JAIN PHILOSOPHY

1. Introduction

The subcontinent of India has been the birthplace of three great religious traditions of the world, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Jainism is one of the oldest living religions of India, predating recorded history as referenced in Hindu scriptures. It is an original system, quite distinct and independent from other systems of all other Indian philosophies.  The Jain philosophy was not developed to oppose the elaborate hierarchical Vedic practices as well as it is not an offshoot of Hinduism as some claim. Jainism has become one of the essential spiritual traditions in the South Asian religious fabric.

Jains believe in the philosophy of karma, reincarnation of worldly soul, hell and heaven as a punishment or reward for one's deeds, and liberation (Nirvän or Moksha) of the self from life's misery of birth and death in a way similar to the Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.  Though there are multiple similarities in these South Asian religions, there are some major portions of the belief system that remain unique to each religion. For instance, the Jain philosophy believes that the universe and all its entities such as soul and matter are eternal (there is no beginning or end), no one has created them and no one can destroy them. 

Jains do not believe that there is a supernatural power who does favor to us if we please him. Jains rely a great deal on self-efforts and self-initiative, for both - their worldly requirements and their salvation. Jainism appeals to common sense. Jains accept only those things that can be explained and reasoned. Jains believe that each living being is a master of his/her own destiny.

Jains believe that from eternity, the soul is bounded by karma and is ignorant of its true nature.  It is due to karma soul migrates from one life cycle to another and continues to attract new karma, and the ignorant soul continues to bind with new karma.  This way it provides a logical explanation of our sufferings on Earth. 

To overcome the sufferings, Jainism addresses the path of liberation in a rational way.   It states that the proper Knowledge of reality, when combined with right Faith and right Conduct leads the worldly soul to liberation (Moksha or Nirvän).  This way one can break the continual binding process of karma to the soul and attain liberation from karma.

With regards to truth, the Jain philosophy firmly states that the whole truth cannot be observed from a single viewpoint.  To understand the true nature of reality, it is essential to acknowledge the multiple perspectives of each entity, situation or idea. We must strive to be open-minded and embrace the positive thoughts and vantage points of other human beings, religions, and philosophies.  This concept is called Anekäntväd.

The ultimate goal of Jainism is for the soul to achieve liberation through understanding and realization. This is accomplished through the supreme ideals in the Jain religion of nonviolence, equal kindness, reverence for all forms of life, nonpossessiveness, and through the philosophy of non-absolutism (Anekäntväd).  Above all, these ideals translate into a religion of love and compassion not only towards human beings but also towards all other forms of life.

2. Concept of God

Jainism is a religion of purely human origin. It is propagated by self realized individuals who have attained perfect knowledge, omniscience, and self‑control by personal effort and have been liberated from the bonds of worldly existence, and the cycles of all future life and death. 

In ancient times Jainism was known by many names such as the Saman tradition, the religion of Nirgantha, or the religion of Jin.  Jin is one, who has conquered the inner enemies of worldly passions such as desire, hatred, anger, ego, deceit and greed by personal effort.  By definition, a Jin is a human being, like one of us and not a supernatural immortal nor an incarnation of an almighty God.  Jins are popularly viewed as Gods in Jainism. There are an infinite number of Jins existed in the past. All human beings have the potential to become a Jin.

The Jins are not Gods in the sense of being the creators of the universe, but rather as those who have accomplished the ultimate goal of liberation of sufferings through the true understanding of self and other realities.  The concept of God as a creator, protector, and destroyer of the universe does not exist in Jainism.  The concept of God's descent into a human form to destroy evil is also not applicable in Jainism. 

The Jins that have established the religious order and revived the Jain philosophy at various times in the history of mankind are known as Tirthankars. The ascetic sage, Rishabhadev was the first Tirthankar and Mahavir was the last Tirthankar of the spiritual lineage of the twenty-four Tirthankars in the current era.

In summary, Jainism does not believe in a creator God, however this does not mean that Jainism is an atheistic religion.  Jains believe in an infinite number of Jins (Gods) who are self-realized omniscient individuals who have attained liberation from birth, death, and suffering.

 Description of the Image:

the painting illustrates two important phenomena - viz. renunciation and attainment of enlightenment or omniscience (kevala-jnana) - of the life of Mahavira.

Illustration on the top shows Mahavira giving away, renouncing his possessions. He is in a procession from his palace to the outskirts of the town.

Then he discarded his last clothing, pulled out his hair and became a monk. Then practised severe penances and attained omniscience (kevala-jnana).

Top left of the painting shows Mahavira with his disciples.

Courtesy : Jainbelief.com & Continue Reading @ derasar in london.blogspot.com