Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Jain scripture 'Dashvaikalik Sutra' highlights four supreme gifts that are difficult to attain as the fountain spring of religion. First is the gift of being born as a human being; second the gift of being ignited with a longing for truth and of having that longing fulfilled; third the gift of developing faith in and love for the true teachings one hears; and fourth the gift of being so filled with enthusiasm and conviction as to put the teachings into practice in one's daily life. The human quest for an understanding of the origin and purpose of life and the nature of existence has gone on from times immemorial, “Who am I?', 'From where do I come?' 'What is my role in this universe' and 'Where do I go from here are questions that have formed the essence of religions. Religions have been instrumental in awakening human consciousness to universal ideals of conduct and to transcendent insights that have laid the foundations of the world's great civilizations. Their histories stretch back thousands of years. The irresistible call from within has constituted the religious dimension- the highest, deepest and universally binding dimension of all. Whether one lives in north or south, east or west, is white, brown or black, rich or poor, man or woman, spiritual quest has taken the shape and form of religion, religious beliefs and faith traditions since the first human communities on the Earth. The feeling has grown that religion guides and protects all those who imbibe it, grasp it and nurture it in their day-to-day beliefs, behaviors and expressions. The doctrines, myths, rites and rituals may be varied, yet the religions have promulgated universal tenets of ethical conduct towards others in their respective historical and geographical settings. Their founders were exceptional persons commanding deep reverence for having attained a degree of self-realization and spiritual energy that enabled them to resist all evil and seek the highest ideals of good despite innumerable obstacles, difficulties and suffering.
A Portrait of Jain Religion