Jainism Philosophy UPSC: Philosophy and Literature

Jainism is one of the religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent. According to tradition, the teachings of Jainism are eternal and date back to the sixth century BCE. It follows its own principles and fundamentals, which are based on the core values of humanity. In this blog, we shall discuss Jainism Philosophy for students preparing to ace competitive examinations like UPSC.

Jainism is one of the oldest religions, dating back to ancient India. It was founded by Lord Mahavira in the sixth century BCE. Jainism began as a philosophical and spiritual religion alongside Indian schools of thought such as Buddhism and Early Hinduism. Jain’s philosophy is distinguished by its emphasis on Ahimsa (nonviolence), Aparigraha (non-possession), asceticism, and respect for all life forms.

Historical Background

Jainism emerged during the time in ancient India, known as the Axial Age. 

• The Axial Age refers to a period when numerous religious and philosophical movements addressed basic questions regarding existence, suffering, and the essence of reality.
• Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara in the Jain tradition, is regarded as the reformer and propagator of Jain philosophy.
• He built on the teachings of past Jain philosophers such as Parshavanath and others.

Also Read: Who Is The Founder Of Jainism? – Leverage Edu

Core Principles of Jainism

Jainism follows the principles that are the foundation of the teachings of Jainism’s spiritual teachers.

Ahimsa (Non-violence)

Ahimsa is the core value of Jainism on which this religion prevails.

• Ahimsa has an impact on all aspects of Jainism.
• It limits not just physical nonviolence, but also violence in ideas and speech.
• Jains believe that every living thing has a soul and that any violence against them will result in negative karma and its consequences.

Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism)

Anekantavada is the doctrine of non-absoluteness which means there is no absolute truth.

• Anekantavada teaches that the truth is complex and multifaceted.
• It emphasises that no single point of view can capture all of the truth.
• Jainism emphasises tolerance, empathy, and respect for different perspectives.
• It teaches us the value of respecting many perspectives while understanding the world.

Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness)

Aparigraha means non-attachment or non-possessiveness towards material possession.

• Jains believe that excess attachment to worldly material binds the soul.
• It can restrict the attainment of moksha and lead to spiritual ignorance.

Karma Theory

It is the theory that gives the understanding of karma and its consequences.

• Jainism follows the principle of karma, which is similar to other Indian philosophies but has a distinct meaning.
• Karma in Jainism refers to the particles that surround the soul as a result of one’s actions, intuition, or thoughts.
• These karmic particles influence the soul’s future conditions, including later births and deaths.

Asceticism and Renunciation

Asceticism and Renunciation are central to Jain practice, especially for monks and nuns.

• Asceticism refers to the practice of self-discipline and the avoidance of all forms of indulgence.
• Renunciation is the act of rejecting a certain belief or giving up a position or title.
• Renunciation is viewed as a technique of purifying the soul and separating from material distractions.
• It centres on spiritual freedom from the cycle of rebirth.

Also Read: Aristotle’s 3 Types of Knowledge and Its Relevance Today

Jain Cosmology

Jain cosmology views the universe as a collection of worlds and realms bounded by different forms of life. The universe is viewed as eternal and uncreated, with everything moving through the cycle of birth and death. Jainism emphasises the concept of an eternal soul, which is distinct from the physical body. This soul is capable of achieving liberation from spiritual practices.

Ethics and Moral Conduct

Ethical behaviour (Dharma) is governed by the principles of ahimsa, truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession. Jains seek to live morally and ethically while remaining conscious of all living organisms.

Jain Scriptures

Jainism has a vast literature, which is divided into Agamas (Lord Mahavira’s teachings) and Angas (commentaries and secondary texts). The teachings primarily focused on ethical living, meditation, ritual activities, and intellectual discussions about karma, liberation, and the nature of reality.

Also Read: Digambara Jain: Origin, Beliefs & Sub-Sects

Jain Sects

Jainism has mainly two sects- Digambara (sky-clad) and Svetambara (white-clad). The Digambara promotes nudity as a symbol of spiritual detachment, whereas Svetamabar wears white robes and carries only a few belongings. Both sects follow the core concepts of Jain philosophy but differ in specific practices and interpretations.

Contemporary Relevance of Jainism

Jainism is still significant today because of its emphasis on nonviolence and ethical conduct. The principles of ahimsa and non-possession are relevant to many social movements, including social justice, sustainability, and peaceful living. Jainism emphasises compassion, mindfulness, and respect for all living beings on the planet while tackling contemporary issues.

In conclusion, Jainism is an ancient Indian philosophical religion that teaches liberation via spiritual practices. Its teachings on karma, non-absolutism, and asceticism continue to inspire modern-day seekers of personal transformation, social harmony, and spiritual enlightenment.

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