Jainism and Mahavira

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Digambar Jain Sahitya Sanskriti Sanskaran Samiti

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Pali literature possesses some very important references regarding to supernatural powers, daily routine, and observation of Mahavratas, Samitis, Kesaluncana, Triguptis, Mulagunas, and Acelakatva etc. observed by Niganthas.60
Yoga connotes the spiritual and religious activities that lead to Nirvana, the complete annihilation of all karmas. It is Dhyana (meditation) which carries an object to attain Samyagdarsana. It is of four types, namely Pindastha, Padastha, Rupastha and Rupatita.
This is the brief survey of the spiritual disciplene and practices of Jaina lay adherents and mendicants on the basis of pali literature. Prohibition of night-eating, drinking the filtered water, worship of true God or Tirthankaras, observance of non-violence and detachment from all worldly affairs are main tenets of Mahavira. Philosophy of Mahavira
Jaina philosophy of Mahavira is based on the nature of reality which is considered through non-absolutism (Anekantavada). The reality or substance in its opinion possesses innumerable attrbutes which cannot be perceived by an ordinary person. Language has its own limitation. Therefore one who perceives a thing partially, must be regarded as knowing one aspect of truth as his position permits him to grasp. Even though he is not in a possession of the entire truth, the aspect he has come to know cannot be altogether disregarded or ignored. The question arises as to how the whole truth or reality could be known. According to Jain standpoint, all the theories contain a certain degree of genuineness and hence should be accepted from a certain point of view; but the nature of reality in its entirely can be perceived only by means of the theory of manifold-ness (Anekantavada). The Jaina philosophers synthesize all the opponents views under this theory."
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Rudiments of Anekantavada are traceable in the Buddhist approach to questions where the Buddha used the words Ekamsa, Anekamsa, Thapaniya, Vibhajjavyakaraniya etc. corresponding to Anekantavada." In the propositions of Saccaka, Citta Gahapati and Dighanakha Paribbajaka, we can trace the first four predication (including Syadavaktavya) of Syadvada conception of Jainas.63 There the Buddha and his followers levelled the charges like self61. Syadvadamanjari, 11-12; Also see Nyayakumudcandra.
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