The Theory of Knowledge in Jainism

 In Jainism, knowledge is central to the path of liberation. Unlike other systems, Jainism views knowledge as an inherent state of the soul, not something acquired externally. Knowledge is the soul's essence, comparable to a lamp that naturally emits light—it is an intrinsic part of the soul’s nature, not something it acquires.

Knowledge and Liberation

Jain philosophy holds that the soul inherently possesses knowledge. However, karmic impurities can obscure this knowledge, just as mud can cloud clear water. Liberation (Moksha) involves removing these karmic obstructions, allowing the soul’s true knowledge to manifest fully. The soul’s journey towards liberation is likened to cleaning a dust-covered mirror, revealing its natural reflective ability. This process allows the soul to realize its inherent, infinite knowledge.

Omniscience of the Liberated Soul

A liberated soul, or Siddha, attains perfect knowledge (Kevala Jnana) and perceives all objects across past, present, and future. This omniscience is likened to a clear crystal ball that reveals everything around it without obstruction. Consciousness is the essence of every soul, and in its pure state, it manifests a complete understanding of all objects. When karmic obstructions are removed, the soul’s consciousness is fully expressed, allowing it to perceive the cosmos with infinite clarity.

The Doctrine of Relativity of Knowledge

Jainism classifies knowledge into two types: mediate (paroksa) and immediate (aparoksa). Mediate knowledge is acquired through the senses, while immediate knowledge is obtained without sensory intervention, directly by the soul. Unlike other schools, Jainism considers even perceptual knowledge (gained through senses) as mediate because it involves something external to the soul.

Immediate knowledge is further divided into Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Kevala (omniscience). Mediate knowledge includes Mati (sensory knowledge) and Shruta (knowledge through testimony). Absolute immediate knowledge, known as Kevala-jnana, is supra-sensual, non-conceptual, and intuitive, attained when the soul is free from all karmic obstacles.

Link for Class: https://youtu.be/wXWver5Z5HU

Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LfS2RblRAilEfBAjbFQly9gzh85EB-Rf/view?usp=sharing


Comments

  1. L. AkhoAugust 11, 2024 at 9:04 AM

    Ignorance leads us to sin. Attaining the pure knowledge will be able to set us free from sin.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Paulus Tala MarandiAugust 11, 2024 at 9:39 AM

    Removing of karmic obstruction will help to attain infinite knowledge of own soul and that will lead to path of liberation.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Prakash JosephAugust 12, 2024 at 9:11 AM

    In Jainism, knowledge is considered an inherent and essential aspect of the soul, obscured by karmic impurities, and the path to liberation involves removing these obstacles to reveal the soul's innate, infinite, and omniscient knowledge.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jones VimalAugust 12, 2024 at 6:59 PM

    The theory of knowledge basically discusses the concept of clearing one's own soul from the impurities of the matter that is the Karmic particles. As St. Paul dismantles the truth that I try to do good deed but still I am falling prey to the sensual activities because of the body. Thus here the relation between the Matter and the soul are clearly dealt. Thus in order to acquire a true knowledge of the self we must get rid of the Karmic Particles.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Arun RajAugust 12, 2024 at 7:13 PM

    I understand that knowledge is the soul's essence. It is not an external entity but an intrinsic part of the soul's nature.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cajetan PereiraAugust 12, 2024 at 11:46 PM

    Some new insight for me was in Jainism, knowledge is seen as an inherent state of the soul, and liberation (Moksha) involves removing karmic obstructions to allow the soul's true, infinite knowledge to manifest fully.






    ReplyDelete
  7. Sam 24-PPL-033August 13, 2024 at 7:05 PM

    Something new to note that knowledge can lead to salvation in Jainism and that our body acts as a vessel holding the soul

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amit KulluAugust 14, 2024 at 3:01 PM

    The theory of knowledge in Jainism:- I learned two types of Knowledge and that are (1) Mediate Knowledge and (2) Immediate Knowledge. Mediate Knowledge is acquired through the senses. Immediate knowledge is obtained without sensory intervention directly from the soul.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sumit MinzAugust 14, 2024 at 10:22 PM

    Through this, I understand knowledge as the gateway to liberation.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Irenius BeckAugust 16, 2024 at 10:16 AM

    The essence of soul is completely related to true knowledge that is truth of divine. The true knowledge gives us the life of fullness that is divine. It shows the way to liberate our soul from from external things.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ravindra EkkaAugust 16, 2024 at 6:53 PM

    Knowledge is the soul's essence. Karmic obstructions should be removed so that soul's consciousness is fully expressed. Two types of knowledge (1) mediate - which is aquired through the senses (2) immediate - is obtained without sensory intervention. it is obtained directly by the soul. I need both mediate and immediate. I will look for mediate knowledge before my exam.

    ReplyDelete
  12. SukeshAugust 16, 2024 at 9:42 PM

    This idea was completely new for me, Jainism views knowledge as inherent, with liberation. By removing karmic impurities it reveal the soul's innate and omniscient.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Gulshan LugunAugust 18, 2024 at 3:50 PM

    Knowledge is light of the bodies. Knowledge shows the bodies the true and correct ways and means for its liberation of souls. Thus knowledge is very essential for the liberation of souls.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Santosh MSeptember 10, 2024 at 9:24 PM

    Jainism says that knowledge is central to the path of liberation. the perfect knowledge is gained through the senses. So this teaching helps me realize that our body, in which senses are present, plays a pivotal role in attaining liberation. Therefore we must take special care to our senses.

    ReplyDelete

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