Wisdom in Jain Tradition

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: Nalini Joshi

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Jaina thoughts fully support the preservation, conservation and the well-being of the surrounding world full of bio-forms from epistemological, religious, ethical and spiritual point of view. If we interpret the Jaina principle TV1 THTH' in the light of the commentaries on Tattvärtha (5.21) it goes nearer
to the Darwinian expressions. Darwin says, "Life-process is a continuous chain of activities which is comprehensive, independent, interrelated, complimentary, reciprocal and collaborative."
(iv) Anekantavāda is the 'Jaina theory of multiple facets of reality and truth.' It is translated as 'theory of non-absolutism' or 'the theory of relativity. The theory of relativity was expounded by Albert Einstein. The scholar of Jainism Aidan Rankin has cited one quotation of Einstein in his book titled 'The Jain Path : Ancient Wisdom for an Age of Anxiety. The citation goes likewise : "I do not know if there is rebirth or not. But if it is true, then I would like to be born in India as a Jain."
D] Wisdom of Jaina Tradition Through Ages:
In the conclusive part of this paper two more points are worth-mentioning. (i) Cultural Richness Reflected in the Prakrit Literature :
The whole Prakrit literature written in the ancient and medieval period in general and the narrative literature in particular, we reveal that it provides a rich and variegated data of the contemporary Indian culture. The aspirations of common folk are reflected in the short stories, tales fables, allegories, examples and illustrations. The big narratives like Vasudevahindi, Samarāiccakahā, Kuvalayamālā etc. are really noteworthy. It is helpful for the better understanding of the behavioral patterns of classes and masses. Details are found about festivals and celebrations, fairs and pilgrims, religious and social ceremonies, customs and beliefs as well as rites and rituals. The Orientalists and Indologists have always fathomed the Prakrit literature for understanding the historical, geographical, political, economic and cultural conditions of Indian society.
(ii) Social Wisdom of Jainas in Creating Various Thought-models:
The Jainas possess a distinct religion, a separate Philosophy, a different ethical code, a set of particular beliefs, customs and manners and a vast literature of their own. They form a small minority at present and also in the past. Due to this fact, they have struggled a lot for identity crisis. For keeping the identity in fact, they have developed certain models or behavioral patterns of conflict resolution and peace which are congruent with the philosophical framework provided to them. Application of certain thought-models in one's daily routine is not an easy task. It requires distinct social awareness and wisdom. Without going into details, here some models are noted down which show the social wisdom of Jainas. The models are likewise :
(1) The comprehensive model of Anekāntaväda. (2) The model of suitable language. (3) The model of choosing less harmful. (4) The model of peaceful interaction with rulers.