Fundamentals of Fundamentals of JainismJainism

Pravin K. ShahPravin K. Shah

JAINA Education CommitteeJAINA Education Committee

Jain Study Center of North CarolinaJain Study Center of North Carolina

509 Carriage Woods Circle509 Carriage Woods Circle

Raleigh, NC 27607-3969Raleigh, NC 27607-3969

Website: www.jaina.orgWebsite: www.jaina.org

e-mail: education@jaina.orge-mail: education@jaina.org

Tele - 919-859-4994Tele - 919-859-4994

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Jain BeliefsJain BeliefsFundamental Beliefs Fundamental Beliefs ƒ Soul and Karma exist from EternitySoul and Karma exist from Eternityƒ Karma is attached to the Soul from EternityKarma is attached to the Soul from Eternityƒ The Soul is in Mithyatva (ignorance and wrong belief) The Soul is in Mithyatva (ignorance and wrong belief)

from Eternity from Eternity ƒ The Principle governing the successions of life cycles The Principle governing the successions of life cycles

(Birth, Life, and Death) is Karma.(Birth, Life, and Death) is Karma.ƒ Our Mithyatva and the intention behind our actions of Our Mithyatva and the intention behind our actions of

body, mind, and speech continue to bind us with new body, mind, and speech continue to bind us with new Karma.Karma.

ƒ Karma / Mithyatva is the root cause of all SufferingsKarma / Mithyatva is the root cause of all Sufferingsƒ Ultimate goal of life is Liberation from Karma (Removal Ultimate goal of life is Liberation from Karma (Removal

of Mithyatva in turn removes all Karma).of Mithyatva in turn removes all Karma).

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To attain Freedom of Soul by Freeing it from its To attain Freedom of Soul by Freeing it from its bondage to Karma.bondage to Karma.

QuestionsQuestionsƒ What is Soul?What is Soul?ƒ What is Karma?What is Karma?ƒ What are their Qualities?What are their Qualities?ƒ What is Bondage?What is Bondage?ƒ What is Freedom?What is Freedom?ƒ How is the Soul bounded by Karma?How is the Soul bounded by Karma?ƒ How can one obtain Freedom of the Soul?How can one obtain Freedom of the Soul?

–Answer requires the proper knowledge of the Universe Answer requires the proper knowledge of the Universe and its substances particularly Soul and Karma and and its substances particularly Soul and Karma and

their their relationship.relationship.

Aim of JainismAim of Jainism

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Jain Religion DefinitionJain Religion Definition

Absolute Point of View:Absolute Point of View:ƒ The True Nature of a substance is the Religion The True Nature of a substance is the Religion

of a substance of a substance Practical Point of View:Practical Point of View:ƒ Any activity of Body, Mind and Speech which Any activity of Body, Mind and Speech which

reduces Kashay (Anger, Ego, Deceit, and reduces Kashay (Anger, Ego, Deceit, and Greed) is a religious activityGreed) is a religious activity

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Morality vs. SpiritualityMorality vs. Spirituality

Individual

Person

Following

Law and Order

Moral

Spiritual Non-spiritual

Immoral

Not Following

Law and Order

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Morality vs. Religion Morality vs. Religion (Continued)(Continued)

Jain Morality (Vyavahar Dharma)Jain Morality (Vyavahar Dharma)ƒ Conduct in accordance with the rules Conduct in accordance with the rules

prescribed by Arihants / Tirthankarsprescribed by Arihants / Tirthankarsƒ Our action is accompanied by compassion, Our action is accompanied by compassion,

friendship, love, sympathy, equanimity etc. friendship, love, sympathy, equanimity etc. otherwise our conduct is mere hypocrisyotherwise our conduct is mere hypocrisy

Jain Religion (Nischaya Dharma)Jain Religion (Nischaya Dharma)ƒ Purity of soul which results from the above Purity of soul which results from the above

action (Removal of Karma / Mithyatva)action (Removal of Karma / Mithyatva)

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Universe and its SubstancesUniverse and its Substances

The Universe is made-up of six eternal and The Universe is made-up of six eternal and independent substances:independent substances:

Six Universal Substances (Entity/Dravya)Six Universal Substances (Entity/Dravya)ƒ Jiva Jiva Soul or Living beingSoul or Living beingƒ Pudgal Pudgal MatterMatterƒ Dharma Dharma Principle of MotionPrinciple of Motionƒ Adharma Adharma Principle of RestPrinciple of Restƒ Akasa Akasa SpaceSpaceƒ KälKäl TimeTime

