Treasures in Thousands-of-years-old practices validated by modern science

For more than 2,500 years, Jains have been on a path of Only recently have scientific advances validated what Jains Non-Violence, Non-Absolutism (respecting other views), and have been practicing for thousands of years. The following are Non-Possessiveness. Jainism is based on strong scientific principles. some of the practices: Jain Practices and Modern Science Jain Practices Validation by Science Non-Violence – The solution to modern day social and political problems. Terrorism can be solved only through Compassion comprehensive Non-Violent means. Vegetarianism FDA (Food and Drug Adminstration) guidelines now show a food pyramid consisting of a primarily vegetarian diet. Meditation Meditation has tremendous therapeutic effects, including altering brain chemistry and physical changes, encouraging feelings of compassion.1 In some schools children are encouraged to meditate before taking standardized exams. Yoga Tremendous benefits in this practice. Yoga is now being taught in high schools, colleges, and in towns and health clubs throughout the nation. Drinking filtered/boiled Hundreds of millions of lives could have been saved in years past if this common Jain practice was water universally adopted. Respecting plants as living Only recently has science accepted that plants are living organisms. beings

 Treasures in Jainism Jainism Simplified

Jain Practices Validation by Science Respecting nature Today, science is discovering that only balanced environmental practices can solve the problems facing the world. Jain mathematics The extensive body of discusses many concepts in mathematics. Equality for women Even today, most of the world is not practicing this. Jains believe that all Souls are equal and have a potential to achieve the highest state. Forgiveness in thoughts, Science now believes that in this complex and difficult world, forgiveness is the path to happiness.1 words and deeds Animal protection Jains have formed many institutions for protecting animals of all kinds. Only today is there an effort to protect endangered species. Molecules and atoms Tattvarth Sutra and other Jain scriptures mention the existence of Paramanu – the smallest indivisible particle. Ethics and compliance Jains are known for their strong business ethics. Corporations and business schools are focusing more on ethics and compliance. Many viewpoints – Current management practices and leaders are succeeding by recognizing that issues are complex and Tolerance (Anekantvad) that only by collecting and integrating different views can they make optimal decisions. Non-Possessiveness People have realized that consumerism is not the path to happiness. Living in balance with possessions simplifies one’s life, as well as promoting the sharing of natural resources with fellow humans and other living beings. Karma – for every action This was not evident to societies in the past. But we know today that even thoughts can provoke there is a reaction hormonal changes and alter our actions. We also know violence has a vicious, reactionary nature. For thousands of years, Jains have been practicing the above Western environment in which we live is conducive to sharing beliefs, which modern science and practices are validating. and benefiting from these treasures. And now more than ever, the Western world can leverage . Only now is North America and the rest of the world truly discovering what Jains have known. Imagine, if the Jains had shared this treasure with the world sooner, this world would have been a very different place. But it is not too late. When you plant a seed, the soil has to be right, there has to be enough light and water for a great big tree to grow. The environment has to be conducive. In the same way, the North American and

10 Jainism Simplified Treasures in Jainism

Far from Validation • Managing Passions – A Jain’s focus is to manage his or In addition to the above beliefs and practices, Jainism also her passions of Anger, Pride, Deceit, and Greed. Only by believes in the following, which are not part of mainstream focusing, understanding and managing these passions can science theories but may be validated in the future: Jains strengthen their practice of non-violence and reduce • Concept of Soul – Jainism has a distinct concept that each the negative vibrations on the Soul. The greater the progress individual has a Soul, and the body is just the housing. of Soul purification, the lower the intensity of these passions. Upon death the Soul enters another body. • Reincarnation – The Soul lives on after death and reincarnates into another living being. This cycle continues until the Soul becomes fully realized (perfect) and sheds all the past negative vibrations (Karma). • Cosmology – Jain scriptures have extensive discussions of multiple universes, distances, different worlds, non-human celestial (Devata) and hellish (Naraki) beings.

“Would the system established by ancestors hold true upon examination? If it does not, I am not here to justify it for the sake of saving the traditional grace of the dead, irrespective of the wrath I may have to face.” — Dwatrinshika of Siddhasen Diwarkar

1 “How Thinking Can Change the Brain,” Wall Street Journal, Jan. 19, 2007 - JAINA Convention 2005, “Introduction to Jainism and Science,” by Yogendra Jain - Extracts from JAINA Vision2020 and Tattvarth Sutra presentation developed by JCGB Level 6 Pathshala and Yogendra Jain 11