Jain Journal 2001 07

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

Page 44

JAIN: THE RELEVANCE OF THE TEACHINGS OF LORD MAHAVIRA
free from constant flickering, excitements, disharmony and disorders. In reality, the soul is different from the body and it should remain away from vibhāvas or impure state of mind. The object of religion is to achieve equanimity of mind and therefore soul and get real peace and blissfulness.
Integral view of life
Jainism takes an integral view of life. Either faith or knowledge by itself cannot take us to the path of salvation. We should have a combination of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct to tread the path of salvation."3 These three-Samyag-darśana (right saith), Samyag-jñāna (right knowledge) and Samyak-caritra (right conduct) are the three jewels of Jainism. "Without right faith, there is no right knowledge and without right knowledge there is no virtuous conduct."4 Detachment from the objects of worldly pleasures, a balanced state of mind and the feeling of equanimity are considered as right faith or attitude. "A person having right faith knows what is to be relinquished and what is to be accomplished.5 Through right knowledge a person understands the true nature of the soul and the non-living substances. It is said by Lord Mahāvira, "He who knows the self to be wholly different from the impure body and comprehends it to be the knower of all substances, is said to be a master of all scriptures." According to the Mūlācāra right knowledge is that which helps one to understand the truth, controls the mind and purifies the soul.7 According to Jaina thinkers, equanimity of body, mind and soul should be a directive principal of religious life. The equanimity of mind is non-attachment (Aparigraha), equanimity of body is non-violence (Ahimsā) and the equanimity of thought is non-absolutism (Anekānta). These three are the pillars of Jainism and the observance of these results in peace and harmony in the life of the individual and the society.
Reverence for All Life
The cardinal principle of Jainism is non-violence. It means giving respect or reverence to all forms of life. All life formation including human beings, animals, plants, trees, insects etc. have the same life source of energy. This energy is available even in invisible creatures in air, water, wind and ether. Lord Mahavira says, "Not to kill any living
Tattvärtha-sütra, 1.1.
Uttaradhyayana-sūtra, 28.30.
3.
4.
5. Sūtra-pāhuḍa, 5.
6.
7.
Kartikeyanuprekṣā, 465.
Mūlācāra, 585.
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