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JAIN : MESSAGE OF LORD MAHÄVIRA
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caste, creed and colour can follow this path and will be considered as a Jian.
Non-Absolutism (Anekāntavāda)
The theory of many angles of truth or Anekāntavāda is a comprehensive Jaina view, postulating that through truth one thing can be viewed from manifold aspects. Each point of view yields a different conclusion. Thus, non-absolutism (Anekantavada) strengthens the autonomy of thought of every individual. According to Jainism, a certain thing exists only with reference to its particular substance (dravya), space, (sketra), time (kāla) and mode (bhāva). Those who believe in absolute point of view, laying emphasis only on a single aspect of an object, are compared with those blind persons, who in order to obtain the knowledge of the shape of an elephant, feels its ear, trunk, feet and other parts of the body separately, and believe that they have the complete view of the shape of the elephant. Thus the doctrine of Non-Absolutism tries to find out the unity out of diverse points of view and admits that there is an element of truth in all religions which are but different approaches to the problems of humanity from different points of view.
Non-Possession (Aparigraha)
Parigraha is clinging to possessions, that is, harbouring such false notion as "this is mine" and imagining that one can hold on forever to what he now “possesses". The term also includes the four passions. The essence of non-possession is to avoid activities which generate these passions. But such renunciation is not possible unless a person has detached himself from the external possessions like land, houses, jewellery and miscellaneous goods. For a lay man, non-possession is expressed by setting of limits upon what he may own. Thus, by undertaking the vow of non-possession, a Jaina layman systematically reduces his tendencies to fall into possessiveness; thus he protects his soul from increased karmic entanglement and lays the groundwork for complete non-attachment, the path of the mendicant.
Ethical Code of Conduct
Jaina scriptures describe the conduct elaborately, expected from a monk as well as from a householder. The monks and nuns observe the five great vows (Mahāuratas) and the laity five primary vows (Anuuratas). The five Mahāuratas are total abstinence from violence, falsehood, stealing, sexual indulgence and possessions. This five-fold congregation known as Dharama Tirtha (Centre of Workship) is still
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