Out of the world's population, thirty-one percent are Christians, twenty-three percent are Muslims, sixteen percent are atheists and secular, fifteen percent are Hindus, seven percent follow Buddhism, and about six percent follow folk religions. The rest of the religions fall under one percent.
Jainism is not even mentioned. This Jainism, which falls under one percent, yet has an influence all over the world. Many top universities teach Jainism. There are numerous world universities where Jainism is taught, and where monks and nuns practice internships, perform rituals, and are given certificates and degrees. Why is there such a craze for Jainism around the world?
During this pandemic, everyone realized how important Jainism is. The principles of this 2,500-year-old religion are still relevant and invaluable today.
When George Bernard Shaw was asked about Jainism by Gandhi's grandson, Ishaan Gandhi, he gave a beautiful reply. To emphasize the importance of Jainism, he said, "In my next birth, I want to be born in Jainism. That is my wish."
From great personalities and scientists to small children, everyone is eager to know what Jainism is. So today, I bring you the answer: What is Jainism?
What is Dharma?
When we say the word religion, we immediately think of religious places, religious attire, religious gods (idols), religious festivals, or religious practices like prayer, charity, penance, and good deeds. But is that truly religion? No, these are symbols of religion.
To understand what religion is, let me give you a small example. A Chinese man came to India with his wife and child. Upon arriving, his luggage was stolen. While searching for his luggage, his wife and child got lost. Now, he had no luggage, no money, no mobile, no wife, and no child. He was devastated. When he went to the police station to file a complaint, even then, he got no help. Despite the police's efforts, they couldn't find his luggage, wife, or child. This Chinese man was an atheist; he didn't know what religion was.
A policeman told him to take the name of God and perform some religious act. He didn't understand what religion or God was. He asked the policeman what to do, and he was told to go to a temple and take the name of God. He did so but didn't find any clue in the temple, church, or mosque. He went to all the religious places but found nothing. Frustrated, he returned to the police station, saying, "You said I would find them, but God doesn't speak or help." A kind-hearted person passing by suggested he meet a spiritual master (Sadguru).
He narrated his whole story to the Sadguru and asked how he could find his wife, child, and luggage. The Sadguru replied, "Religion is not for finding your wife, child, or luggage. Religion is to make you understand the truth. If you do good, you will receive good; if you do bad, you will receive bad. You must have done something wrong in a past life or this life for your wife, child, and luggage to be lost."
Realizing his mistakes, he asked for forgiveness and decided to do good deeds. He went home and freed all the people he had exploited in his business. After doing so, he found that a kind person had brought his wife and child back home. Embracing his family, he understood that doing good brings good results.
Our Actions, Thoughts, and True Religion: A Jain Perspective
The actions we perform are deeds, our noble feelings are goodwill, and our good thoughts are righteous thinking. The inner movement within us is virtuous progress. So, what is religion? The qualities we adopt and the virtues we embody constitute religion.
Religion is not about escaping difficulties, removing troubles, or fulfilling desires. Even during this pandemic, the economic and social losses you endure will not be mitigated by religion. Religion will teach you that good deeds yield good results and bad deeds yield bad results. Embracing virtues like non-violence, forgiveness, sweetness, simplicity, and humility is religion.
You might think this is shown in all religions, so why Jainism? The common word in all these virtues is 'Sat,' meaning truth. Jainism translates to the religion of truth. One who conquers attachment and aversion is a Jina. A Jina has annihilated all inner sorrows, desires, and worldly attachments and thus, speaks only the truth, making Jainism the religion of truth.
In other religions, worldly rituals are emphasized, such as getting married in a church, mosque, or gurdwara. However, Jainism does not prescribe rituals for marriage, birth, or death. Other religions have limitations bound to the body, but Jainism talks beyond the body, focusing on the soul. This is why Jainism is the religion of truth.
Other religions may illustrate worldly aspects, but Jainism is about realizing the soul. Science does not acknowledge the soul, leading to unanswered questions. Jainism, beginning and ending with the soul, holds all solutions, making it the religion of truth.
Religion is not confined to being born as a Jain. Even an elephant with a thought that no one should suffer is a Jain. This thought, held to the end of its life, makes it a Jain, leading to Moksha. This is why Jainism is not exclusive but a universal truth.
A hermit practicing austerity for sixty thousand years was offered the position of Indra in Devalok by gods, but he thought, “The soul itself is the supreme self; it needs no Indra position.” Thus, he declined and attained Moksha. This demonstrates that Jainism does not require a Guru or religious knowledge to attain liberation.
The conclusion is:
1. Embracing virtues is Dharma.
2. Embracing the true qualities of the soul is Jainism.
Comentarios