitra Mohaniya, when summed up with 3 of Darshan Mohaniya make 28 characteristic (Prakruti) of Mohaniya (karma) which creates main obstacle & blockage to Keiwalya & thereby Moksha.
14 Dreams Preceeding conception & birth of Tirthankara are seen-experienced by his mother. They are Elephant, Ox', Lion etc. last one being fire flames. These are indication of extra ordinary qualities of Tirthankaras.
Ashta Mangal:
Swastik, Mini Pot (Kalash), Twin fishes/Matsya (Meen Yugala) etc. totaling eight are considered as Auscipicous. They remove all miseries, harmful experience, protecting from ulterior mode of life in next birth, called Durgati Nivaran and Sadgati Prapti i.e. Attainment of better mode of life in next birth.
SADHARMIK BHAKTI, SAHAY, SWAMIVATSALYA
Ancient Acharyas have considered as one of the duties of Shravakas to perform Shravakachar i.e. to help, worship and shower affection towards fellow Shravakas, following common lifestyle, as prescribed, for householders by Tirthankaras and spelt out in Agamas being followed in succession accordingly under guidance of Monks. To provide medical help and assistance to fellow Shravaks suffering various ailments, financial and allied assistance on educational field to the needy, and to provide or arrange employment, to meet livelihood smoothly, thereby taking proper care for their comfortable living as one of the primary duties Besides, religious & spiritual aspect of worship lies in providing means to create interest in spiritual feild and performing functions of Shravaks such as arranging pilgrimage to various Tirthsthans. Tirthyatra is also one of the kind of holy fellow worship.
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Celebration of festivals of Diksha, Pratistha, Mass 'Swami Vatsalya' at Sangh level, where all fellow Shravaks take lunch together during post Samvatsari period, "get together" and develop & strengthen fellow feelings.
JAIN SHALA (PATHSHALA), JAIN EDUCATION AND JAIN PHILOSOPHICAL & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
To provide education on Jainism to knowledge seekers, spiritual activists, youngsters, children of Jain community, Jainshalas (Pathshalas) Educational Institutes on Jainism, Education Board etc. are operated, conducted by different sub sects. in various states and languages.
Some of the Universities, colleges and Institutes conduct Certificate & Diploma course on Jainology, There are also arrangements in certain University to provide facilities to study on Jainology by conferring M.A. and Ph. D. on Jainology courses.
Generally Jain Shalas (Pathshalas) are run by Sangh, Trust of Derasars & Upashrayas and such other organizations. In foreign countries too, Jain centres arrange for their children - students education on Jainism.
A noble and great contribution is made by "Look & Learn" and MAGIC TOUCH" and such other specialized institutions and they also function in nice and efficient manner to provide education on Jainism.
Vishwa Bharati Laadnu, Jain university Arrah, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, Amdavad, Jainology (Mumbai university), Jainology (Chennai). Shivaji university of Jain chair (Kolhapur), M.M. Jain Chair (University of Pune), Jainology (Somaiya college), Pranguru Jain Research centre - Ghatkopar (Mumbai), Anekanta Research centre (Bahubali), L. D. Institute (Ahmedabad), Bhogilal L Institute (Delhi), Mahavir Adhyayan Kendra (Koba), Todarmal Smarak Trust (Jaipur), Anekanta Bharati (Amdavad), Kunda Kunda Vidyapeeth (Indore), Virayalam Pune, Uvasaggahara Sadhana Trust (Jain Agama Mission), Ghatkopar (Mumbai), and such other institutions are engaged in the activities relating to research of Jain Literature.
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