________________
Jaina Ethics and its Refletions on Society
: 69
for liberation. 16
On the other hand, some systems of Indian philosophy like Sāṁkhya and Vedānta hold knowledge (tattvajñāna) to be the means of liberation. Mimāṁsā holds karman (right action) to be superior to any thing. Bhakti-cult holds devotion and faith to be the only way. Jainism shares its attitude with other systems of Indian philosophy.
Right faith is an outcome of right attitude. It has a dynamic quality. Jainism does not accept the supremacy of a particular person like other world religions.
Jainism approves the direct comprehension of truth as a landmark in the life of an aspirant. Right conduct and Right knowledge is impotent without Right faith. The union of the three brings real bliss to the soul. Jaina right believer is a Nişkāmakarmayogi of Bhagvadgitā.
Jainism places ethics above metaphysics. Knowledge acquired through direct spiritual experience leads to liberation. Reflections and influence of Jaina ethics on society
The Vedic people were more inclined towards worldly engagements than spiritual attainments in the first phase. They glorified the institutions of war as means of destroying enemies ‘vaidiki hissā himšā na bhavati was a slogan and at the time of Mahāvīra, animals were killed mercilessly in sacrifices but Manusmrti praises avoidance of meat eating under Śramņic influence. Mahābhārata declared non-violence as supreme duty'7. Thus, the central principal of Jainism becomes important principle of Hinduism.
It is a real truth in the saying that life lives on life.18 Still justice demands that we should not inflict misery on others-to inflict on us. This golden rule is adopted in the Bible also.
The five vows, the three-fold path of self-discipline and the