Jainism – The Philosophy and Teachings

Jainism as discussed by Harsh Kumar

Background

The sect of Jainism is quite older than the Buddhism but it was only after the teachings and personality of Mahavira which popularized this sect during the 6^th century BC. There were 23 Tirthankaras (Jain teachers) before the Mahavira. Jainism was also the result of orthodoxy nature on Brahmanical religion. Jainism also facilitated and encourages the trade and commerce activities and the simple teachings, attracted the common peoples toward this sect.

Also Read : Buddhism – The Teachings and Philosophy

Rise of Heterodox Sects in Indian Subcontinent

The Jain Philosophy and Major Teachings

Jainism believes in the concept of Karma and salvation. According to the Jain philosophy, the bed deeds of a person get attached to the soul. The bondage of these deeds (karmas) is responsible for the cycle of life and death. To attain salvation (Nirvana), the inflow of Karmas towards soul has to be stopped and the already accumulated Karmas have to be destroyed to liberate the soul.

The inflow of Karmas to soul can be stopped by following five vows and by having faith in three jewels. The bondage of already accumulated Karmas can be destroyed though the Penance or ascetic life or hard life. The last step in the life of asceticism is attainment of the death through the Salekhna, in this process, the amount of food intake reduced to zero until death.

Jainism believes in the idea that everything including the non-living things have soul. The five vows form the crux of the Jain philosophy. The liberal form of these vows known as Anuvrata, which is prescribed for the laymen and the rigid form known as Mahavrata is prescribed for the monks. These vows are:

1. Asteya which means, not to take what is not given.
2. Satya implies for truthfulness.
3. Ahimsa emphasis on non-violence.
4. Aprigraha means the non-accumulation of wealth and other things.
5. Brahmacharya means the life of celibacy.

The first four vows were given by the 23^rd tirthankara, Parsvanatha and the last one given by the 24^th tirthankara, Vardhman Mahavira. Jainism believes in extreme form of non-violence. They emphasized not only on the non-violence in action but also in thoughts. Mahavira rejected the existence of God. According to him, the universe continues through the cycle of rise (Utsarpani) and cycle of fall (Avsarpani), which continues forever. 

During each cycle of rise and fall. 63 Salakhapuruhas (great leaders) guide universe and the 24 tirthankaras were the part of the same. The idea of 3 jewels is also an important part of Jain philosophy which are (1) Right belief, (2) Right conduct (3) Right knowledge. According to the Jainism, a layman cannot see the reality prevailing around truly. Only the enlightened beings are capable of perceiving the truth. Because of this layman interprets reality in their own way. This idea is known as Anekantavad in Jain philosophy.   

Like Buddhism, Jainism does not believe in infallibility of Vedas. They also condemn priestly domination. They oppose rituals and ceremonies. They also rejected the Brahmanical form of Varna system as they modified them to place Kshatriya over the Brahman class. They did not believe in untouchability. They accorded high status to economically rich classes.

Relevance of Jain Philosophy in Present Time

The tenets of Jainism are as relevant today as they were in 6^th century BC. In fact, in present time, their relevance is far greater that before. The humanity is facing extreme violence in various forms all over the world at present. The terrorist groups, armed militants, communal forces and the insurgents etc. are inflicting extreme form of violence in common people. This bloodshed can be stopped by following the teachings, vows and jewels of Jainism.

The significance of truthfulness is immense today because the world is full is falsehood. Truthfulness is necessary to promote transparency and accountability. It is founding stone of honest conduct and probity in public life. The challenges like corruptions, scams, misappropriation of public resources, environment and ecological degradation can be countered by the philosophy of Asteya and Aprigraha. 

Only these ideas can work as antidote to the greed i.e., resulting in all around degeneration in present times. The idea of Brahmacharya is the key to strengthen the character. It is necessary to have citizen of strong character otherwise the best of institutions will fail. The three jewels of Jainism provide guiding light for a successful living because no significant achievement is possible without right belief, knowledge and conduct.

Thus, the Jain philosophy is very simple and powerful which can change the life of normal peoples in attaining the ultimate truth of life.