Jain Journal 1991 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 14

158
In Jainism liberation means the extinction of karma. The soul is bound when it unites with the karmic matter. The flow of the karmic particles towards the soul is called asrava (flow). The soul is bound when these particles infiltrate into the soul. This state is called bandha (bondage). The karmic influx is stopped through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. This state of stoppage is called samvara. After stoppage of the influx, the exis. ting karmas are exhausted. This state is known as nirjarā (wearing out). With the exhaustion of the last particle of karma, the final state of mokşa (liberation), is attained. The liberated soul becomes kevala-jnāni or omniscient. The above-mentioned five stages together with jiva, ajiva, virtue (punya) and vice (pāpa) constitute the nine categories of Jainism, The right faith, right knowledge and right conduct are called tri-ratna or the three Jewels of Jainism.
JAIN JOURNAL
Jaina brotherhood is constituted of monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen. They all have a spiritual discipline, which is rigidly followed by monks and nuns. This discipline consists of five vows of ahimsā (non-injury through mind, speech and action), satya (truth), asteyā (not to steal), brahmacarya (abstention from selfindulgence) and aparigraha (renunciation). In the case of laymen, these vows are modified and liberalised.
A close study of the tenets of Jainism shows that it is an ethical religion. Its main aim is the liberation of the soul from the karmic matter, but the teachings of Guru Nanak take us to the spiritual domain, where we attain unity with Godhead. Jainism is a religion without God. This is the basic difference between Jainism and Sikhism. The religious practices of the Jains, as we have seen above, have been rejected by the Guru. For the Guru, liberation is merger in the Absolute, but in Jainism liberation is the extinction of karma.
Notes:
1. The words "Digambara" occurs in the verses of Guru Nanak.
2. siru khohae piahi malvani...sat catte sir chai. (Var Majh, śloka 149-50 ).
Another insight into the Sikh view of Jainism can be obtained from Sikhan de Raj di Vithiya which has been translated by Major