Jaina Philosophy

Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi, Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: World Jain Confederation

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Philosophy and Psychology of The Jainas of the world shows that sectarianism takes a long time to be transmuted into universalism, and so we shall have to wait.
Besides "Hindu" or Vedic metaphysics', there are systems in India not based on the Vedas and Upanishads, and are therefore classed as heterodox by the Vedists, who, however, it must be admitted to their credit, do not consign them to the "uncovenanted mercies of God," as some Christian sects have done. These are the Buddhist and Jaina systems. Much has been written and spoken on Buddhism, but very little on Jainism. In this article, therefore, I intend to present a short sketch of the latter, in the hope that Hindu metaphysics may receive proper consideration in the Occident.
Jaina means a follower of Jina, which is a generic term applied to those persons (men and women) that have conquered the lower nature - passion, hatred, and the like – and brought into prominence the highest. The Jaina philosophy, therefore, bases its doctrine on the absolute necessity (for the realization of truth) of conquering the lower nature. To the undeveloped or insufficiently developed observer, it is the conquering of the lower nature; to the fully developed, it is the realization of the perfect.
There lived many such Jinas in the past, and many will doubtless yet are to be born. The philosophy of the Jainas, therefore, is not essentially founded on any particular writing or external revelation, but on the unfoldment of spiritual consciousness, which is the birthright of every soul. Books, writings, and scriptures may illustrate, wholly or in part, this truth; but the ultimate fact remains that no mere words can give full expression to the truths of Jainism, which must be felt and realized within.
Thave been often asked, "What is the origin of the universe, according to the Jaina view?” We might as well ask : What is the origin of being? What is the source of God? etc. Philosophy in
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