Jainism Eternal and Universal Path for Enlightenment

Author(s): Narendra Bhandari
Publisher: Research Institute of Scientific Secrets from Indian Oriental Scriptures Ahmedabad

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Jainism : The Eternal and Universal path for Enlightenment
these paths may or may not be suitable for every one. One should study them to discover the path most suitable for him. The aim of every path is to know the truth, and if possible, to realize one's true nature. The fanaticism and conflict arise because the practices each religion prescribes for attaining this goal have to be followed with rigor and without compromise, if they have to be effective. If goals of all the religions are the same, they can not be totally exclusive and there should be some commonality between them. One common factor in today's world, in which everyone has faith, is in the laws discovered by science, since they can not be violated. The methodology of science is truly universal in the sense that any one can study, test and use it. There is no dispute in any one's mind about scientific theories, be they related to electricity, gravity, nuclear physics, chemical combinations or functioning of the body or brain. Therefore it is desirable to make scientific enquiry in to various religions, their basic theories and practices. If some aspects of all religions can be tested and established using scientific methodology, then we can prepare a common ground and live with each other in harmony.
This approach, however, is not without objections and flaws. Many learned persons and Gurus consider science and religions to be exclusive and believe that religion is not amenable to scientific scrutiny. In contrast, Jainism claims itself to be based on science and has given importance to scientific study, although here too the opinions may be divided. Jainism has some well developed theories and practices, some being common to Buddhism and Hinduism. We will therefore discuss some aspects of Jainism in terms of Modern physics in Chapter 7.
The corner stones of Jainism is that every human or living being is born with a purpose or goal and there are procedures to achieve the desired goal. Although every one has to discover the purpose of his life and his status in the spiritual domain (Guasthn, Chapter 5) by himself and starting from there, chart his path, the ultimate goal is defined as attainment of enlightenment which is the state of "Mok-a" or "nirvana". In this respect Jainism is applicable to all who seek enlightenment, an eternal state of omniscience and bliss. Enlightenment is understanding and seeing the ultimate laws operating in the universe (on both Jiva and Ajiva). Once these laws are experienced, all ignorance, fear and attachment automatically vanish. The important point to remember is that life is governed by some laws, which can not be violated and does not depend on favour and fear of an almighty "God”. In this respect, the Self is the master and not a slave of his own destiny. He is not helpless but must take responsibility for his own actions.