Jainism Some Essays

Author(s): A S Gopani
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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not, the question is out of place in the demonstrable case of birds, beasts, and human beings. Mahavira has been careful enough to show how one can live his life, abandoning the sin of killing any living organism of any denomination and description. This whole formulary as propounded by Mahavira gets the name of Jainism, pure and simple. In oue word, 'equipoise' 'even-mindedness', 'even-sightedness' is Jainism. This very truth is found reflected in a line " आत्मनः प्रतिकूलानि परेषां न समाचरेत्" occuring in the Mahabharata. Living beings of all types in the universe hanker after growth and progress; none wants a degradation. All have equal rights to exist and evolve. Therefore, it can be deduced that it is the duty of everyone that he should be helpful to the other, and not obstructing, in achieving growth and development. This is the basic attitude, outlook and approach of Jainism. and Bhagavan Mahavira is chief exponent.
Tirthankar
Jainism
Here, the emphasis which I have laid on the word "Tirthankara" is for the reason that the distinguishing feature between the other aspirants and emancipated souls on one hand and the Tirthankaras on the other is just what has been referred to above. The ordinary aspirants became the liberated ones, having achieved their own aim without minding the other. They had not paid so much attention to others in their effort to secure the final end and aim as they had to their own, but they, having completely annihilated aitachment and hatred, became detached and thereafter having finished This is the remaining span of life, became the Siddahas--the liberated ones. not the case with the Tirthankars amongst whom Mahavira is one. Amongst the Karmas accumulated by the Tirthankaras, there is a category of Karmas responsible for their persistent cultivation of compassionate attitude to all living beings. Due to the operation of this law the Tirthankaras preached their teachings to the world and earned the status of Tirthankara. Soul. Karma, Destiny and Effort
The soul and the Karmas are bound up with each other from time immemorial. Now, the question is whether it is predetermined or not? If it Is the relationship permanently fixed or merely temporary ? is temporay. what is the reason? According to Ajivakas, a certain section of the Śramanas, the relationship was fixed for ever. Nothing that is new happens because of the individual's effort. Further, according to it, when the time is ripe, the Karmic effect will wear out in the order in which it is predetermind and the individual need not put forth any fresh effort for that. Against this, Mahavira firmly believed that the connection between the soul