Jain Digest 2005 01

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

Page 22

Identification of Dharma....
The word Dharma is derived from root "Dhru" in Sanskrit language. It has meaning of sustainability and maintainability. Our scriptures writers, keeping in mind the meaning of this word affirmed that Dharma is the subject matter, which sustains and maintains as well as preserves the living creatures and species from falling the prey to Karmas and ultimately to degradations. This is indeed very much clear and lucid meaning of the Dharma. Now we can understand the perfect meaning of Dharma (Religion), which professes that either paths, ways, rites or ceremonies that sustain, maintain and preserve the living beings from degradation at the same time either uplifts or elevates to a higher levels of existence, is termed as perfect DHARMA.
Now what are its characteristics?
As people are identified through their characteristics, a person who plays gambling either with Cards or in Race course is characterised as Gambler, One who speaks irrelevant matters. quarrels when benefits are due for him, enter in rivalry with rich and lustful people in spending extravagantly and does not pay attention to benevolent advices of wise people, these are the characteristics of foolish person.
In the same manner, as quoted, the “Dharma is most auspicious, and it is characterised by Non-violence (Ahimsa), Self-restraints in all the worldly subjects, and Penance." Earlier a very learned Brahmin, Shri Shayyambhav suri later embraced Jainism, defined these precious characteristics of perfect Dharma.
These three characteristics, notably, Ahimsa, Self-restraint towards all worldly pleasures and Penance summarises perfect Dharma. An aphorism, which is termed as "Sutra," positively conveys profound meaning in very few words, while the mere words in other languages carry heavy value and weight. One of the major benefits of an aphorism is that more we reflect on it, more we enlighten.
It seems to me that all the vows or vratas mentioned in different Dharmas (Religions) can easily be accommodated in this simple and auspicious definition of Dharma. Every living being is very much anxious to categorise the most precious thing in the world and the answer to this can only be Perfect Dharma. Perfect means in all aspects and have all characteristics. Such Dharma makes impossible for down fall of all the living beings and at the same time elevates them to unexpected height as well as enlightens their lives.
Perfect Dharma is not an ordinary or a lay category subject matter, it is most auspicious and extra ordinary subject matter. It is beyond comparison with others. However it may be said that as Parasmani turns iron into Gold when it touches iron, the perfect Dharma has capability to change an entire outlook of all the living beings and make them heavenly, gods provided living beings understand and perform the Perfect Dharma. Even heavenly gods pay their tribute to such living being who resorts to such Dharma.
Now, how to examine any Dharma?
It is extremely necessary to examine any Dharma before embracing any of them. As Lord Mahavira said to his disciples once "Don't embrace the Dharma that I said to you, that I taught you, but try to examine it yourselves, put on tests and if you find it suitable for your purest and enlightened lives then only accept it with full self-confidence." Such were the words of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jain Tradition. Similarly great critical commentator, Shree Siddhasen Diwaker alias Kumudchandra, who constructed "Kalyanmandir Stotra" also said "Do not follow any faith, religion, paths etc. in several of his Batrishis, without applying your mind. He had added to his statement that Dharma which is preached and professed by some who does not possess Samyak Gyan, Darshan and Charitra will himself be drowned and carry us with him too. The great saint or Monk of this era, after Lord Mahavira emanicipated, Kalikal Sarvgnya Shri Hemchandrachrya also professed in one of his creation, that "Drashti Raag is nothing but a terrible poison. A poison will kill you once but Drashti Raag will kill you for infinite births and will not allow you to gain "Samyak Gyan, Darshan and Charitra. "Drashti Raag means attachments with particular Beliefs, Thinking, Faiths, Conduct and Dharma or Religion. All they have said to avoid, that is not suitable to you, for purification of soul. They also said "Don't follow your GURU, too blindly. He or She may put you in troubled waters. Now then how to test and what are the criteria assigned to Dharma?
Hence we should; First observe what importance is attached to Ahimsa (non-violence). If violence is either implied or hidden and solicited directly or indirectly then it is not worth to accept it. Offering creatures and animals for sacrifices, to please gods and goddesses are one or the other styles of the Himsa and not Ahimsa. As such, we should always be on our guard to embrace such Dharma
Secondly, when a Dharma presented before us we must check it how far it will provide us self-restraints. If all kinds of luxurious facilities are available, entertainments of various kinds are offered and sensual pleasures in different forms are present then be assured that that Dharma is not ideal, beneficial and meant for us.
And last but not the least, we should check prior to embracing any Dharma, how about its austerities? If suitable penance practices for annihilation of Karmas are not offered we should avoid such Dharma. Because our principal ambition is to obtain supreme Bliss and eternal Peace and to identify Perfect Dharma.
If we utilize these characteristics to inspect various Dharmas available at present in the world we will be able to single out Perfect Dharma in all respects. And embracing such Dharma one will certainly attain unimaginable, eternal and supreme Bliss, Peace and Happiness.
(continued on page 24 )
20/JAIN DIGEST. Spring 2005
Jain Education Intemational