Jainism and Patanjali Yoga (Comparative Study)
by Deepak bagadia | 2016 | 109,819 words
This page relates ‘Jain Metaphysics—The Nine Elements (nava-tattva)’ of the study dealing with the Spiritual Practices of Jainism and Patanjali Yoga in the context of ancient Indian Philosophy (in Sanskrit: Darshana), including extracts from the Yogasutra and the Tattvartha-Sutra. The system of Yoga offers techniques which are scientifically designed for the spiritual development of an individual. Jainism offers ethicical principles and meditation practices to assist with spiritual development.
Part 3.4 - Jain Metaphysics—The Nine Elements (nava-tattva)
[Full title: Doctrines of Jainism (4): The Nine Elements (nava-tattvas)]
The entire philosophy in Jainism is based on concept of “self” or atman. Jain’s spiritual entities are comparable to Samkhya’s purusa or pure consciousness . The purpose of all spiritual practices is to know the self in its pure form and to identify one’s own soul with this immaculate and transcendental reality. The fundamental basis of Jain philosophy is the belief that the pure and perfect (emancipated) state is integral to all the souls. A true Jain has always been conscious of the innate potentiality of achieving perfection and the possibility of realization of eternal disembodied and pure self-perfection.
There are nine basic elements to be known to have knowledge of entire universe and for further actions in human life according to the agamas and Tattvarthasutra (seven elements). These are explained in details here:
Basically there are nine fundamental elements (navatattvas) in Jainism which are independent characters and also nature of matter. The Omniscient has explained the existence of the soul and its relationship with karma through these nine aspects as per Samavayangasutra. Without having proper knowledge of these tattvas, a person can”t attain Right Faith (Samyak darsana), one of the Tri-ratna and progress spiritually.
Tattvarthsutra mentions only seven elements[1], where two elements papa and punya are not included and they are considered as part of the third element asrava.
These seven elements are:
- Soul (jiva),
- Non-soul (ajiva),
- Influx of karmic particles (asrava),
- Bondage of karma (bandha),
- Stoppage of karma (samvara),
- Gradual dissolution and falling away of karma (nirjara) and
- Complete Liberation from worldly bondage (moksa) constitute reality.
The detailed discussion on nine elements, including wholesome acts (punya), unwholesome acts (papa) will analyze the state of worldly soul and the factors that help or prevent in attaining the liberation. It is Philosophical arrangement and administration of this universe by following nine elements.
We can categorize these nine elements into three types for our actions as:
1. jneya (which is to be known): It includes first two i.e. jiva and ajiva.
2. heya (which are to be avoided): It includes asrava, bandha and papa.
3. upadeya (which are to be adopted): It includes punya, samvara, nirjara and moksa. The details of each element are given below:
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
jīvajīvāsrava bandhasaṃvaranirjarāmokṣāstattvam | Tattvartha-sutra 1.4