Panoramic View Of Jainism

Author(s): Ratankumar Jain
Publisher: Ratankumar Jain

Page 14

The first step in the process of self-realization is to discard superstitious beliefs and to adopt a rational and judicious attitude in life. Jainism lays down a definitive course of practical moral discipline, contemplation of the highest truth and reorientation of life in light of these for attainingultimate reality. In common with other Indian systems, it prescribes a path to salvation (moksha marg), which consists of the three jewels (ratnatraya) of Jainism:
proper perception (samyak darshan) proper knowledge (samyak jnana)
proper conduct (samyakcharitya) The three jewels are, obviously, necessary for a successful life. This threefold discipline helps us realize our ownintrinsic purity. The three jewels must be cultivatedcollectively to ensure salvation. Individually, they areincomplete and insufficient because they are mutually dependent. In isolation, perception or knowledge or conduct causesconflicts or tensions and vitiates the environment. Collectively. the three jewels produce harmony, contentment and blissfulness with the progressive march of the soul to the higher planes. Proper perception creates awareness of reality, proper knowledge impels the person to action and proper conduct leads him to the attainment of the desired objective. Proper conducts entails the following five vows:
Nonviolence (ahimsa) Truth (satya) Non-stealing (achaurya) Abstention from sensuality (brahmacharya)
Nonpossessiveness (aparigraha) Five Vows Ahimsa is based on love and kindness for all living beings. It has been repeatedly pointed out in Jain scriptures that even the thought of evil is as bad as action resulting in injury. Nonviolence of Jainism is not a negative virtue. It is based upon the positive quality of universal love which is the result of a recognition of kinship among all living beings. One who is actuated by this ideal cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others. Satya implies being not only truthful but also pleasant and wholesome. Achaurya consists in not taking others' property without his consent, or by unjust or immoral methods. Brahmacharya means abstaining from sexual indulgence. Aparigraha means nonpossessiveness of property and giving up greed. The five vows are observed with voluntary limitations by the householders (anuvratis) and absolutely by the homeless ascetics (mahavratis). Jain ethical code does not prescribe duties according to caste or other social inequalities. All men and women are equal in birth and everyone is entitled to be either a householder or an ascetic according to his or her choice. The observance of the ethical code by an individual does not only develop hisspirituality, but also helps in contributing to social justice, economic equality, humanization of culture and civilization, human happiness, class harmony as against class conflict, and growth of an egalitarian society. Jain religion lays special emphasis on nonviolence and truth. In fact, these two are the principal religious ideas. The spiritual value of Jain code of conduct has been upheldthroughout Jain literature. Victory over suffering, calmattitude towards cruelty and persecution, patience towards opponents are some of the