Outlines of Jaina Philosophy

Author(s): Mohanlal Mehta
Publisher: Jain Mission Society Bangalore

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FOREWORD
In this work the outlines of Jain philosophy are drawn by Shri Mohan Lal Mehta, M.A., Shastracharya. a research scholar of the Parshvanath Vidyashrama at the Banaras Hindu University. He was one of the contributors of papers to the "Mahavira Jayanti Week" arranged in April 1954 at the Indian Institute of Culture, Basavangudi, Bangalore, under the joint auspices of the Institute and the Jain Mission Society, Bangalore.
His study of "The Essentials of the Jain Doctrine of Karma," discussed at the Institute on April 18th, covered most of the points made in the important concluding chapter of this book, which deals with the doctrine of Karma. A careful study of this chapter supplements our knowledge of this profound doctrine gained from other sources; it points to links which remain obscure in other expositions of the great Law, and above all it in some measure facilitates the task of application by the aspirant to higher living. By removing obscurations the Jain points of view reveal to the understanding some important psychological propositions.
The book not only is informative for the general reader but also will prove valuable to the student of different religions and philosophies.
The Jains have made great contributions to Indian architectura, sculpture, painting, poetry and music. The wonderful temples and shrines en Mount Abu, the Belur Temple, the colossal statue of Gomateswara at Sravana Belgola in Mysore State and much of the finest poetry in Kannada are owed to the Jains. Jain authorship is claimed also for the sacred Kurul as well as the celebrated Amara-Kosha. The popular grammar Yamal by Pavanandi is also Jain.
The 1951 Census of India show's the Jains today to form less than half of one per cent of the population of the countiy, but they are found in every State. Jains represent a factor of importance in the discharge of the Vaishya Dharma-a contribution of value in modern India. In this age of ruthless competition the Jains set an example in acceptance oi obligations to society, in their charities and in their support of projects for sharing with others the insights of their great teachers, through the printed word, as in the "Sacred Books of the Jainas." oi which several rolumes have appeared.
Between the philosophy and ethics of Jainism and of Hinduism as well as of Buddhism there is a striking similarity "There are also great similarities in temple architecture and even in temple rites between the Jains and their Hindu neighbours. But, whereas the Hindus bow belore images of their Gods and Goddesses, the Jains pay their homage to statues of Tirthankaras or Jinas, who have attained the Great Perfection towards which all men are expected to strive In this respert the Jains, like the Buddhists, are nearer to the Traditional Doctrines of the ageless Bodhi Dharma than are their brethren.