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Jain Reality Or Existence - by Pravin K
Jain Reality or Existence - By Pravin K. Shah Structural View of the Universe Jain Philosophy does not give credence to the theory that God is a creator, survivor, or destroyer of the universe. On the contrary, it asserts that the universe has always existed and will always exist in exact adherence to the laws of the cosmos. There is nothing but infinity both in the past and in the future. The world of reality or universe consists of two classes of objects: · Living beings - conscious, soul, chetan, or jiva · Non-living objects - unconscious, achetan, or ajiva Non-living objects are further classified into five categories; Matter (Pudgal), Space (Akas), Medium of motion (Dharmastikay), Medium of rest (Adharmastikay), Time (Kal or Samay). The five non-living entities together with the living being, totaling six are aspects of reality in Jainism. They are known as six universal entities, or substances, or realities. These six entities of the universe are eternal but continuously undergo countless changes. During the changes, nothing is lost or destroyed. Everything is recycled into another form. Concept of Reality A reality or an entity is defined to have an existence, which is known as Sat or truth. Each entity continuously undergoes countless changes. During this process the old form (size, shape, etc.) of an entity is destroyed, the new form is originated. The form of a substance is called Paryaya. In the midst of modification of a substance, its certain qualities remain unchanged (permanence). The unchanged qualities of a substance are collectively known as Dravya. Hence, each entity (substance) in the universe has three aspects: · Origination - Utpada · Destruction - Vyaya · Permanence - Dhruvya Both Dravya (substance) and Paryaya (mode or form) are inseparable from an entity. -
Subject : PHILOSOPHY
Subject : PHILOSOPHY 1. Classical Indian Philosophy Vedic and Upanisadic world-views : Rta & the cosmic order, the divine and the human realms; the centrality of the institution of yajna (sacrifice), the concept of ma & duty/obligation; theorist of creation Atman–Self (and not-self), jagrat, svapna, susupti and turiya, Brahman, sreyas and preyas Karma, samsara, moksa Carvaka : Pratyaksa as the only pramana, critique of anumana and sabda, rejection of non-material entities and of dharma and moksa Jainism : Concept of reality–sat, dravya, guna, prayaya, jiva, ajiva, anekantavada, syadvada and nayavada; theory of knowledge; bondage and liberation, Anuvrat & Mahavrat Bhddhism : Four noble truths, astangamarga, nirvana, madhyam pratipad, pratityasamutpada, ksanabhangavada, anatmavada Schools of Buddhism : Vaibhasika, Sautrantika, Yogacara and Madhyamika Nyaya : Prama and aprama, pramanya and apramanya, pramana : pratyaksa, niruikalpaka, savikalpaka, laukika and alaukika; anumana : anvayavyatireka, lingaparamarsa, vyapti; classification : vyaptigrahopayas, hetvabhasa, upamana; sabda : Sakti, laksana, akanksa, yogyata, sannidhi and tatparya, concept of God, arguments for the existence of God, adrsta, nihsryeasa Vaisesika : Concepts of padartha, dravya, guna, karma, samanya, samavaya, visesa, abhava, causation : Asatkaryavada, samavayi, asamavayi nimitta karana, paramanuvada, adrsta, nihsryeas Samkhya : Satkaryavada, prakrti and its evolutes, arguments for the existence of prakrti, nature of purusa, arguments for the existence and plurality of -
Life of Mahavira As Described in the Jai N a Gran Thas Is Imbu Ed with Myths Which
T o be h a d of 1 T HE MA A ( ) N GER , T HE mu Gu ms J , A llahaba d . Lives of greatmen all remin d u s We can m our v s su m ake li e bli e , A nd n v hi n u s , departi g , lea e be d n n m Footpri ts o the sands of ti e . NGF LL W LO E O . mm zm fitm m m ! W ‘ i fi ’ mz m n C NT E O NT S. P re face Introd uction ntrod uctor remar s and th i I y k , e h storicity of M ahavira Sources of information mt o o ica stories , y h l g l — — Family relations birth — — C hild hood e d ucation marriage and posterity — — Re nou ncing the world Distribution of wealth Sanyas — — ce re mony Ke sh alochana Re solution Seve re pen ance for twe lve years