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Characteristics of a SubstanceCharacteristics of a Substance

Utpada Utpada OriginationOriginationVyaya Vyaya DestructionDestructionDhrauvya Dhrauvya PermanencePermanence

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Universe and its SubstancesUniverse and its SubstancesParyay -Paryay -ƒ Every substance is continuously going through Every substance is continuously going through

Origination and Destruction. These are the Origination and Destruction. These are the Transient Characteristics of a Substance known as Transient Characteristics of a Substance known as Paryay or Modification of a Substance.Paryay or Modification of a Substance.

Dravya -Dravya -ƒ While going through continuous changes, certain While going through continuous changes, certain

qualities of a substance remain unchanged. These qualities of a substance remain unchanged. These are the Permanent Characteristics of a substance are the Permanent Characteristics of a substance known as Dravya of a Substance.known as Dravya of a Substance.

Dravya and Paryay are inseparable.Dravya and Paryay are inseparable.

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Soul - Living BeingSoul - Living Being

Every Soul is Individual, Independent, and Every Soul is Individual, Independent, and EternalEternal

Two Types of SoulsTwo Types of Soulsƒ Free or Liberated Soul (Siddha)Free or Liberated Soul (Siddha)ƒ Bonded or Worldly Soul (Samsari)Bonded or Worldly Soul (Samsari)

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Free or Liberated SoulFree or Liberated SoulFree from all KarmaFree from all KarmaKnown as Siddha or GodKnown as Siddha or GodPossesses Infinite (Perfect) Knowledge, Possesses Infinite (Perfect) Knowledge, Vision, Power, and BlissVision, Power, and Bliss

Has No Physical BodyHas No Physical BodyFree from Cycle of Birth and DeathFree from Cycle of Birth and DeathFree from Pain and PleasureFree from Pain and PleasureInfinite numberInfinite numberLives in MokshaLives in Moksha

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Worldly (Samsari) SoulWorldly (Samsari) Soul

Covered with Karma (Matter)Covered with Karma (Matter)Doer of all Karma (Actions)Doer of all Karma (Actions)Recipient of Fruits of KarmaRecipient of Fruits of KarmaWanders in Cycles of Birth and DeathWanders in Cycles of Birth and DeathFeels Pain and PleasureFeels Pain and PleasurePossesses Limited Knowledge, Vision, Power, BlissPossesses Limited Knowledge, Vision, Power, BlissPossesses Physical Body (Matter)Possesses Physical Body (Matter)Possesses Contraction and Expansion propertiesPossesses Contraction and Expansion propertiesInfinite NumberInfinite NumberCapable of becoming Free or LiberatedCapable of becoming Free or Liberated

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Worldly Souls (Continued)Worldly Souls (Continued)

Possess One to Five senses Possess One to Five senses (because of its association with (because of its association with

Matter/Karma)Matter/Karma)ƒ TouchTouch - One Sense- One Senseƒ TasteTaste - Two Senses- Two Sensesƒ Smell Smell - Three Senses- Three Sensesƒ Sight Sight - Four Senses- Four Sensesƒ HearingHearing - Five Senses- Five Senses

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One Sense SoulOne Sense Soul

One Sense Soul is called EkendriaOne Sense Soul is called Ekendriaƒ Earth as body Earth as body - Prithvikaya- Prithvikayaƒ Water as body Water as body - Apakaya- Apakayaƒ Fire as body Fire as body - Agnikaya- Agnikayaƒ Air as body Air as body - Vayukaya- Vayukayaƒ Plant as body Plant as body - Vanaspatikaya- Vanaspatikaya

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One Sense Soul (Continued)One Sense Soul (Continued)Vanaspatikaya (Plant as body) - two typesVanaspatikaya (Plant as body) - two typesƒ Pratyek Vanaspatikaya Pratyek Vanaspatikaya

–Above ground vegetables, fruits, beans, etc.Above ground vegetables, fruits, beans, etc.–Each plant has innumerable cells Each plant has innumerable cells –Each cell is occupied by one soulEach cell is occupied by one soul–Hence such Plant has Innumerable soulsHence such Plant has Innumerable souls

ƒ Sadharan Vanaspatikaya Sadharan Vanaspatikaya (Nigod or Kandmul ...Potatos, Onions, Carrots etc..)(Nigod or Kandmul ...Potatos, Onions, Carrots etc..)

