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INTRODUCTION:
An Orientation to Understanding This Translation of The Philosophy of Jainism.
Shree Jain Sidhdhant Praveshika, a primer in the Jain philosophy, explains the principles of Jainism through using a simple question and answer format. First, an inquisitive pupil raises a question, which in turn, is answered by the spiritual teacher in a kindly manner. This format of question/answer provides the basis for understanding the philosophy. If one is able to understand the principles in the right manner, then to be able to follow the right path becomes natural and one does not have to put forth any extra effort. The student/scholar will find that in Jainism there is great importance given to the aspect of gaining and understanding knowledge. If one "knows," then he is able to follow accordingly. To provide such knowledge, the post canonical compositions of entire scriptures in the Jain philosophy known as expositions (Anuyog) are divided primarily into four parts:
1. Primary Expositions-Prathamanuyog: In part one, the scriptures are related to story parts. This is helpful for the beginning student who has little knowledge about the specifics of the philosophy. Here he can find and understand the descriptions of the life of Omniscient lords, the revered monks and the enlightened householders. One first gets to know the story and then to learn the morals inherent in the story.
2. Expositions on the technical matters- Karananuyog: In part two, the scriptures deal with the nature of the universe and its dimensions. Part two also describes the karma, the aggregate of the smallest particles of the matter, their nature and their types, as well as their effects on the living beings.
3. Expositions on descipline-Charananuyog: These sets of scriptures, in part three, deal with the ritual aspects of the philosophy. The ritual aspects involved are described in the daily activities of the monks and the householders in detail.
4. Absolute philosophy Expositions-Dravyanuyog: Part four describes the most important aspects of the scriptures, in which the absolute philosophy of Jainism is discussed in minute microscopic detail. The real nature of the universe with all its content substances is detailed. The specific attention is given to the soul. Jainism teaches that all the substances of the universe exist freely; that they were never created; nor will they ever be destroyed -- that, indeed, there was never a "creator" god for the universe. It further teaches that the whole universe
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