Jain Philosophy

Jain philosophy is a blend of aspects such as metaphysics, reality, cosmology, ontology and divinity. Based on the self effort tradition Jainism believes in the separate existence of soul and body. It denies the supreme creator or preserver and stresses strongly on the consequences of one’s own action. Therefore Jain philosophy emphasizes on non-violence. Jainism observes that the morality and ethics of a person would determine the liberation of his soul. Though Jain philosophy remains single, as a religion it is divided into many sects and traditions. Jain philosophy is obtained from Mahavira and other Tirthankaras apart from those of jain philosophers like Kundakunda and Umasvati.

Concept of Jainism:

Jainism observes the Universe as an uncreated entity that has no end. Life or Soul exists with non living entity like body. Though the soul experiences birth and death, it could neither be created nor destroyed. Similarly body combines and changes modes but can neither be created nor destroyed. Motion and rest are the actions that pervade through the Universe. Space is another entity that occupies life, matter, motion and rest. Time is the entity which like the wheel with 12 spokes, descends and ascends. Sorrows increase in the descending stage and joy increases in the ascending stage.

Jain ontology asserts the existence of consciousness in the soul or life that is characterized by knowledge and understanding. Soul could attain liberation by self effort without divine grace. Soul determines its own destiny. Jain philosophy begins with tattva or an attempt to explain nature and solution for man’s problems. It moves over to yoga or interaction between soul and body. Then it proceeds to explain how action clings to the soul and body. A jain aspirant now understands that he should stop new action by right conduct and faith. Finally he reaches the cardinal truth.

In the view of Jain Philosophy, Jainism explains the logic in existence, the nature of the Universe and its components, the bondage and methods of liberation. The bondage makes the soul cohabitate with the body and exists in the four realms of heaven, hell, humans and animals. Jain ontology seems to hold realist and dualist metaphysics. The soul chooses its actions and determines its own destiny. The soul remains bonded to earth by its actions or karma. Jainism stresses on Non-violence, Truth, Non-stealing, Celibacy and non-possession. These ethics are not governed merely by physical actions. Spoken words and thoughts are examined for ultimate purity. Jainism does not insist fear of God to stress good morals.

Questions:

• What is meant by Jainism?
• Where was  the Jainism obtained?