Portrait of Jain Religion

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

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perception and conduct is crucial to self realization and enlightenment. Infact Namokar Mantra, widely held by Jains as a divine protector and healer Mantra is a deeply reverential salutation to the Panch Parmeshthi. Integrated pursuit of the three jewels of Jainism namely Samyak Gyan, Samyak Darshana and Samyak Charitra constitutes the foundation of Jain philosophy. The indivisible and logical trinity reflects a uniquely articulated approach to strike a judicious and wholesome balance between logic and faith, reason and belief. Jain scripture Yogashastra written by Hemachandracharya reiterates that final liberation is none other than experiencing the trinity of right knowledge, right perception and right conduct as the very nature of the Self in its purity. Jain religion looks at Earth, our home in this Universe as a marvelous planet Jain religion recognizes that on this planet human destiny is intertwined with other living beings and forces of nature in a divine web of interdependence. Interdependence embraces mutual supportiveness, peaceful coexistence and harmonious balance. Tattwarth Sutra has aptly summed it up as “Parasparopgraho Jeevanam”. It is from this philosophy that the three fundamental pillars of Jainism have emanated namely Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekant. The three A's of Jainism namely Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekant constitute an integrated and comprehensive definition of Nonviolence. Ahimsa in thought, perception and conduct has been elevated to the exalted status of a Supreme Religion in the Jain philosophy as reflected in "Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaha”. Nonviolence strengthens the autonomy of life of all living beings, Aparigraha (Non-possession And non-attachment) strengthens inter-dependence and mutual supportiveness of all existence, and Anekant (doctrine of manifold aspects or the philosophy of coexistence) strengthens the autonomy of thought of every individual, and promotes an approach of tolerance and synthesis between differing views.
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A Portrait of Jain Religion