Jainism In Practice...The New Age

By Ram Gopal Jain

Jainsim is another name of the science which studies nature in its two essential aspects living and non-living. This is incorporated within the science of the entire universe dealing with the galaxies and the planets and other terrestrial bodies within. It all amounts to an universal science.

Living matter is a part of nature, having the vital property of Chetna (consciousness), perception and knowledge. This living matter commonly known as "Soul" in our worldly language, is subjected to the process of transmigration - that is continuously perpetuating the cycle of birth and death through eternity.

The soul's manifestation each time in a new body is called birth, and correspondingly, exit of that soul from the body is known as death. This process has been going on since eternity and will continue to do so till the soul is liberated from its own implication Karmas, and is thereby free to obtain salvation (Moksha).

There are innumerable forms of life which synthesize the soul body in different permutations and combinations. Human life is considered to be pre-eminent since it possesses the capacity to embody a separate since called "mind" along with the five other senses; through this composite medium of cognition one can perceive the truth of nature.

From the ordinary point of view, the soul in the body is alive with four Pranas : (a) the five senses; (b) energy in the body, e.g. blood; (c) Ayu Karma (age duration); (d) vital respiration. But from the realistic point of view, the soul is alive due to its Chetna Shakti (consciousness) which is its main property, and cannot be separated from its core being.

This universe is existing since eternity and will last till infinity, and it is based on the scientific premise of "cause" and effect. With every cause there is an effect. With action in nature there is a reaction. Potential energy is transformed to kinetic energy, and in this process of transformation nothing is lost or gained. Modern science also grants that vital matter can neither be created nor destroyed. This universe has always existed. It has not been created by any God.

Jainism is also based on the same theory which affirms that the universe was never created by anyone and no one can destroy it.

The cause of a soul's present embodiment within the body is related to the Karmic particles it has accumulated in its Karmic from since innumerable lives in the past. These Karmas produce resulting consequences and soul experiences happiness as well as sorrow in the life. Because of Karmas the soul is subjected to attachment, anger, greed, etc. which pollutes and burdens its real nature of Jnana (knowledge).

These eight types of Karmas can be dispensed with in human life and the soul can emerge triumphantly into the illuminated realm of salvation. The process of shedding Karmas is directed through the act of meditation.

In human life and other lives in the universe there exists the polarity of Purusha (male principle) and Prakriti (female principle). In human life the two biological forms, male (man) and female (woman), and in the present worldly society the two kinds of lifestyle i.e. the householder's and the monk's - each of these dimensions can benefit from the practice of meditation. In the new age this process of meditation and learning about the concept of the universe is extremely important. If our conception becomes clear we can attain salvation without doubt. The way to salvation through these two kinds of lifestyles - the householder's and the monk's - should be called "Jainism in Practice - The New Age"

In Household life one should know what is soul and what is body, what is birth and what is death, what are the properties of non-living matter. One should know about Karma in the light of cause and effect theory, how one can get rid of Karmas which are accumulated in the soul through eternity. One should know about meditation, how to realize the soul. One should devote a few minutes of one's life everyday to concentrate on the study of the above stated points. The time will attain Samyak Darshan (right perception) which is the basic for the attainment of Moksha.

The monk's life demands renunciation of the worldly involvements of life; that is family life; business life or any sort of commercial occupation. He or she has to concentrate on the study of the literature of Jainism and on meditation. He or she should deliver lectures to the path of salvation. Basically, he or she should move forward by the best possible path towards the goal of self-awareness and salvation.

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Article From : "Ahimsa International Silver Jubilee Souvenir 1998"

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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
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