Pristine Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 13

Shri Jain explains the concept of meditation in Jainism. He advocates emotional discipline above all and suggests the optimum practice of the five great vows. He explains the Daśalakṣaṇa Dharma (Ten Aspects of Religion) which constitute the core of the philosophy, ethics and way of life, which is the heritage of Śramaņa tradition as well as the Vedic tradition. The great Veda Vyāsa, expounds the same ten facets of Dharma in Mahābhārata. Those ten aspects of Dharma are: (1) Forgiveness; (2) Absence of arrogance and false pride; (3) Avoidance of hypocrisy; (4) Avoidance of greed; (5) Cultivation of Truth; (6) Practice of restrain or Samnyama; (7) Practice of tolerance; (8) Practice of Detachment; Simplicity, Sincerity and avoidance of Egoism; (9) Avoidance of Profligacy and Lust; and (10) Cultivation of Celibacy. Those are the hallmarks of the Jain tradition. It may indeed be described as universal Dharma.
Shri Jain also deals with other salient features of Jainism in this book, such as Non-Absolutism (Anekānta). Cosmology, Mythology and Parapsychological studies about the soul.
Shri Jain writes forcefully and insightfully about Pristine Jainism. His critical ideas may appear to be radical but they are rooted in his constructive concept of Pristine Jainism. His book deserves thoughtful consideration from the point of view of philosophy and ethics as well as social and doctrinal reforms.
dim. Lugfone
(L.M. SINGHVI)