Society Epistemology And Logic In Indian Tradition

Author(s): Dharmchand Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharati Academy

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as alertness (apramattatā), cognitive function (upayoga), vitality (prana), body-consciousness, sañjña (eagerness to eat, feeling fear, sexual desire, desire of possessiveness), vedanā (feeling of pleasure and sorrow), vīrya (enthusiasm) etc. Science has reached in its research up to consciousness of brain, cells and genes, whereas Jainism accepts that these body parts are felt conscious due to the consciousness of a soul. According to Jainism consciousness is an essential and inseparable attribute of a soul, which could not be known through the empirical or materialistic instruments.
Jainism is considered as a world-renouncing religion, hence it is assumed often that society is neglected in it, but this assumption is not true. Lord Mahāvīra and other Tirthankars deliver their preaching for the welfare of the society and all living beings. A concept of fourfold ford (caturvidha tīrtha or sangha) gives a formation of society of religious persons in Jaina Philosophy. Although the followers of Jainism follow Hindu laws in respect of various social ceremonies. Vardhamānasūri(15th century) has propounded various sacraments for monks and house holders. Non-violence, theory of Karma, Non-absolutism (anekāntavāda), non-possession (aparigraha), compassion of tīrthankara also convey the social importance of all living beings. In this way this article proves the social significance of Jaina tenets. It also evaluates the impact of Hindu culture on Jaina thought of society and presents the social attitude of present Jaina society as well.
"Conflict Removing Vision of Jainsim" is an article, which provides with a light to understand the causes of confrontation among the human beings and the solutions available in the Jainism with the views of anekāntavāda, Nayavāda, non-violence, theory of karma etc.
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