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JAINA ETHICS
T. G. Kalghatgi
1
Jainism is a realistic philosophy. It is empiricist in outlook, as it is based on the analysis of experience for its ontological stand. The spirit of anekanta a synthetic and a comprehensive approach, pervades its entire field of investigation be it metaphysical, epistemological or ethical. It is, therefore, not true to say that the Jaina view of life is negative and ascetic. The Jajnas do no advocate renunciation and ascetism as an end in itself. It is to be a means to the attainment of perfection. Nor is renunciation the only way of life. Fuller and purer life in this world is as much important as negation of pleasures of life Nivetti mārga is not to be pursued purely for its own sake and at the cost of the positive outlook of life, pravștti mārga. In the Ādi-purāņa there is the description that Rsabha, the first tirthankara, gave training to his subjects in the art, agriculture and warfare. The Jaina Ācāryas took active interest in establishment of benevolent kingdoms for the good of the people, as they realised that spiritual values cannot be pursued if secular activity for the spirtual values is neglected. They gave 'to Caesar what is
Presented in the “ Seminar on Jaina Logic and philosophy" (Poona University, 1975), Published in Indian Philosophical Quarterly Vol. II, No. 1.
