Jaina Art and Architecture Vol 01

Author(s): A Ghosh
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Page 53

CHAPTER 4
THE GENESIS AND SPRIT OF JAINA ART
THE AVOWED AM OF THE JAINA MILJOIN 18 THE PERFECTION OF MAN, OR the transformation of the individuel mundanc sou (awart) into the very state of Godhood (paramdaman). It exhorts and helps to bring out the divinity inherent in a person through the realization of the spiritual Self. The path generally is one of severe discipline, self-control, reminciation and austerity. But art, too, may be said to be, in a way, one of the purest means to attain, and become one with, the Divine,' and it would perhaps not be an exaggoration to say that 'nothing more nearly approaches the spirit of true religion than the spirit of true art.' It is probably why the Jainas have always patronized and cultivated the different forms and styles of fine arts. They were no doubt to serve primarily as hand-maids to rpligion, but they also helped to soften the rigorous austerity of the path. The emotional, devotional and popular aspects of the creed as well necessitated the creation of various works of art and architecture, and in making them really beautiful no pains of money were spared. Nevertheless, the spirit of the Jaina religion is clearly reflected in its art, which, though very variod and luxuriant, is characterized by a marked absence of the erotic, vulgar or common. It is rather sober, sublime and uplifting, Inspiring feelings of self-abnegation, peace and equanimity, besides giving aesthetic pleasure. A sort of Ugworldliness thet is attached to it is conducive to the attainmont of spiritual contomplation and the upper reaches of self-realization.
Piodes of Jaina art and architocture belonging to different types and ages are scattered all over the country, but the places of Jaina pilgrimage are in particular veritable store-houses. And the ideal of a religious aspirant in Jainism is exactly what the term 'pilgrim' implies, namely, 'one journeying through life 4s a stranger in the world'. He lives his life in the world and scrupulously performs his duties and dischargos his obligations; yet his attitud is that of a stranger, an onlooker or an observer. He does not identify himself with the show, does not let himself be engrossed in worldly relations and objects. He is a pilgrim who fought through the worldho taking the triple poth, made in pof night Faith Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, and parties his spiritual pilgrimage til ho attains the goal utrudna. As