Jain Gazette 1920 06

Author(s): Jagnanderlal Jaini, Ajit Prasada, C S Mallinath Jain
Publisher: Jaina Gazette Office

Page 17

WHAT IS JAINISM.
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of trade in narcotic drugs and intoxicants must be prohibited, specially to boys below the age of majority. As for animals, we may take work from cattle, horses, etc., but we should be kind to. wards them and properly feed them and never put them under greater burden than they can bear. We should have compassion even for trees and not destroy them uselessly.”
Thus, in brief, are the answers to the four great questions raised by Jainism in regard to the fundamental demands of the human soul. These querries are described as the seven tenets of the Jains: (1) Soul, (2) Non-soul, (3) Inflow, (4) Bondage, (5) Checking (6) Destroying, and (7) Freedom or Liberation.
The first two, soul and non-soul, include the six substances mentioned above. The third and fourth show how the soul is bound by good and bad "karmic matter;" the fifth and sixth show the way of the purification of the soul and the seventh one show's the results, that is total freedom. Jainism lays down three jewels or trinity for men's liberation, that is, right belief, right knowledge and right conduct. These three constitute together the Path of Liberation. It means we must believe in the seven "Tattvas" or principles and know them and act according to our might in the line of right conduct.
This in brief is the creed of Lord Sri Rishaba Deva, the first and Lord Mahavira, the twenty fourth and in fact all the other Tirthankaras. Mr. Champat Rai, the great Jaina scholar, thus summarises the gift of Jainism to humanity:-- : “We thus turn away from every door with disappointment and inquire of Jainism whether it has any satisfactory answer to the riddle which has baffled every one without exception. It at once introduces us to its six realities without whose aid nothing but confusion can be created. With them, Jainism enables us to comprehend in the fullest possible manner how that which can be Called mind from the stand-point of Idealism is a composite substance, how its six aspects are eternal and they produce the entire universe. In short, Jaina philosophy alone furnishes a common platform where all other creeds may meet and grasp each others' hands in the sincere grip of friendship. When we approach religion as humble seekers of Truth and not in the spirit of bigotry, it will be seen that Jainism stands unrivalled among the sys. tems which claim to impart the Truth."