Understanding Jaina Philosophy

 Jainism, according to its traditions, offers eternal teachings but is historically traced back to Mahavira, a 6th-century BCE teacher, contemporary of the Buddha. Like Buddhism, Jainism emerged as a reaction against Brahmanism, rejecting the authority of the Vedas and the caste system.

Core Teachings

Jainism emphasizes a dualistic philosophy, distinguishing sharply between souls (Jiva) and matter (Ajiva). Souls are spiritual entities characterized by consciousness, knowledge, and bliss, while matter is physical and non-sentient. The interaction between Jivas and Ajivas leads to the entanglement of souls in the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth), driven by karma, which is a form of subtle matter attaching to the soul due to actions.

Jainism is atheistic but acknowledges the existence of gods within the cosmos. The term "Jainism" is derived from "Jina," meaning "conqueror," a title given to the 24 teachers (Tirthankaras) who overcame passions and achieved liberation.

Key Philosophical Concepts

  1. Dualism (Jiva and Ajiva): Jainism asserts a dualistic view, recognizing both sentient souls (Jivas) and non-sentient matter (Ajivas).

    • Example: A human being (Jiva) vs. a rock (Ajiva).

  2. Pluralism: Jainism recognizes an infinite number of both animate and inanimate substances.

    • Example: Various living beings (animate) and different forms of matter (inanimate).

  3. Metaphysical Realism: Jainism holds that multiple, distinct substances exist independently in reality.

    • Example: A tree and the soil it grows in are real, separate entities.

  4. Atoms with Souls: Every atom has a soul, but it is not a Jiva as it lacks consciousness.

    • Example: Atoms in a gold nugget have souls but no consciousness.

  5. Permanence and Change: The soul is permanent in essence but changes in states.

    • Example: A person’s soul remains the same, but their experiences change.

  6. Rejection of a Universal Soul: Jainism rejects the notion of a singular, universal soul.

    • Example: Each soul is distinct, unlike the concept of Brahman in Hinduism.

Jainism is often seen as a philosophy or way of life, emphasizing ethical conduct and the practice of good life as a means to achieve spiritual liberation.

Link for Class: https://youtu.be/146vVO_psWU

Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bHp_oDEtm0T9-aOFAW4DV3WHLsCvJB6q/view?usp=sharing

Comments

  1. L. AkhoAugust 11, 2024 at 9:19 AM

    I find Jainism as very inclusive and very harmonious religion, because they believe anyone who practices good life will attain liberation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Paulus Tala MarandiAugust 11, 2024 at 9:55 AM

    Jainism rejects the authority of Vedas and the caste system and it emphasizes on the ethical conduct and practising way of good life to achieve liberation.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amit KulluAugust 11, 2024 at 10:52 PM

    After studying Jainism came to know that Buddhism and Jainism emerged as a creation against Brahmanism, rejecting the authority of the Vedas and the caste system. It was new learning for me in the teachings of Jainism.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Prakash JosephAugust 12, 2024 at 9:13 AM

    In my opinion, Jainism presents a distinct and profound philosophy that emphasizes dualism, the eternal soul, and ethical conduct as a means to achieve spiritual liberation.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jones VimalAugust 12, 2024 at 6:48 PM

    Each Philosopher try their best in bringing out the reason for the imperfection that was present in the World. Jainism also tried its best in bringing out the relation of the matter and the Souls influence over the matter. Therefore the ultimate teaching of the Jainism was to liberate the soul from the bondage of the matter.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Arun RajAugust 12, 2024 at 7:04 PM

    I learn that Jiva means a soul which has consciousness but an atom which has a soul is not Jiva because it lacks consciousness.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sam 24-PPL-033August 13, 2024 at 7:09 PM

    I never knew that Jainism was against brahminism and basically against casteism . I had thought it was a religion related to Hinduism

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sumit MinzAugust 14, 2024 at 10:29 PM

    New insights as to how Jainism and Buddhism emerged against the Hindu verma and Caste system. Having its own way of life unlike others, striving into one goal to achieve liberation etc.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bibi AntonyAugust 16, 2024 at 5:28 PM

    The word Jina in Jainism means "the conqueror," which is worth thinking about. The 24 Tirthankaras overcame their desires to reach liberation. Sometimes, we gather material things and fall into a life of pleasure, which leads to the question: Are we willing to give up our desires and passions to focus on God in our spiritual journey?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ravindra EkkaAugust 16, 2024 at 6:41 PM

    Jina Philosophy encourages me to be a conqueror. It leads me to a good life. It helps me to achieve spiritual and material liberation. My soul will remain the same but my experiences. My experiences of working with many souls will change.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Gulshan LugunAugust 18, 2024 at 3:32 PM

    Souls by nature are perfect and have knowledge, bliss and couciousness. But it our actions that blinds the true nature of the souls and we experience the cycle of rebirth. I also like the reaction of Buddhism and Jainism against Brahamanism and the authority of vedas. This helps me to understand that we all are equal and are capable to do all things. Our births do not decide our designations.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rohit DSeptember 16, 2024 at 7:18 PM

    Jainism's philosophy dualism is understanding of Jiva and Ajiva. Both are important to attain liberation; it depends on the karma of us. Animate and inanimate substance exist in this world, leading us to truth.

    ReplyDelete

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