Keynote Address of Dr Sagarmal Jain at Calcutta

Author(s): Mahadeolal Saraogi
Publisher: Mahadeolal Saraogi

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tranquility and other as non-violence. Lord Mahavira says: "Worthy people preached the religion as samai." The Prakrit term samal means tranquility or peace of mind. This tranquility or the peace of mind is considered as a core of religion, because it is the real nature of all the living being including human beings also. In an another Jaina text known as Bhagavatisutra there is a conversation between Lord Mahavira and Gautama. Gautama asked Mahavira: "What is the nature of soul? Mahavira answered: "The nature of soul is tranquility - peace." Gautama again asked: "What is the ultimate end of soul," And Mahavira replied: "The ultimate end of soul is also to attain tranquility - peace".
In Jainism, religion is nothing but a practice for the
realisation of one's own essential nature of sva svabhava which is nothing but the state of tranquility or peace of mind. This enjoying of one's own essential nature means to remain constant in saksibhava, i.e. to remain undisturbed by external factors. It is the state of pure subjectivity which is technically known in Jainism as samayika. In this state the mind is completely free from constant flickerings, excitements and emotional disorders. To get freedom from mental tensions, which are the vibhavas or impure states of mind is the precondition for enjoying spiritual happiness which is also a positive aspect of inner peace. Nobody wants to live in a state of mental tensions; everyone would 11ke no tension but relaxation, no anxiety but contenment. This shows that our real nature is working in us for tranquility
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