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Education in Jainism
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in his book titled "Faith is Power" says that faith and reason are not opposed to each other, they supplement each other. One should also know that faith is not belief. They are different. Belief is superficial and easily shaken, but faith makes us strong and steadfast. Faith is not an abstract indefinite sentiment, it is necessary for us all. Faith is and should always be understood in its three fold aspects : Faith is one's own self, in humanity and in God. These aspects are interdependent and are not isolated.
There is a long discussion and volumes written on reason and Faith in the west. With special reference to all moral experiences and approach to religion, Faith and Reason has been discussed by Prof. J. F. Ross. He states that "Both the activity of faith and the activity of reason are always of arriving at knowledge. This has a substantial and important claim. Both faith and reason are always arriving at knowledge of God and God's will for man."10 In Jainism faith is not merely a source of knowledge but of vision too. In Jainism faith (Shraddha) is both, a state as well as an activity. According to Jain scriptures "friendliness (Maitri), activity (Pramoda), compassion (Karma) and neutrality (Madhyastha) are four qualities basically required in the foundation of religion."l1 Acharya Sri Haribhadra Suri gives great importance to equanimity or right faith (Samyak-karma). So according to Jaina concept right faith is the foundation of religious activity (Sadhana).
Let us understand all the above discussed terms from Jaina point of view. According to Jainism it is the human soul (Jivatma) alone which can regain the highest degree of perfection. All souls are possessed of fullness and perfections. "The infinite in inherent in the finite. That is why the finite is ever struggling to break down its finiteness and reach out to the fullest freedom."12 Jainism uniquely maintains that the infinite power lie latent in each soul. What one required is to put utmost self effort to defeat one's enemies : Lord Mahavir says, "Fight with yourself. Why fight with external foes ? He who conquers himself, through himself will obtain happiness."13 The self-effort is an effort to attain the unity of Right knowledge (Samyak-Jnana) Right Vision or Faith (Samyak Darshan) and Right Conduct (Samyak-Charitra). The emphasis also leads to the very basic spirit of life and education in Jainism. "The basic spirit of Jainism is 'to live and let live', to live a life of understanding, tolerance, systematic co-operation and peaceful co-existence, nay, the still fuller and nobler co-relation."14 How wonderfully these qualities we find being reflected in modern days in a child through value education as well as life skills in the current system of education ! Right Faith and Right Conduct :
Acharya Umaswami or Umasvati in his book "Tattvarthasutra" explains in detail the four prerequisites of right faith (samyagdarshana) They are (i) Prashama (happiness from calmness and equanimity), (ii) Samvega (great enthusiasm for righteousness and avoidance of evil deeds), (iii) Anukampa
