Pristine Jainism

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

Page 16

INTRODUCTION
The scenario as manifest at present and if continues to unfold as of now, is fraught with grim consequences culminating in eventual elimination of the very identity of Jainism. The great religion of Śramanas, Jainism which emphasised rational activity and not inaction of mind, speech and body (Pramāda), good conduct as preached and practised by liberated souls (Arhats, Tirthankaras), is now overwhelmed by mere rituals, ostentations and vulgar display of wealth on the pretext of devotion (Bhakti) flouting even the basic tenets. The twenty four Tirthankaras of present Avasarpiņī era starting from Rṣabhadeva to Mahāvīra preached the code of conduct, the model of life, the ideals encompassing universal peace and happiness, which they themselves followed, practised and lived. They did not claim to be incarnation of some almighty God, a concept not recognised in Jainism. There is no arrogation of any sort of super powers, magical, mysterious manifestations to allure obeisance of followers. Their precepts are simple and based on scientific principles of cause and effect, action, interaction and reaction. In Jainism every individual soul of all living beings, big and small, high and low, the minutest organisms and mighty ones have all been placed on the same pedestal, all possessing the inherent attributes, strengths to achieve the highest, get eternal happiness (salvation) or ethereal, mundane pleasures of short and long duration or fall to various regressive stages of existence to the lowest forms, suffering agonies of various degrees, according to one's own actions, good or bad.
Samyaktva i.e. Rationality in belief, thought and action, is key word in Jainism which implies most appropriate, reasonable attitude and behaviour in a given situation in space time matrix (Dravya, Kṣetra, Kāla, Bhāva), conforming to basic tenets. Samyaktva and superstition are diagonically opposite. There is no place for superstitious rituals,