His trave ls an d pre achings for thirty ye ars Attai n me nt of Nirvan a His disciples and early followers — H is ch aracte r teachings Approximate d ate of His Nirvana Appendix A PREF CE . r HE primary con dition for th e formation of a ” Nation is Pride in a common Past . Dr . Arn old h as rightly asked How can th e presen t fru th e u u h v ms h yield it , or f t re a e pro i e , except t eir ” roots be fixed in th e past ? Smiles lays mu ch ’ s ss on h s n wh n h e s s in his h a tre t i poi t , e ay C racter, “ a ns l n v u ls v s n h an d N tio , ike i di id a , deri e tre gt su pport from the feelin g th at they belon g to an u s u s h h th e h s of h ill trio race , t at t ey are eir t eir n ss an d u h u s of h great e , o g t to be perpet ator t eir is of mm n u s im an h n glory . -
Lord Mahavira Publisher's Note
LORD MAHAVIRA [A study in Historical Perspective] BY BOOL CHAND, M.A. Ph.D (Lond.) P. V. Research Institute Series: 39 Editor: Dr. Sagarmal Jain With an introduction by Prof. Sagarmal Jain P.V. RESEARCH INSTITUTE Varanasi-5 Published by P.V. Research Institute I.T.I. Road Varanasi-5 Phone:66762 2nd Edition 1987 Price Rs.40-00 Printed by Vivek Printers Post Box No.4, B.H.U. Varanasi-5 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 1 Create PDF with PDF4U. If you wish to remove this line, please click here to purchase the full version The book ‘Lord Mahavira’, by Dr. Bool Chand was first published in 1948 by Jaina Cultural Research Society which has been merged into P.V. Research Institute. The book was not only an authentic piece of work done in a historical perspective but also a popular one, hence it became unavailable for sale soon. Since long it was so much in demand that we decided in favor of brining its second Edition. Except some minor changes here and there, the book remains the same. Yet a precise but valuable introduction, depicting the relevance of the teachings of Lord Mahavira in modern world has been added by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, the Director, P.V. Research Institute. As Dr. Jain has pointed out therein, the basic problems of present society i.e. mental tensions, violence and the conflicts of ideologies and faith, can be solved through three basic tenets of non-attachment, non-violence and non-absolutism propounded by Lord Mahavira and peace and harmony can certainly be established in the world. -
Indian Philosophy Encyclopædia Britannica Article
Indian philosophy Encyclopædia Britannica Article Indian philosophy the systems of thought and reflection that were developed by the civilizations of the Indian subcontinent. They include both orthodox (astika) systems, namely, the Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva-mimamsa, and Vedanta schools of philosophy, and unorthodox (nastika) systems, such as Buddhism and Jainism. Indian thought has been concerned with various philosophical problems, significant among them the nature of the world (cosmology), the nature of reality (metaphysics), logic, the nature of knowledge (epistemology), ethics, and religion. General considerations Significance of Indian philosophies in the history of philosophy In relation to Western philosophical thought, Indian philosophy offers both surprising points of affinity and illuminating differences. The differences highlight certain fundamentally new questions that the Indian philosophers asked. The similarities reveal that, even when philosophers in India and the West were grappling with the same problems and sometimes even suggesting similar theories, Indian thinkers were advancing novel formulations and argumentations. Problems that the Indian philosophers raised for consideration, but that their Western counterparts never did, include such matters as the origin (utpatti) and apprehension (jñapti) of truth (pramanya). Problems that the Indian philosophers for the most part ignored but that helped shape Western philosophy include the question of whether knowledge arises from experience or from reason and distinctions such as that between analytic and synthetic judgments or between contingent and necessary truths. Indian thought, therefore, provides the historian of Western philosophy with a point of view that may supplement that gained from Western thought. A study of Indian thought, then, reveals certain inadequacies of Western philosophical thought and makes clear that some concepts and distinctions may not be as inevitable as they may otherwise seem. -
