Jainism - WHAT IS THE JAIN DHARMA ?

WHAT IS THE JAIN DHARMA OR JAINISM?

Before we understand the meaning of the Jain dharma, it is absolutely necessary that we should have a thorough knowledge of the word, dharma or religion because for thousands of years, innumerable wrong notions about dharma hace been nourished and held by people. Dharma or religion is neither a cult nor a creed; nor it is a reserved ystem of any community.  Dharma is not entirely related either to an individual or to a society; nor is it confined to any area. Dharma is the essential nature of an individual or an object. Shramana Bhagawan Mahavir has explained the meaning of dharma clearly thus:-

"Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo"

Dharma is nothing but the real nature of an object.  Just as the nature of fire is to burn and the nature of water is to produce a cooling effect, in the same manner, the essential nature of the soul is to seek self-realization and spiritual elevation.

If we examine the matter thus, we find that dharma acquires different definitions in different contexts but here is a simplpe and clear meaning of it; "Dharma is the name that can be given to all the elaborate codes of conduct and ideologies that enable life to attain nobility and spiritual exaltation".  Dharma can be the only means to understand and realize the true meaning of life. Dharma in its real sense is that which leads the soul on the path of felicity, peace and spiritual bliss; and impels it to  be active and progressive.  The great Jieshwaras have defined dharma thus:-

Arhat dharma - the dharma of Ariantas or the destroyers of the inner enemies namely Karmas.

Anekanta darshan - the ideology that is comprehensive and is not limited to a single point of view.

Vitaraga marg - the dharma that has been expounded by the Paramatma who is devoid of all attachments and hatred.

Thus, Jainism is known by various names.

WHO IS A JIN?

A Jin is one who typifies the Jain dharma ! Jin means Victor! conqueror!  The ultimate and absolute aim of life is salvation - Mukti! Deliverance! Two powerful impediments to the attainment of salvation are attachment and hatred. These two have been considered the inner enemies.  They are the two enemies that entangle the Soul (Atma) in the cycle of birth and rebirth.  Such passions as desire, anger, miserliness, arroggance and envy are but the offspring or the manifestations of the two passions, namely, attachment and hatred.  One who attains an absolute victory over these enemies is known as Jin.  He is also known by other names.

Arihanta -          ARI = enemy, HANT = destroyer. One who destroys the inner enemies.

Arhan    -          One who is worthy of being worshipped.

Vitrag   -           One who is devoid of attachment and hatred.

Sarvajna -        One who knows everything -The Omniscient.

Parameshthi -   One who has attained the Parampad or the highest state.

Sarvadarshi -    One who is all-seeing.

These Jins have in their lives personally lived the dharma and showed to the world the path of attainment and that has become the dhama for Sadhakas, those who try to achieve it. The Jins give form to it; and hence it is named Jin dharma.

Who is a Jain?

The devotee of vishnu is called a Vaishnav; the devotee of Shiva is called a Shaiva; the follower of the Buddha is called a Buddhist: the follower of Christ is called a Christain.  In the same manner, the follower of Jineshwer is known as a Jain.  Hence, this dharma has become current, established and reowned under the name of the Jain dharma. One who follows the path shown by Jineshwer is a Jain.

Such a man is a Jain to whatever nation he may belong; to whatever sect or creed he may belong; in whatever philosophical context he might have been born or brought up. The Jain dharma is not a religious sect or creed.  Anyone can adore and follow this dharma irrespective of his caste and creed.  This living dharma is meant for all.

The Jain dharma

This dharma is absolutely independent, unique and systematised among the religions of the world.  It has its own philosophy; it has a code of counduct tested by time. It has a unique outlook and wisdom.  By means of this dharma, it is possible to see and examine the nature and real dimensions of every object in this universe. There is no definite day or date for commencing to live according to this dharma.  Moreover, this dharma does not have any seer who first preached and expounded it. The Jain dharma has been in existence from times immemorial.  In relation to time, that which undergoes changes according to the passage of time, naturally passes through the phases of gradual evolution and gradual decline.  This process of development and decline continues in the endless and boundless flow of time.