Portrait of Jain Religion

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

Page 70

CHAPTER - 8 THE FUNDAMENTAL APPROACH OF
JAIN RELIGION
Jains believe that Jain religion is an eternal religion embracing the entire universe and in keeping with the assumption that time is eternal and cyclical with an ascending (Utsarpini) and a descending (avasarpini) period in each cycle. In each cycle, each period has six divisions, and it is in the fourth division (unhappyhappy time) that 24 Tirthankaras appear to preach the Jain path of self-purification and liberation from karmic bonds.
THE JAIN UNIVERSE
Siddhasthal (Resting place for liberated souls)
Right faith Right knowledge - Right conduct
Four destinies (Gatis)
Heavens Human Animal (Tirynch) Hell being
Swastika standing for four soul qualities - Infinite knowledge
Infinite perception - Infinite Bliss - Infinite Energy
आहसा
Non-violence
परस्परोग्रहो जीवानाम्
Mutual supportiveness among all living beings
1.
2
Upper world (Urdhva Lok), Abode for celestrial beings. Middle world (Madhya Lok), Abode for humans, animals, plants and other forms of life (Terrestrial world). Lower world (Adho Lok), Living place for hell beings - Hell.
A Portrait of Jain Religion