Jain Philosophy and Religion Introduction

Author(s): Jain Centre of Southern California
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California

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Jain Philosophy and Religion
Kalyanak (Auspicious Events)
Jains celebrate five major events from the life of a Tirthankar. They are
1. ChyavanaKalyanak - Conception Event
This is the event when a Tirthankara's soul leaves its previous body, and is conceived in the mother's womb. 2. Janmakalyanak - Birth Event
This is the event when the Tirthankara is born. 3. DikshaKalyank-Initiation Event
This is the event when the Tirthankara gives up all his/her worldly possessions and becomes a monk/nun. 4. KevaljnanKalyanak - Omniscience Event
This is the event when a Tirthankara completely destroys four Ghati Karmas and attains the Keveljnan (absolute knoweldge). This is the most important event for entire Jain order as the Tirthankara re-establishes fourfold
order and preaches the path of purification and liberation. 5. NirvanKalyank - Nirvana Event
This is the event when a Tirthankara's soul is liberated from this worldly physical existence forever and becomes a Siddha. This is the event when his soul attains salvation, the state of eternal bliss.
Path of Liberation - Three Jewels
The ultimate goal of all life and conduct, in Jain religion, is to realize the free and blissful state of our true being. The conduct of the present life should be aimed to attain liberation, the state of eternal bliss from which there is no return to the cycle of life and death. Every soul can attain liberation and a supreme spiritual state by realizing its intrinsic purity and perfection. A path to liberation consists of following trinity
Right Perception (Faith)
Right perception consists of seeing the true nature of every substance in the universe. Jain religion advocates that on should first try to know, comprehend and understand the nature of reality, one's own self, religious goal and the path. One should analyze, examine, test, verify and then, if satisfied, be convinced of its truth and efficacy.
Right Knowledge
Right perception or faith makes us realize the reality of life, and the seriousness of our purpose in life. Right knowledge is the true, correct, proper and relevant knowledge of the reality. To understand reality, one should know the fundamental elements of the universe and their relationships.
Six Universal Substances - Soul, Matter, Medium of Motion, Medium of Rest, Space and Time
Nine Principles - Soul, Non-living substance, Influx of Karma, Bondage of Karma, Virtue, Sin, Prevention of Karma, Eradication of Karma and Liberation.
Jain Center of Southern California