Pristine Jainism

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

Page 44

Symbiotic Aspects of Jainism : (41) manifests with the help of nimitta i.e. ambient environmental factors. Pots can not be made of pure sand and soil with required property is necessary. This property is upădăna but help of the potter is necessary which is nimitta. Things move because of their capability but do so by the assistance of Dharma Dravya.
Another misconception about Jainism is that it is individualistic or introvert. No doubt Jainism lays stress on purification and upliftment of self or individual because unless the individual himself follows principles of Jainism, he is not competent to help others. This is not introversion but a prerequisite to attain competence. One who can not help himself can not help others. The enlightened ones, Arhats, attain the highest degree of purification and do not need any more effort for further individual gains. But they preach to help mundane souls. Had they been introverts, they would not be preaching at all. The Arhat idols are always in posture of eyes half-closed and half-open, indicative of unique synthesis of self and universe. Arhats do not shut their eyes from the world but keep eyes half open for consideration of well being of other souls also. The basic tenets, principles and prescribed code of conduct in Jainism centres round the fundamental principle of symbiosis and neither introversion nor extroversion.