–Under ground vegetablesUnder ground vegetables–Each plant has innumerable cells Each plant has innumerable cells –Each cell is shared by infinite soulsEach cell is shared by infinite souls–Hence such a Plant has Infinte soulsHence such a Plant has Infinte souls

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Two senses Two senses - Beindriya- Beindriyaƒ worms, leechesworms, leeches

Three senses Three senses - Treindriya- Treindriyaƒ ants, liceants, lice

Four senses Four senses - Chaurendriya- Chaurendriyaƒ flies, beesflies, bees

Five senses Five senses - Panchendriya- Panchendriyaƒ animals, birds, humans, heavenly bodies, animals, birds, humans, heavenly bodies,

hellish bodies etc.hellish bodies etc.

Two to Five Sense Souls Two to Five Sense Souls

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Five sense beings (Panchendriya) are of two Five sense beings (Panchendriya) are of two typestypesƒ Living beings without mindLiving beings without mind

–Can not attain Samyaktva and hence no Can not attain Samyaktva and hence no liberationliberation

ƒ Living beings with mindLiving beings with mind–Can attain SamyaktvaCan attain Samyaktva

However animals, heavenly, and hellish beings However animals, heavenly, and hellish beings cannot attain or observe proper conduct and cannot attain or observe proper conduct and hence cannot attain liberationhence cannot attain liberation

Only Human beings can attain Samyaktva and Only Human beings can attain Samyaktva and proper conduct and hence liberationproper conduct and hence liberation

Five Sense Souls Five Sense Souls

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Matter (Pudgal) Matter (Pudgal) Non-living SubstanceNon-living SubstancePossesses No Consciousness, No KnowledgePossesses No Consciousness, No KnowledgeInfinite NumberInfinite NumberPossesses BodyPossesses BodyPossesses Senses Possesses Senses ƒ Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, and HearingTouch, Taste, Smell, Sight, and Hearing

ColorColorOccupies SpaceOccupies SpaceSkandha, Skandha-desa, Skandha-pradesa, Skandha, Skandha-desa, Skandha-pradesa, Paramanu (Atom)Paramanu (Atom)

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Eight Vargana (Matters)Eight Vargana (Matters)

All matters are classified into eight categoriesAll matters are classified into eight categoriesƒ Audaric Vargana Audaric Vargana Physical bodyPhysical bodyƒ Tejas Vargana Tejas Vargana Tejas body - heat, digestionTejas body - heat, digestionƒ Aharak Vargana Aharak Vargana Aharak body - small in sizeAharak body - small in sizeƒ Vaikriya Vargana Vaikriya Vargana Vaikriya body - small or largeVaikriya body - small or largeƒ Karman Vargana Karman Vargana Karmic or Causal bodyKarmic or Causal body

ƒ Swashoswäsh (Breathing) Vargana Swashoswäsh (Breathing) Vargana Provides Provides breathingbreathing

ƒ Mano (Mind) Vargana Mano (Mind) Vargana Provides mind for Provides mind for thinkingthinking

ƒ Bhäshä (Speech) Vargana Bhäshä (Speech) Vargana Provides speechProvides speech

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Five BodiesFive Bodies

Matter is composed of five different bodiesMatter is composed of five different bodiesƒ Audaric body Audaric body Physical bodyPhysical body

–Every soul possesses this bodyEvery soul possesses this bodyƒ Tejas body Tejas body Tejas body - heat, digestionTejas body - heat, digestion

–Every soul possesses this bodyEvery soul possesses this bodyƒ Aharak body Aharak body Aharak body - small in sizeAharak body - small in size

–Only certain monks possesses this bodyOnly certain monks possesses this bodyƒ Vaikriya body Vaikriya body Vaikriya body - small or largeVaikriya body - small or large

–Heavenly and hellish beings possess this bodyHeavenly and hellish beings possess this bodyƒ Karman body Karman body Karmic or Causal bodyKarmic or Causal body

