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JAINISM AND SCIENCE - AN OVERVIEW
Jain doctrine as verbally disseminated by Lord Mahavira and promulgated in the form of Fourteen Purvas and twelve Agamas is the basis of Jainism. Numerous Saints and Acharyas had compiled these teachings and had contributed to the Jain literature in the form of Bhashyas (commentary) and Tikas (remarks). These treatises extensively deal with various real and ethereal aspects of life, nature and universe. This spiritual and philosophical thought process had yielded Jain Religion and Jain Culture. Jain studies encompass science, geography, astronomy and mathematics.
Jain religion is spiritually oriented and scholars have found it to be ancient. According to Jainism, the Shrishti (Universe or Nature) is cyclic and repetitive. Like a pendulum, time undergoes the cycles of start and end but the cycles themselves are perpetual and incessant. Jain history suggests that in every such cycle of events, there exist Arhats and Tirthankars - free souls who have transcend all shackles of attachments and disillusionment. Hallmark of every Arhat - conqueror of all enemies, is Ahimsa - the concept surpassing non-violence. This concept has been the back-bone of human development and progress for centuries. Equanimity, affability and team-spirit are the natural outcomes of practicing Ahimsa. Lord Mahavira, around two thousand five hundred years back, revitalised the immortal concept of Ahimsa. He propagated the path of Ahimsa with added practices of Aparigrah (non-possession or renunciation) and self-control. Mahavira was called Jin'as he had overcome all the worldly and humanly weaknesses. His disciples were later come to be known as 'Jains'.
Basic tenets of Jain tradition are --
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In Jainism, the stress lies on singularity and independence of every soul. Soul has quest for ultimate knowledge and freedom. Human pursuit is the only answer. Jain philosophy was further augmented by adopting the concept of Anekant - embracing all view points and shedding the adamant attitude.
Ahimsa, as discussed above, is a pillar of Jains' lives. It has culminated into the passionate and peaceful existence. Jains are staunch vegetarians as they are always sceptical of any kind of aggression Five solemn pledges of non-violence, non-larceny, non-indulgence,
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