Philosophy

JAINISM AND HUMAN VALUES

INTRODUCTION

  • Jainism  is hetero dox system of thought. It advocates Interdependance. It is pluralistic in approach.

  • It's not interested  in the Interpretation of Universe but in the PERFECTION OF LIFE.

  • It insists on both ENLIGHTENMENT and CONDUCT.

  • SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS/ CONSCIOUS PROCESS(Efforts) is key  to perfection(Inclusive of Spritual perfection)

JAINISM ON SOUL

  • Everything is divine. Even elements are endowed with  Souls.

  • Yet HUMAN BEINGS alone posses Higher Souls as They  alone  are endowed with SIXTH SENSE(MIND OR MANAS) and Thus Capable of Resoning Process(Not so with animal and other elements)

  • Soul Acts and is Acted Upon.(Both as  KARTA  and as  BHOKTA) Thus the need  to exerice vigilance over it.

  • Intelligence, Peace, Faith and Power Characterize Soul. Yet matter (MATERIALISM) Often corrupts these  qualities.

  • Thus in Jainism the object of life is to SUBDUE THE MALIGNANT Influences of materialism.

JAINISM ON GOD

  • Jainism rejects the concept of GOD or a sustainer of the World.

ON KARMA

  • Jainism believes bodily actions and mental desires are all based on MATERIALISM(PUDGALA).They are  sensual and they originate from KARMA.

  • Existence of the  Phenomena of Variety and Plurality seen  in the world is mainly due to this KARMA. and NOT due to GOD.

  • Thus  GOD who is not responsible can never INTERVIEW in HUMAN AFFAIRS and ACTIONS.

  • In other words MAN is ABSOLUTE or INDEPENDENT in all his ACTIONS.Hence  MA'S RESPONSIBILITIES are COEXTESIVE  with his INDEPENDENCE.

  • In other wards both RIGHTS  and DUTIES are CO-EXTENSIVE.

  • Thus no body can escape the  CONSEQUENCES of his / her ACTIONS . This is KARMA.

  • SAMVARA is checking / stoppage of NEW KARMA.