Anekantavada As a Dialethic Discourse Dr Tinu Ruparell Department of Religious Studies, University of Calgary
Pluralism, Perspectivalism and Durability: anekantavada as a dialethic discourse Dr Tinu Ruparell Department of Religious Studies, University of Calgary Religious Plurality This strikes at the substance metaphysics of Jainism and is beyond the scope of the present discussion, however a response Religious Pluralism is both a fact of human history as well as a potential Jaina perspectivalism is closer to what Janet Soskice, drawing upon was developed to this challenge. Whereas traditional western logic threat to cohesive social structures, fidelity in knowledge transmission, discussions in the philosophy of science, rightly points out when she is bivalent - its possible states being only True or False - Jaina and coherent meaning production, political consensus, ethical motivation and argues that the world in which we live is so complex that it will never be Buddhist logic admits four possible states: True, False, Both and existential ease. While in many ways laudable, religious pluralism can able to be comprehended in a single theory. Reality, in this sense, Neither. Where Madhyamīkas take the negative (Neither) way, the also be problematically disconcerting. The threat can be met through always surpasses our ability to describe it. This is an old insight and Jainas accept the positive ‘Both’ state. This separate non- several strategies, each of which tends towards either the one or the Aquinas stated it well, writing, “there is nothing to stop a thing that is reducible logical state they call avaktavya (inexpressible). many. This can be understood as a tension between a universal or objectively more certain by its nature from appearing subjectively less homogenising (centripetal) force or a pluralising, particularising certain to us because of the disability of our minds … we are like bats, Distinguished from apophatic silence, Matilal suggest that the (centrifugal) force. -
Anekāntavāda and Dialogic Identity Construction
religions Article Anekantav¯ ada¯ and Dialogic Identity Construction Melanie Barbato Seminar für Religionswissenschaft und Interkulturelle Theologie, University of Münster, 48143 Münster, Germany; [email protected] Received: 1 November 2019; Accepted: 14 November 2019; Published: 20 November 2019 Abstract: While strong religious identity is often associated with violence, Jainism, one of the world’s oldest practiced religions, is often regarded as one of the most peaceful religions and has nevertheless persisted through history. In this article, I am arguing that one of the reasons for this persistence is the community’s strategy of dialogic identity construction. The teaching of anekantav¯ ada¯ allows Jainas to both engage with other views constructively and to maintain a coherent sense of self. The article presents an overview of this mechanism in different contexts from the debates of classical Indian philosophy to contemporary associations of anekantav¯ ada¯ with science. Central to the argument is the observation that anekantav¯ ada¯ is in all these contexts used to stabilize Jaina identity, and that anekantav¯ ada¯ should therefore not be interpreted as a form of relativism. Keywords: Jainism; anekantav¯ ada¯ ; identity; Indian philosophy; Indian logic 1. Introduction: Religious Identity and the Dialogic Uses of Anekantav¯ ada¯ Within the debate on the role of religion in public life, strong religious identity is often and controversially discussed within the context of violent extremism.1 Strong religion, as in the title of a book by Gabriel A. Almond, R. Scott Appleby and Emmanuel Sivan (Almond et al. 2003), is sometimes just another word for fundamentalism, with all its “negative connotations” (Ter Haar 2003, p. -
Vedic Brahmanism and Its Offshoots