–Every soul possesses this bodyEvery soul possesses this body

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KarmaKarma

Karma is matter (Pudgal) and hence it Karma is matter (Pudgal) and hence it possesses all characteristics of matterpossesses all characteristics of matterƒ No consciousness / knowledgeNo consciousness / knowledgeƒ Very fine particlesVery fine particlesƒ Can not be seen/feel/verifiedCan not be seen/feel/verifiedƒ Entire Universe is filled with Karma particlesEntire Universe is filled with Karma particles

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Principle of Motion (Dharma) and Principle of Motion (Dharma) and Principle of Rest (Adharma)Principle of Rest (Adharma)

Non-living SubstanceNon-living SubstanceNo ConsciousnessNo ConsciousnessOne and WholeOne and WholeNo Senses, Color, and BodyNo Senses, Color, and BodyExist in Lokakas.Exist in Lokakas.Dharma helps motion of Soul/matter Dharma helps motion of Soul/matter Adharma helps to rest Soul and matterAdharma helps to rest Soul and matter

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Space (Akasa)Space (Akasa)Space (Akasa)Space (Akasa)Non-living SubstanceNon-living SubstanceNo ConsciousnessNo ConsciousnessEverywhere (infinite)Everywhere (infinite)One and WholeOne and WholeSelf SupportedSelf SupportedNo Form, Color, Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, No Form, Color, Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, HearingHearing

Lokäkäs - Provides space to all other Entities Lokäkäs - Provides space to all other Entities ƒ Soul, Matter, Dharma, Adharma, and TimeSoul, Matter, Dharma, Adharma, and Time

Alokäkäs - Infinite Empty SpaceAlokäkäs - Infinite Empty Space

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YojanYojanƒ 1 Danda or Bow1 Danda or Bow = 6 feet= 6 feetƒ 2000 Danda or Bow2000 Danda or Bow = 1 Kosha= 1 Koshaƒ 4 Kosha4 Kosha = 1 Yojan (@ 9.0 = 1 Yojan (@ 9.0

miles)miles)–Some other books give different measurementSome other books give different measurement

ƒ 1 Dhanu 1 Dhanu = 6 feet= 6 feetƒ 4000 Dhanu 4000 Dhanu = 1 Yojan (@4.5 miles)= 1 Yojan (@4.5 miles)ƒ 1000 Yojans 1000 Yojans = 1 Mahayojan= 1 Mahayojan

Räjlok or RajjuRäjlok or Rajju–The distance traveled in six months by a ball of iron weighing The distance traveled in six months by a ball of iron weighing 1,000 bhar (1000 tolas or 25 lb.) if allowed to fall freely from 1,000 bhar (1000 tolas or 25 lb.) if allowed to fall freely from heaven (Indralok) orheaven (Indralok) or

–A distance traveled by a deva (heavenly being) in six months at a A distance traveled by a deva (heavenly being) in six months at a rate of 2,057,152 Yojan in one samay (Samay = unit of time = rate of 2,057,152 Yojan in one samay (Samay = unit of time = @1/4 second) @1/4 second)

ƒ = @1.15 x 10E21 miles= @1.15 x 10E21 miles

Yojan and Rajlok MeasurementYojan and Rajlok Measurement

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Universe (Lokakas)Universe (Lokakas)

Total Height Total Height = 14 Rajju = 14 Rajju Upper worldUpper world Height Height = 7 Rajju = 7 Rajju Middle worldMiddle worldƒ Width Width = 1 Rajju= 1 Rajjuƒ Height Height = 1800 Yojan = 1800 Yojan

– 900 Yojan up and 900 Yojan down from surface900 Yojan up and 900 Yojan down from surfaceLower worldLower world Height Height = 7 Rajju= 7 RajjuLoka Volume Loka Volume = 343 Cubic Rajju (Digambar)= 343 Cubic Rajju (Digambar)Loka Volume Loka Volume = 239 Cubic Rajju = 239 Cubic Rajju

(Swetambar)(Swetambar)

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Time (Kal)Time (Kal)

One View -One View -ƒ Imaginary Imaginary ƒ No real existenceNo real existence

Another view -Another view -ƒ Real existenceReal existenceƒ Innumerable time atomsInnumerable time atoms

Measures changes of Soul and MatterMeasures changes of Soul and MatterNot a cause of changesNot a cause of changes

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Time (Samay or Kal) Time (Samay or Kal) Smallest indivisible portion of Time is called one Smallest indivisible portion of Time is called one SamaySamay

