Outlines of Jainism

Author(s): J L Jaini, F W Thomas
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

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OUTLINES OF JAINISM
taught his simple creed. And many minor points in Jainism will be found to be additions and excrescences upon the parent stock which was planted in the sixth century B.C. To my mind three doctrines of Jainism must be specially noted as being the basic principles of the faith.
In theology, in addition to the beliefs in kurmu, reincarnation, etc., which Jainism held in common with other Indian religious and metaphysical systems, it boldly laid down the principle that man, by following the requisites of faith, knowledge, and conduct, can attain divinity: that God is only the highest, the noblest, and the fullest manifestation of all the powers which lie latent in the soul of man.
In philosophy Jainism holds the doctrine of many points of view. The universe may be studied in many aspects, and different view-points give rise to different statements and conclusions. As to details, the most important sections of Jaina philosophy deal with the three jewels, the seven tattrus, the mine padārthus, the six draryus, and furnish a detailed description of the first tuttuu, soul, and of the last, nirvānu, the soul's final liberation.
In ethics the first principle is ahimsū, non-hurting of any kind of life, howsoever low may be the stage of its evolution.
It is upon these three doctrines that the whole of Jainism is found mainly to rest.