Jain Philosophy and Practices

Our age is not only the age of Science but also the age of anxiety and mental tension. Our life is full of excitements, emotional disorders and conflicts of values. We know much about the atom but not enough about the values needed for meaningful life. Jainism is not only a religion, but a unique philosophy of self that prescribes a code of conduct for all human beings irrespective of creed, caste and colour. The Jain philosophy fully advocates limitless power and energy of the human soul and its independency.

The right thinking and the right conduct of Jains are auxiliary colours spread on the vast canvas of non-violence, which is the backbone of Jain philosophy.

The word Jina means the enlightened, the perfected human who has conquered the internal passions and annihilated even the subtlest of attachment and aversion by one’s own efforts. Such enlightenment slowly and progressively results into omniscience. Jinas teach the path of soul purification and perfection, called Jainism, only after attaining self-perfection.

According to Jain philosophy, they believe in and worship Tirthankaras, who were human beings attaining the state of perfect enlightenment through meditation and self-realization. A detailed discussion on philosophy, principles and spiritual practices in Jainism are discussed here under coverage of following topics:

1. History of Jainism and Biography of Lord Mahavira;
2. Fundamental Principles, Metaphysics of Jainism;
3. Stages of spiritual elevation (Gunasthanakas);
4. Jain scriptures and Spiritual teachers;
5. Spiritual Practices prescribed for Jain ascetics -monks and nuns;
6. Spiritual Practices prescribed for Jain householders;
7. Celebrations/ Festivals, Prayers and Prime symbol in Jain traditions;