Innumerable Samaya Innumerable Samaya = One Avali= One Avali256 Avali 256 Avali = One Kshullak-bhav= One Kshullak-bhavApprox 17.5 Kshullak-bhavApprox 17.5 Kshullak-bhav = One Breath (inhale + exhale)= One Breath (inhale + exhale)3773 Breaths 3773 Breaths = One Muhurat (48 minutes)= One Muhurat (48 minutes)16,777,216 Avalis 16,777,216 Avalis = One Muhurat = One Muhurat 2 Ghadi2 Ghadi = One Muhurat= One MuhuratOne MuhuratOne Muhurat = 48 minutes= 48 minutes30 Muhurat 30 Muhurat = One Day= One Day15 Days 15 Days = One Fortnight= One Fortnight2 Fortnights 2 Fortnights = One Month= One Month

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Time (Samaya) Continued..Time (Samaya) Continued..

12 Months 12 Months = One Year= One Year5 Years 5 Years = One Yuga= One Yuga8,400,000 x 8,400,000 years 8,400,000 x 8,400,000 years == One Purva (70,560,000,000,000 One Purva (70,560,000,000,000

Years)Years)Innumerable Years Innumerable Years = One Palyopama= One Palyopama10 x 10,000,000 x 10,000,000 Palyopama 10 x 10,000,000 x 10,000,000 Palyopama

= One Sagaropama= One Sagaropama20 x 10,000,000 x 10,000,000 Sagaropama 20 x 10,000,000 x 10,000,000 Sagaropama

= One Time Cycle= One Time CycleOne Palyopama One Palyopama ƒ The time required to empty Sixty Four cubic Gau (512 cubic The time required to empty Sixty Four cubic Gau (512 cubic

miles) deep well, completely filled with hair of a seven day old miles) deep well, completely filled with hair of a seven day old newly born baby and one hair is removed every 100 years.newly born baby and one hair is removed every 100 years.

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Time CycleTime CycleTime Cycle - Käl Chakra

20 x 10,000,000 x 10,000,000 Sägaropam Years

Avasarpini (Declining Era)

10 x 10,000,000 x 10,000,000 Sagaropams

from Happiness to Miserable

Utsarpini (Rising Era)

10 x 10,000,000 x 10,000,000 Sagaropams

from Miserable to Happiness

Time is a continuous Cycle of Decline and Rise Era

Declining Era (Avasarpini) Time Cycle

Human virtues, Natural conditions decline over time

Rising Era (Utsarpini) Time Cycle

Human virtues, Natural conditions improve over time

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Six parts of Declining Era (Avasarpini) Time CycleSix parts of Declining Era (Avasarpini) Time Cycleƒ 1. Happy-happy1. Happy-happy 4 x 10E14 Sagaropama4 x 10E14 Sagaropamaƒ 2. Happy2. Happy 3 x 10E14 Sagaropama3 x 10E14 Sagaropamaƒ 3. Happy-unhappy 3. Happy-unhappy 2 x 10E14 Sagaropama2 x 10E14 Sagaropamaƒ 4. Unhappy-happy4. Unhappy-happy 1 x 10E14 Sagaropama - 42000 years1 x 10E14 Sagaropama - 42000 yearsƒ 5. Unhappy5. Unhappy 21000 years (present 2500 years)21000 years (present 2500 years)ƒ 6. Unhappy-unhappy6. Unhappy-unhappy 21000 years21000 years

Six parts of Rising Era (Utsarpini) Time CycleSix parts of Rising Era (Utsarpini) Time Cycleƒ 1. Unhappy-unhappy1. Unhappy-unhappy 21000 years21000 yearsƒ 2. Unhappy2. Unhappy 21000 years21000 yearsƒ 3. Unhappy-happy3. Unhappy-happy 1 x 10E14 Sagaropama - 42000 years1 x 10E14 Sagaropama - 42000 yearsƒ 4. Happy-unhappy 4. Happy-unhappy 2 x 10E14 Sagaropama2 x 10E14 Sagaropamaƒ 5. Happy5. Happy 3 x 10E14 Sagaropama3 x 10E14 Sagaropamaƒ 6. Happy-happy6. Happy-happy 4 x 10E14 Sagaropama4 x 10E14 Sagaropama

Time Cycle (continued)Time Cycle (continued)