Vedic Brahmanism and Its Offshoots Buddhism (Buddha) Followed by Hindūism (Kṛṣṇā) The religion of the Vedic period (also known as Vedism or Vedic Brahmanism or, in a context of Indian antiquity, simply Brahmanism[1]) is a historical predecessor of Hinduism.[2] Its liturgy is reflected in the Mantra portion of the four Vedas, which are compiled in Sanskrit. The religious practices centered on a clergy administering rites that often involved sacrifices. This mode of worship is largely unchanged today within Hinduism; however, only a small fraction of conservative Shrautins continue the tradition of oral recitation of hymns learned solely through the oral tradition. Texts dating to the Vedic period, composed in Vedic Sanskrit, are mainly the four Vedic Samhitas, but the Brahmanas, Aranyakas and some of the older Upanishads (Bṛhadāraṇyaka, Chāndogya, Jaiminiya Upanishad Brahmana) are also placed in this period. The Vedas record the liturgy connected with the rituals and sacrifices performed by the 16 or 17 shrauta priests and the purohitas. According to traditional views, the hymns of the Rigveda and other Vedic hymns were divinely revealed to the rishis, who were considered to be seers or "hearers" (shruti means "what is heard") of the Veda, rather than "authors". In addition the Vedas are said to be "apaurashaya", a Sanskrit word meaning uncreated by man and which further reveals their eternal non-changing status. The mode of worship was worship of the elements like fire and rivers, worship of heroic gods like Indra, chanting of hymns and performance of sacrifices. The priests performed the solemn rituals for the noblemen (Kshsatriya) and some wealthy Vaishyas. -
UNIT 2 PHILOSOPHY of JAINISM Contents 2.0 Objectives 2.1
1 UNIT 2 PHILOSOPHY OF JAINISM Contents 2.0 Objectives 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Jainism 2.3 Jaina Epistemology 2.4 Metaphysics 2.5 Concept of Substance 2.6 Classification of Substance 2.7 The Soul or Jiva 2.8 The Inanimate Substance or Ajiva 2.9 Let Us Sum Up 2.10 Key Words 2.11 Further Readings and References 2.0 OBJECTIVES This unit enumerates the philosophy behind the religion of Jainism. Jain philosophy deals extensively with its own perspective on metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. Like any other religion, Jainism also has its foundation in philosophical concepts. 2.1 INTRODUCTION Jainism is the name of one of the religious traditions that has its origin in the Indian subcontinent. According to its own traditions, the teachings of Jainism are eternal, and hence have no founder; however, the Jainism of this age can be traced back to Mahavira, a teacher of the sixth century BCE, a contemporary of the Buddha. Like those of the Buddha, Mahavira’s doctrines were formulated as a reaction to and rejection of Brahmanism (a religion based on the Hindu scriptures, the Vedas and Upanishads) which was then taking shape. The Brahmans taught about the division of society into rigidly delineated castes, and a doctrine of reincarnation guided by karma or merit, brought about by the moral qualities of actions. Their schools of thought, since they respected the authority of the Vedas and Upanishads, were known as ‘orthodox darsanas’ (darsana literally means view). Jainism and Buddhism, along with a school of materialists called Carvaka, were regarded as the ‘unorthodox darsanas’, because they taught that the Vedas and Upanishads, and hence the Brahman caste, had no authority. -
JAINISM: ANEKËNTAVËDA Unit 13 UNIT 13: JAINISM: ANEKËNTAVËDA UNIT STRUCTURE
JAINISM: ANEKËNTAVËDA Unit 13 UNIT 13: JAINISM: ANEKËNTAVËDA UNIT STRUCTURE 13.1 Learning Objectives 13.2 Introduction 13.3 Literal Meaning of Anek¡ntav¡da 13.4 Explanation of change in the context of Anek¡ntav¡da 13.5 Analysing positive and negative characters of an object 13.6 Understanding Anek¡ntav¡da with a concrete example 13.7 Ekantavada 13.8 Let us sum up 13.9 Further Reading 13.10 Answers to Check Your Progress 13.11 Model Questions 13.