Jain Science and Spirituality
by Medhavi Jain | 2020 | 61,419 words
This essay studies the elements of Jainism and investigates how Jain science and philosophy can give the world answers to through science and spirituality. Instead of interpreting it as a confined, strict philosophy, it is shown that Jainism represents a path towards self-awakening through self-improvement....
6.3. Tirthankara as First Handers
When we contemplate about the Teerthankaras [Tirthankaras], it becomes clear that they were the people of their own standards. They did not listen to the society, they did what they felt right because they were not normal human beings but highly evolved and knowledgeable souls.
They did not believe in,
‘An existence where thought of each man won't be his own, yet an endeavour to figure the idea of the brain of his neighbour who will have no idea of his own yet an endeavour to figure the idea of the following neighbour who will have no idea, etc… around the world. Since all must concur with all. An existence where no man will hold a longing for himself, however will guide every one of his endeavours to fulfil the wants of his neighbour who'll have no wants of his own.’[1]
They stood for themselves. Through strictest of penance they perceived the universe and showed the world the way towards the truth. And even then they did not ask anyone to follow them, they moved beyond the boundaries of karma and achieved salvation.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Ibid. pp. 637