Introduction to Jaina Sadhna

Author(s): Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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64: An Introduction to Jaina Sādhanā
social units ? The teaching of Mahāvira is that abstension in individual life can alone be the fountain-head of positive social welfare programmes. It is said in the Praşna-vyākaranasūtra (2. 1. 1. & 2. 1. 4) that the preaching of the Lord is for the welfare of all the beings of the world. The five-fold discipline of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, sexual purity and non-possession ( Aparigraha ) is not for personal edification alone but it also aims at social good. The Jaina philosophers have always given priority to the good of others over the good of one's own. In Jainism, the ideals set for Tirthankaras, Ganadharas and Sāmānya-kevalis and the distinction made among them are broadly based on the principle of universal good, communal good and individual good. The Tirthankaras have been given the highest position for their promotion of the universal good. The references of Grāmadharma, Nagaradharma, Rāstradharma, etc. in Sthānānga-sūtra are indicative of the fact that Jainism is not confined only to individual good, but that it urges the universal good. Does Jainism teach the Negation of Life ?
In Jainism more stress is given on austerities and renunciation of worldly enjoyments with the result that there is a wide-spread misconception that it teaches the negation of life. It will, therefore, not be irrelevant here to point out that the applause of austerities and renouncement does not imply nonrecognition of physical and material life. The recognition of spiritual values does not mean that physical and material values should be completely rejected. According to Jainism, physical values are not hindrances to spiritual development, but are rather subservient to it. It is mentioned in the Nisithabhāsya (4159) that, "Knowledge leads to salvation, the body leads to knowledge and food leads to (the nutrition of) body.' The body is a vessel that ferries a person to the shore of eternal bliss. From