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PRABUDDH JIVAN
LINE TO THE STUDY OF JAINOLOGY
Dr. Kamini Gogrl
In ancient India, there were mainly two traditionsVedic or Brahmanical traditions and the sramana tradition. Hinduism belongs to Vedic tradition, and both buddhism and Jainism belong to srmana tradion. These two traditions represent two radically different views about - (i) the relation between man and the world, and (ii) the ultimate goal of human life. The final goal of man is liberation from this world. Sramana or an ascetic is the central figure in the sramana tradition. Historical and archeological evidence have shown that Jainism existed before five thousand years ago, and the faith of the followers of Jainism tells us that it is the eternal tradition. But aprat from this faith, historically it is known that Jainism is a tradition of Jinas or Tirthankars. Jinas are those enlightened personalities who have conquered all the passions and entered liberation. "Tirthankars are the builders of the ford which leads human beings across the great ocean of existence. Jainism believes in the tradition of 24 TirthankarasRishabanatha being the first and Vardhamana Mahavir being the last of this series.
What is known as Jainism as today, is the verbalisation or documentation of the teachings of the Tirthankaras, specially Vardhamana Mahavir. As a religion it is a social structure and a moral conduct leading to liberation. Over a period of time these documents (scriptures and other literature) were saved in libraries, known as Jnan Bhandaras. On one hand development of this knowledge immensely contributed to Indian literature and philosophy. For the lay followers that is sravakas and sravikas, following the path was important. This path included worship of Jinas. Deep rooted in following the path, people did not have access to knowledge directly. The sources of knowledge were the ascetics.
In early 19th century, Germans, had access to few scriptures and translated into German and then in English. With the European advent in india, there was a growth in study of Indian culture, religion, historical past, mythology, art, architecture, society, etc. Since the Indian society was living its tradition it fascinated the westerners.
When there was an encounter of east and west, there was a new wave of study of different traditions, reli
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gions, philosophies etc. Since the early twentieth century, Jain studies also gained importance. Jainism as a living tradition was looked upon from different perspectives. The search for fact from myths in the light of new scientific developments, lead to development of Jainology studies.
Quest for knowledge, not just religious but based on reason became the new light. New generation required new methods of satisfying their quest for following the religious path. Hence the Jainology study is a study based on reasoning and understanding the development of philosophy and rituals through the eyes of history. Indeed it became more interesting to study the thought process which evolved through the ages.
Logy means a systematic study of the phenomenon. Hence a systematic study of Jainism is Jainology. It also involves a study in comparative approach. Comparative because in India three traditions and eight philosophies have developed simultaneously. Through the method of debate, discussions and confluence and convergence, Jainism grew. Such knowledge retained till date within tradition now gained interest among the lay followers which brought about the study of Jainology. HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM
UNIT I - ANCIENT INDIAN TRADITIONS (A) Vedic Tradition: Sources, Antiquity and Salient Features.
(B) Buddhist Tradition: Sources, Antiquity and Salient Features.
(C) Jaina Traditon: Sources, Antiquity and Salient Features.
UNIT II - JAINA TRADITION (A) Tirthankars and Agamas. (B) Major Jaina Sects.
(C) Mythology: Shalakapurusa, Cosmology and Cycle of Time.
UNIT III - INTRODUCTION TO JAINA PHILOSOPHY (A) Nav Tattvas: Bondage and Liberations, Theory of Karma and its classification and Pancha Samavayas.
(B) Sad Dravyas.
(C) Five types of Knowledge.
