History of Jainism

Posted By Mr. Ved Jain

Jain religion recognises the fundamental natural phenomenon of Symbiosis or mutual dependence, which forms the basis of the modern day science of ecology. Life is viewed as a gift of togetherness, accommodation, and assistance in a universe teeming with interdependent constituents. Jain whether monks, nuns or householders, therefore, affirm prayerfully and sincerely, that their heart is filled with forgiveness for all living beings and that they have sought and received the forgiveness of all beings, that they crave the friendship of all beings, that all beings give them their friendship and that there is not the slightest feeling of allienation or enmity in their heart, for any one or anything. They also pray that forgiveness and friendliness may reign throughout the world and that all living beings may cherish each other.

What is Jainism? : Jainism is nature in the purest and truest form. Jainism is as old as nature, which has neither beginning nor any end. The mission of Jainism is the mission of nature, which is to work for the welfare of one and all, to rise from the pitfall of ignorance and inaction to the spiritual climax of infinite bliss and perfect knowledge. i.e. absolute freedom.

Jainism is a religion based on cosmic principles, eternal principles on which this colossal machinery runs without any mistake or even a single momentary halt. The principles of modern science are true and temporary in particular context of space and time only, but the principles of Jainism are true for all time, for all space, for everybody and everything. Jainism throws light on the colossal structure of universe, its shape, size, origin, purpose and mechanism. It deals in perfect details with six reals out of which the universe is made. Everything that happens in the universe is according to the fixed pattern of eternal laws, which are unshakable and infallible.

Jainism does not belong to any particular sect or fixed dogmas. Jainism does not say that some particular class will be given freedom and the others will remain in bondage, it is a perfect form of democracy. It emphasises equality of opportunities to achieve perfect freedom and spiritual perfection, be it a highborn or any backward class member, even the lowest form of life. Each one has the potentiality of reaching the highest state. It believes that every soul has immense power, which can be released like the nuclear energy.

Jainism believes there are two kinds of energies, one is the energy of mechanism and the other is the energy of intelligence. In technical terms they are called matter and life. (Jada and Chetana). Energies of gravitation, magnetism and electricity are believed to be three scientific forces, which sustain the universe. But the subtle forces of silence and solitude of surrender and prayer, of love and sympathy, of dedication and determination these subtle forces etc., are manifestation of the energies of intelligence. It is a rule in nature that subtle forces of Yoga- (The activities of mind, speech and body are more powerful than the gross forces of material science).

Concept of God in Jainism : Jainism believes in God but not as a creator, a theory which neither denies the existence of the soul nor starts with the presupposition of a creator but makes each individual the laster of his own destiny, holds out immorality for every living being, visible or invisible and insists upon very highest rectitude of life up to final perfection, as a necessary means to permanent happiness now and hereafter. The Jain "Spiritual Leaders" lived in flesh on earth as ordinary men, when purged of all the infatuating elements like anger, hatred or other passions and attain this state, of pure soul , leading to final beatitude in life, everlasting omniscience. Only thereafter the religion is propounded by the "Omniscient Teachers" (Jain Arhats). At the end of their life -span, leaving the body, the soul attains the final pure natural state of existence (Pure Effulgence Divine) in everlasting spiritual bliss. The "Moksha" that is "Siddhatwa" (Godhood) has the beginning but no end. All the souls attaining "Siddhatwa" are equal in all respects and they have their own individuality.

No Commandments : There are no Commandments, Omniscient Spiritual Teachers (Arhats) show right path traveled by them, and right conduct practised by them in their journey to salvation. Their guidance, advice and teaching are considered and accepted as Commands. The spiritual leaders and preceptors never issue commandments. Commands are sacrosanct and violation results in untold sin (woe).

Jain Monk : Right faith and Right knowledge usually go together, one should have faith in the one who is a spiritual climax of positive dynamism who is "Arhat" Right Faith means, therefore the Faith in the Omniscient Teacher "Arhat". Right conduct prescribed by Jainism is very difficult to observe. But if you have "Right Faith" right behaviour will come in the natural course. A Jain monk has no home of his own. He moves from village to village on barefoot. He does not shave but removes his hair by plucking. He keeps no extra clothes. He does not keep money. He meditates and prays in silence and solitude. He does not take bath, for there is life in water, (the water itself is a living entity). He does not want to hurt anyone, he does not cook, because there is life in fire. Solicits his requirements by visiting several house-holders but accepts equivalent to only a few morsels per family just as honey-bee gathers honey. He does not use vehicles in order to protect the life in particles of dust on the road. His every tissue and texture of life is beaming with reverence for life and this is the essence of Jainism.

From where does he get such enormous strength to observe "Right Conduct" prescribed by Jainism? The answer is rule of aspiration and strength. Higher the aspiration, higher is the flow of strength. "Right Faith" is the aspiration, which is the highest in case of Jain monks, and Right Conduct is born out of aspiration and it is also the highest. Therefore Jainism puts all its stress on "Right Faith". "Right knowledge" is a bridge between "Right Faith" and "Right Conduct". There are fundamental divisions of spiritual life, which Jainism introduces us.

-----------------------------------------------------

Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R120309