Article sent from The Hindu

[Guest guest]

=============================================================

This article has been sent to you by Ram Chandran ( rchandran )

=============================================================

Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/04/25/stories/2002042500440800.htm)

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

 

 

Cardinal principles of Jainism

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

APRIL 25

 

.. Jainism propagated by Mahavira 2500 years ago continues to be a living

religion and relevant to this age because of its eternal values. Mahavira stated

clearly that religion does not mean mere rituals and dogmas. The real nature of

every soul is equanimity of mind. The object of religion is to achieve

equanimity of mind and realise peace and bliss. Jainism takes an integral view

of life. Either faith or knowledge by itself cannot take man on the path of

salvation. Therefore a combination of right faith, right knowledge and right

conduct is necessary to tread the path to salvation.

 

According to Mulachara right knowledge is that which helps one to understand the

truth, controls the mind and purifies the soul. Equanimity of mind is

non-attachment (Aparigraha), equanimity of body is non-violence (Ahimsa) and

equanimity of thought is non-absolutism (Anekanta). These three are the pillars

of Jainism and their observance results in peace and harmony in the life of the

individual and society. The cardinal principle of Jainism is non-violence, the

pivot on which its entire ethics revolves. It involves reverence for all forms

of life. Lord Mahavira says that non-violence is equated with 60 virtuous

qualities like peace, harmony, welfare, trust, fearlessness and so on. He also

stressed on equality of all human beings.

 

Aparigraha is the fifth vow of monks and nuns in the Jain code of ethics

(Mahavrata). For householders also it is the fifth vow in their code of ethics

known as Anuvrata (smaller vows). The cause of mental worries and tensions is

attachment to worldly objects. Jainism believes that lesser the attachment,

greater will be mental peace. It preaches complete non-possession for ascetics

and limit to one's possessions for householders. The doctrine of Anekanta in

practice endows a broad perspective and promotes tolerance of other viewpoints.

 

The significant achievement of Tirthankar Mahavira in the spiritual field was

the upholding of the concept of Karma in place of the creator God. He taught

that man was the architect of his own destiny and he can rise only by his own

efforts. The five vows of truth, non-violence, non-stealing, chastity and

non-possession are really of great significance today when the present

generation lacks proper moral guidance.

 

Dulichand Jain,

 

Chennai.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright: 1995 - 2002 The Hindu

 

Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly

prohibited without the consent of The Hindu