Jain Digest 2001 07 Vol 19 No 03

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 26

CHANGING VIEW ON JAINISM
by: Vinit M. Doshi
When I was a child, I often heard Jainism proudly referred to as understand or approve of. I understood Bhakti to be vaguely asa uniquely scientific religion, different from all other faith-driven sociated with singing Stavans and Bhajans, something I didn't unand prophet-led religions. Jainism was portrayed to some extent derstand or enjoy much. I never really understood the power of as transcending mere religion into something superior. I imag- Bhakti as a life-giving force. ined Jainism to be some precise science, like physics, but only more My understanding of Jainism is different today. Understandcomplex, and that all of the tenets of Jainism would be proven ing more of the history of mankind, of wars and great achievetrue someday by scientists. I predicted that science would dis- ments, and nature, has convinced me that there is a soul, a spirit cover karma particles and souls, find irrefutable evidence of rein- inside. I have felt that there is a force that makes life distinctly carnation and archaeological evidence of arohs and avrohs. higher than the mere series of biochemical reactions that sustains
When I reflect on this today, I find that Science never validated our bodies. It is a worthwhile and stirring moment when we first Jainism to the degree I needed to convince myself. Maybe it will "feel" such a connection with God and spirit. What Bhakti I could someday, and maybe not. At this point in my life though, I'm not not find in singing Bhajans, I found in devotion to mathematics, interested in validating Jainism scientifically. It is immensely ap- in music, and sometimes in meditation on words, all serving as pealing regardless.
means of identifying with God. It is difficult to explain well. Instead, I see the role that Faith (Shraddha) and Bhakti have The point is that many others find their own way, that it took played is far more powerful a force than any science has ever been me years to find one way, and it may take many more years to go in my life. I regret now that my value system had shunned the deeper. But, where I found faith, others may not, and how I pracrole of Faith and Bhakti in practicing Jainism, and instead tried to tice Bhakti, others may find in their own way. Be optimistic that substitute them with facts and logic. I used to look down on Faith we will discover more to life tomorrow than we have to date, if we as necessarily being blind, confusing it with superstition, and hold- are open to God. ing Faith responsible for all the things that elders did that I didn't
Happy Diwali
JAINS...CLICK HERE!
The World's First Matrimonial Site
for Jains. A Prosperous
Featuring Jains from New Year !!
North America
& the UK
JainConnections.com
For Jains... By Jains!
24 / JAIN DIGEST. FALL 2001 Jain Education International 2010_02