Jaina Law Bhadrabahu Samhita

Author(s): J L Jaini
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

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THE JAINA LAN These four principles, hurt none (Ahimsa), serve all (Daya), Divinity of Man and Eternity of the uniTerse, --in their inner meaning and eternal application-constitute Truth, according to Jainism. The principles on which Jaina rules of Law are based, are derived from considerations which themselves are guided by these ultimate principles of faith and conduct. And, as being drawn from the very heart of things in the Light of Eternity, these four may be claimed to be the basic principles of universal jurisprudence. Jaina Theology and Metaphysics thus do a splendid service to Jaina Jurisprudence in giving it the one central idea.-dharma, embodying Truth and Duty in one-which the ideal jurist is for ever seeking in the soul of the rules of positive law. Starting from this clear point of view, the evolution of Jaina law can proceed along the sure lines of Logic. Whatever does not follow from or is inconsistent with the above four doctrines, cannot be the law of Jainas. And if the analysis of the rules of law actually held by our courts as governing Hindus is carried deep enough and far enough, it would be found that at least a few principles of these rules are irreconcileably opposed to Jaina Law. For example, the rules relating to adoption. A son is needed by a Hindu to save his soul from the tortures of hell (put, whence the name putra, one who saves from hell). Among Jainas, man