Uniqueness of jain Spirituality

Author(s): Ramjee Singh
Publisher: Z_Sumanmuni_Padmamaharshi_Granth_012027.pdf

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Glory of Jain Culture appraised. In eternal divinity, there is no devotional control of breath, no object of meditation, no mystical diagram, no miraculous spell, and no charmed circle. However, the transcendental life parexcellence (Siddhahood) immediately follows the final emancipation and is in the disembodied state. This state of Self is beyond even Gunasthanas. It transcends the realm of cause and effect. It is without body, without resurrection, without contact of matter, he is neither masculine nor feminine nor neuter. Its essence is without form, there is no condition of the unconditioned. Hence it is the termination of the spiritual adventure. or Aristotle's Theories. In fact, Jainism treats life as a unity in which the empirical and the transcendental are not treated as watertight compartments. Even in the Jain enumeration and classification of cardinal virtues, we find mention of spiritual conversion, scriptural study, meditation and devotion also. It is not fair to criticise to say that the Jaina list does not include the other regarding virtues of benevolence, succour, and social service because in the comprehensive list provided by Professor R.D. Ranade there is threefold division of virtues - individual, social and spiritual, which are found in Jain scriptures also. The Jain Saints adheres to the observance of not only five great vows but is also an example of the dedication of his integral energies to the cessation and shedding of Karmas and subjugating 22 kinds of Parisahas and the practice of 12 kinds of austerities. Of the six kinds of internal austerities, Dhyana (meditation) is of supreme consideration. All the disciplinary practices form an integral constituent of right conduct. But the most important contribution of Jainism is to provide practical guidance for the attainment of transcendental life through Gunasthanas. Conclusion : The uniqieness of Jain spirituality lies in more than one sense. It is integral as it combines the empirical with the transcendental, intellectual with devotional : faith with knowledge and conduct. Secondly, its supermoralism does not conflict with the highest virtuous life. Thus it reconciles the life of spirit with the life of Virtues, individual perfection with social goodness unlike the Platonic Contemplation 1 NS Professor Dr. Ramjee Singh is an eminent Educationalist, writer and thinker. Born on 20-12-1931 in Munger District, Bihar, Dr. Singh served as Head, Department of Gandhian thoughts in Bhagalpur University (1980-92). He also served as Vice-Chanellor, Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute, Ladanun from 1992-1994. He has written 38 books in Hindi and English. Associated with a number of Educational Bodies and Social Institutions. 16 The Uniqueness of Jain Spirituality Jain Education International For Private-& Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org