________________
2.
clines of
JAINISM
1. what is jain dharma
or jainism
efore we understand the meaning of the
Dharma, it is absolutely necessary
that we should have a thorough knowledge of the Word, dharma or religion because for thousands of years, innumerable wrong notions about dharma have been nourished and held by people. Dharma or religion is neither a cult nor a creed; not is it a reserved system of any community. Dharma is not entirely related either to an individual or to a society not is it confined to any area. Dharma is the essential nature of an individual or an object. Shraman Bhagawan Mahavir has explained the meaning of dharma clearly thus.
GUIDELINES OF JAINISM
Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo
Dharma is nothing but the real nature of an object. Just as the nature of fire is to burn and the nature of water is to produce a cooling effect, in the same manner, the essential nature of the soul is to seek self realization and spiritual elevation.
If we examine the matter thus, we find that dharma acquires different definition in different contexts but here is a simple and clear meaning of it. Dharma is the name that can be given to all the elaborate codes of conduct and ideologies that enable life to attain nobility and spiritual exaltation. Dharma can be the only means to understand and realize the true meaning of life. Dharma in its real sense is that which leads the soul on the path of felicity, peace and spiritual bliss; and imples it to be active
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