Nandanvana

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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Definition of Religion and Jainism : (9)
vocal supporter of examination-based learning. He wrote a series of treatises of critique type. In the age of logic, the physical phenomena were examined by logical observation and intelligence. That is why, many Jaina logic treatises have several chapters on topics related with physical world like sound, mattergy, etc. Hemacandra was also favouring the examination-based as one of the characteristics of the scriptures.
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It seems that Jaina scholars must have been aware of many flaws in scriptural knowledge like non-truthfulness, inconsistence, tautology, confusion, controversy, and sensory incapacity as experienced by the Vaiseṣikas. That is why the author of the Vivekacūḍāmaṇi, Sāgāradharmāmṛta, and the Pravacana-sāroddhāra have cautioned to use intellect and wisdom for scriptural studies22. These opinions encourage scientific attitude regarding scriptural concepts and practices. How and when these directive principles got overlooked by religious scholars and commentators leading to dimlighting the ever-shining torch of knowledge? The current age is not interested to accept the canonical contradictory opinions in the absence of omniscients23. The man of today demands to examine the canonical contents with reference to growing knowledge in the related fields. The validity of contents will strengthen our faith in canons. Not only this, Dixit has cited many examples to show that many concepts have developed gradually and a historical perspective must also be considered for evaluation24. The scientific age requires to present the religious and philosophical tenets in scientific language. The statistics-based Jaina conceptology by Mardia and some mathematical formula-based description by Jain seem to be pointers in this direction. It is also a pleasure to learn that, whereas scientific community is concurring with many scriptural contents qualitatively, others are being modified as per needs of the current age. For example, meditation is now going to be a laymen's affair, which was earlier associated with asceticism. The foreign-going Jaina monks have glorified Jainism through this method only. The scripturally allowed examination-trend leads one to conclude scientificity and modernity of Jaina religion. This becomes quite explicit when one looks at its principles of physical and psychological improvement like karma theory, polyviewism, non-violence and equitable distribution.
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