Service of Jainism to India

Author(s): J S Shah, U H Jain
Publisher: J S Shah, U H Jain

Page 11

GUIDELINES OF
JAINISM
PUBLISHED BY SIIRI VISIWA KALYAN PRAKASHIAN TRUST
MEHSANA.
WHAT IS THE JAIN DARMA OR JAINISIM
Before we understand the meaning of the Jain dharma, it is absolutely necessary that we should have a thorough knowledge of the word, dharma or religion because for thousands of years, innumerable wrong notions about dharma have been ngrished and held by people. Dharma or religion is neither a cult nor a creed; nor is it a reserved system of any community, Dharma is not entirely related elther to an individual or to a society: nor is it confined to any aren. Dharma la the
essential nature of an individual or an object. Shramana Bhagawan Mahavir hos explained the meaning of dharma clearly thus:
"Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo"
Dharma is nothing but the real nature of an object. Just as the nature of fire is to burn and the nature of water is to produce cooling effect, in the same manner, the essential nature of the sole is lo seek self-realisation and spiritual elevation.
if we examine the matter thus, we find that dharma acquires different definitions in different contexts but here is a simple and clear meaning of It: Dharma is the name that can be given
...2