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES After going through this unit, you will be able to:- l define Anek¡ntav¡da l discuss what change is l explain meaning of positive and negative characters of an object l explain positive and negative characteristics of an object l analyse Anek¡ntav¡da with concrete examples l discuss ek¡ntav¡da 13.2 INTRODUCTION The Jaina philosophy is an important branch of Indian philosophy. It is a non-vedic philosophy, N¡stika darshana or what we call as heterodox system. The Jaina philosophy can be traced, to the present stage through the twenty-four teachers or tirthankara, and the origin of the Jaina system is not adequately established. The first tirthankara was Rsabhadeva, and, the last among them was Vardhamana, referred to as Mah¡vira or the 'Great Indian Philosophy-I 69 Unit 13 JAINISM: ANEKËNTAVËDA Hero'. It is believed that Mahavira lived around 6th Century B.C., during the time of Gautama Buddha. It is said that the word 'Jaina' is derived from the word 'Jina'. The literal meaning of 'Jina' is conqueror. -
Jain Philosophy and Practice I 1
PANCHA PARAMESTHI Chapter 01 - Pancha Paramesthi Namo Arihantänam: I bow down to Arihanta, Namo Siddhänam: I bow down to Siddha, Namo Äyariyänam: I bow down to Ächärya, Namo Uvajjhäyänam: I bow down to Upädhyäy, Namo Loe Savva-Sähunam: I bow down to Sädhu and Sädhvi. Eso Pancha Namokkäro: These five fold reverence (bowings downs), Savva-Pävappanäsano: Destroy all the sins, Manglänancha Savvesim: Amongst all that is auspicious, Padhamam Havai Mangalam: This Navakär Mantra is the foremost. The Navakär Mantra is the most important mantra in Jainism and can be recited at any time. While reciting the Navakär Mantra, we bow down to Arihanta (souls who have reached the state of non-attachment towards worldly matters), Siddhas (liberated souls), Ächäryas (heads of Sädhus and Sädhvis), Upädhyäys (those who teach scriptures and Jain principles to the followers), and all (Sädhus and Sädhvis (monks and nuns, who have voluntarily given up social, economical and family relationships). Together, they are called Pancha Paramesthi (The five supreme spiritual people). In this Mantra we worship their virtues rather than worshipping any one particular entity; therefore, the Mantra is not named after Lord Mahävir, Lord Pärshva- Näth or Ädi-Näth, etc. When we recite Navakär Mantra, it also reminds us that, we need to be like them. This mantra is also called Namaskär or Namokär Mantra because in this Mantra we offer Namaskär (bowing down) to these five supreme group beings. Recitation of the Navakär Mantra creates positive vibrations around us, and repels negative ones. The Navakär Mantra contains the foremost message of Jainism. The message is very clear. -
Moksa in Jainism -With Special Reference to Haribhadra Suri
( 14 ) Journal of Indian and Buddhist Studies Vol. 54, No.3, March 2006 Moksa in Jainism -with special reference to Haribhadra Suri - Yasunori HARADA 0. Introduction In ancient India, how people could eliminate the suffering of samsara and obtain liberation (moksa) was a serious issue. This was also the case for the Jains. They developed an original theory of karma since the time of Mahavira. Umasvati (ca. 5- 6c) systematized a theory of liberation in his work, the TAAS. Within that text he describes the Jaina view of the world and karma. In the 10th chapter he explains in particular the Jaina theory of liberation. Haribhadra Suri (ca. 8c), a Jaina Svetambara monk and scholar, also discusses a theory of liberation in the 5th chapter of the Anekantavadapravesa.l)However, instead of developingUmasvati's theory of libera- tion, he criticizes the Buddhist view of momentariness (ksanikatva),in particular that of Dharmakirti (ca. 600-660AD). The present article examines the AVP, especially concerning the way in which Haribhadra Suri refutes the ksanikatva theory. In ad- dition, it compares Haribhadra Suri with his predecessor, the Digambara scholar Samantabhadra(ca. 600 AD),who takes the same view, i. e. the anekantavada. Thus this paper will shed new light on an aspect of the Jaina theory of liberation in the post-Agamic "logico-epistemological"tradition that has not as yet been studied in detail. 1. The Liberation Theory of Umasvati First, I would like to confirm the theoretical role of liberation in the TAAS. Umasvati enumerates 7 tattvas: jiva, ajiva, asrava, bandha, samvara, nirjara and moksa.2)This world, according to the TAAS, consists of jivas and ajivas.