Jaina Karmaology

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 9

Jaina Karmology
which creates and maintains tranquility is termed equanimity. Thus, tranquility is the objective and equanimity is the means. To achieve equanimous state of mind, different religions have developed special methods where reality, truth and scientific foundations need to be the foundation of intent and motive. The methodology applicable towards the goal of equanimous or tranquil state of mind involves the following four approaches:
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(1) Rational Approach aims at changing fundamental psychology of mankind, i.e. way of thinking, feeling, belief system and perception. The thesis of Karmavada and Intellectualism are fruitful in this direction.
(2) Realisation Approach assumes that the tranquil state can be understood by self experience or realisation. Prayers or repetition of deity or incantations, meditation, equnimous practices and penitential retreat recitals etc. are the techniques to increase inner awareness. These realisation techniques generate knowledge and wisdom to remove ignorance and misconceptions. It makes one equanimous and, hence, earns tranquility.
(3) Relaxation Approach involves keeping the nervous system relaxed, calm and cool by subsiding mental disturbances. Yogic exercises, meditation, prayers and other methods as in (ii) above are of great help in this direction. These practices make the nervous system healthy to aquire tranquil state of mind and to increase inner energy. These practices also renew the physical self for moving towards spiritual development.
(4) Readjustment Social System Approach aims at maintaining the physical welfare and social well being. The psychologists and sociologists have advocated social and ethical code in this direction to be followed for better equanimous state.
Navdarshan Society intends to undertake research and publication (and propagation too) in these directions by (i) studying the ancient scriptures and defining and redefining the old terms and processes scientifically in modern terminology and (ii) developing the process to make change from disturbed state of mind into tranquil state of mind on scientific basis and to propagate it.
To aquire equanimous state, Jaina Karmology plays a dominant role. In fact, it preceeds equanimity and leads to tranquility. It is a