Jain Journal 2002 04

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

Page 15

THE IDEAL OF SERVICE IN JAINISM
SWAMI BRAHMESHANANDA
Jainism is a religion preeminently oriented toward monasticism. It advocates personal salvation or mokṣa as the final goal of human life. The path prescribed is nivrtti or gradual withdrawal from social duties and responsibilities. It is natural, therefore, that in Jainism there should be very little reference to service as it is generally understood. But no religion can spread, become popular, and survive for more than two and a hall millennia without reference to social obligations. Jainism responds to social challenges through ahimsä, dharma, charity, and service.
The five yamas described in the Yoga Sutras-viz nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness - form the bedrock of Jain ethics. They are the five great vows (mahävratas) of a Jain nionk and are observed in a less rigorous form (anurata) by the Jain householder. It must be noted that these values are all socially oriented and are aimed not only at the total emancipation of the person who observes them but also at the construction of a sane, tension free society. It is argued that if these five virtues-specially nonviolence (ahimsā) and non-possessiveness (aparigraha)--are practised by all to the best of their ability, there would be very little need left for social service. Conversely, if service is performed disregarding the values mentioned above, it will not lead to lasting good. Thus Jainism lays stress on the purification of the means of service rather than on service itself.
Social Responsibility of Jain Monks
On closer scrutiny it will be observed that social functions have been assigned to the leaders and members of the monastic order as well as to the lay followers. Even the highest honour accorded to the founder-Tirthankaras is due to their role as saviours of the society. After spiritual illumination, there remained nothing for them to do. But out of compassion for the world and with the express desire to help all creatures, these prophets preached the tenets of the faith and showed the path to salvation. The epithets used for them include