Portrait of Jain Religion

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

Page 17

CHAPTER - 2 UNDERSTANDING JAIN RELIGION
Lord Mahavir defined religion as one that helps us to know the fundamental nature of truth and universal reality, control the restless mind and purify the soul which is eternal (Jain holy text: Mulachar 5/70 ) Jain religion is rooted in the intrinsic nature of soul as well as other elements that interact with it. Vastu Swabhavo Dharma” constitutes the bedrock of Jain conception of the universe and its animate and inanimate elements. In Jain conception the eternal or abiding nature of a thing is religion. The abiding nature of soul is 'chetana' (consciousness). From the introvert or inner spiritual angle, religion invokes the true nature in the self, experience it and merge with it. From the extrovert or exterior angle, religion implies purifying one's thoughts, perceptions and conduct to attain that purified and sublime state. Jain world view is that there is no external power like God sitting in heaven creating, preserving, regulating or destroying the universe. The process of integration and disintegration of ultimate particles (paramanu) is responsible for the creation of this physical universe. In the Jain conception, the Universe is made of six elements (dravyas) namely Jivas (animate elements or souls), and Ajivas (inanimate elements ) comprising 'Pudgal' (matter), 'Akasha (space), 'Kala' (time), "Dharma' (the medium of motion), and Adharma (the medium of rest).
The attributes of a living being is sentience (chetana), knowledge and bliss. The attributes of matter are form, taste, smell and touch etc. Space provides the locus for the existence of all entities. The universe undergoes the natural process of creation and transformation through endless cycle of time. The attributes of motion and rest apply to all the six dravyas.
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A Portrait of Jain Religion