Jain Theism

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Hemant Shah

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Jain Theism
violence, negligence, killing, hunting, stealing, etc. The pain caused to others by mind, by words or by action is Papa. Both Punya and Papa are material and cause the necessary effect but "both are the means of bondage; therefore they are one, and are certainly by themselves the cause of bondage."*140
(vi) Stages in the Evolution of the Soul_
The philosophy of soul in Jainism has been in detailed discussed in the chapter No.5. However, we take note that the embodied soul, according to Jainism is a soul in bondage; a soul having Karmic matter on it, an impure soul. Soul in its pure form is full of infinite powers. Soul essentially is all powerful, all knowledge, all wisdom and all bliss. In Jainism there are fourteen stages or Guna-Sthanas. These are the stages through which the soul progresses from No.1 to 14 or from most impurified state to complete purified or liberated state.
The way to progress or to purify the soul is "the three jewels : (1) Samyag Darśana (right conviction) (2) Samyag Jñāna (right knowledge) and (3) Samyag Caritra (right conduct)"
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Jainism has its epistemology, its logic as well as its ethics. Since these sections are elaborately discussed and sufficient chapters are allotted to them, it is just a mention here that Jain philosophy becomes all the more rich in its theory of knowledge and ethics. Basically, like most of the Indian religions, it has 'Realism' in the approach and 'Ahimsa' in the dealings. It will not be wrong to observe that the whole of Jainism is found mainly to rest on its rich theology. sound philosophy and concrete ethics.
(4) Jain Religion and Culture
Religion does not consist so much in dogmas, theories and meanings. It is, as Dr. S. Radhakrishanan says, 'the inside of a civilization', 'the soul of social organization'. It is not only life transcending but life transforming. Jain religion consists of its own worship, rituals and festivals. The Jina the conqueror or the Tirthankara is the object of worship, and to him every Jain goes to seek the inspiration. The Jain worship and rituals have a popular appeal and "it
140. Amritachandra Sari, Samaya Sara Kalasa, IV, 1-3 in J.L.Jaini's book Outline of Jainism (1979) p. 102
141. T.S.I-1