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JAINA
2005
Jain spiritual path consists of integrated trinity of Right Faith
(Samyak
Knowledge (Samyak-jnän), and Right Conduct
(Samyakchäritra)
܀܀܀܀
Jain spiritual path consists of integrated trinity of Right Faith (Samyak-darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak-jnän), and Right Conduct (Samyak-chäritra). Quality, characteristic, energy, power, whose development brings about a realization of truth - that is, of the nature of things as they are - an inclination towards valid discrimination between what is worthy of rejection and what is worthy of acceptance is Right Faith. A valid (true) comprehension of the fundamental verities like living (Jiv), nonliving (Ajiv), influx of karma (Äshrav), stoppage of karma (Samvar), bondage of
karma (Bandh), disassociation of karma (Nirjarä) and Salvation (Moksha) through
the instrumentality of partial truths (Naya) and Complete truth (Pramän) - is Right Knowledge. With Right Knowledge and true endeavor, one gets rid of all passions such as anger, ego, deceit and greed - all attachment & hatred - enjoys his/her own true nature and that is the Right Conduct. The spiritual path is determined by this integrated trinity. Not one, not two but all three are needed to attain Moksha. The
darshan), Right order of attainment is first Right Faith, second Right Knowledge and last Right
Conduct. Right Faith and Right Knowledge are like light and heat of sun - they always happen together.
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bliss. He/she becomes omniscient and omnipotent. Such a being is God for Jains. Hence Jains do not believe in one God. Gods in Jain religion are innumerable and the number is continuously increasing as more living beings attain liberation. Every living being has potential to become God.
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There are many ways to explain Jainism. Here is another one. Jainism is known as the religion of Ahimsä (non-violence), Ahimsa of thoughts, speech and physical acts. In Jainism, our belief in Ahimsä supersedes all concepts, ideologies, rules, customs and practices, traditional or modern, eastern or western, political or economical, self-centered or social. Ahimsä (non-violence), Anekantväd (multiplicity of views) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) are the cardinal principles of Jainism. Aparigraha plays a significant role in stopping the physical form of violence. And the proper application of Anekantväd stops the violence of thoughts and speech. Anekantväd is also called the intelligent expression of the Ahimsä. Non-violence in the center is guarded by truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possessiveness.
Jainism does not accept one sided views. We believe that the complete truth cannot be explained by one view point. One sided view, in general, represents partial truth. To know the complete truth, all angles and aspects of a given situation need to be analyzed and considered. This approach is called "Anekäntväd" (multiplicity of views and theory of relativity). Anekäntväd is indeed a unique philosophy introduced by Jains and there is no parallel in any other philosophies.
Extending Jain Heritage in Western Environment
Realistic Religion: One time Bhagawan Mahavir was asked what is the religion from a realistic point of view. Bhagawän Mahävir said, "The realistic religion consists
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