YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 11

Dr. Banjeri has compiled over 500 cases of individuals from across the world who claim to possess memories of their past lives. Alexander Keenan, author of The Power Within, has used powerful methods of hypnotism in over 1,400 experiments to succeed in reviving the memories of the past lives of his subjects and attaining detailed information about these past lives so as to substantiate the theory of reincarnation in its relation to the karma theory and Jain philosophy". Maurie Bernstein has done extensive research in the field or reincarnation and the rejuvenation of past memories which correlate extensively with Jain philosophy.
Hundreds, possibly thousands of compelling examples and non-fictional stories exist that substantiate aspects of various theories delineated within Jain philosophy. Though they are extremely compelling, to begin recounting and recasting these tales goes well beyond the scope of this project. These subjects are of increasing fascination in western "new age" thought and thousands of books relating to these matters are available in bookstores across the world.
Jain philosophy explains, in very scientific terms, many "supernatural" and "paranormal" phenomena. Mind-reading, clairvoyance, psycho-kinesis, telepathy, levitation, "black magic," the existence of life outside of earth (i.e. aliens), and many other phenomena are explained by very lucid scientific principles in Jain scriptures written over a millennia ago. Many of these explanations correlate strongly with those given by "new-age experts" in these fields today. To delineate in detail the nature of these phenomena goes well beyond the scope of this project.
Conclusion
These specific facts and figures are only a fraction of the scientific organization that Jain scriptures embody. Much more scientific knowledge exists in the scriptures, and of course infinitely more knowledge was attained by the omniscients which was not passed down or was not transcribed. Omniscient saints have always been interested in purifying their souls and not the worldly activities of their surrounding society. Consequently, they impart knowledge that is primarily concerned with the proper execution of Jain principles. For example, omniscients conveyed the knowledge that a single drop of water contained thousands of microscopic organisms so that society could proficiently minimize the organisms it killed or did harm to so as to minimize the accumulation of unfavorable karmic particles.
Recall that omniscience can only be attained by the purification of the soul via elimination of karma. When all karma is eliminated, the soul is also guaranteed eternal liberation and eternal residence in the highest sector of the universe. It is therefore possible for any individual to attain omniscience and eternal liberation regardless of race, sex, age, or even denomination, so long as all karma's are eliminated". Jain philosophy acknowledges many omniscient saints who were not followers of the Jain faith?.
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