A Discussion on Jain Ethics
A Discussion on Jain Ethics
20/03/2013
Prompt- Discuss how the karma theory plays a role in determining the precepts of Jain ethics. Is the Jain ethic a theory of volunteerism? To what extent is it normative and to what extent does it have a practical connotation?
The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Karma is deeds, including thoughts and words. However, according to Jainism, Karmas are invisible, fine particles of matter prevailing all around us just like the air particles. Our souls attract these karmas through activities related to mind, body and speech. This means every time we get angry, we attract karmas, every time we kill some one, we attract karmas, every time we deceive someone or become greedy, we attract karmas. These karmas form layers upon layers over our souls and keep us from realizing our true potential.
The conception of Karma is a special feature of Jaina thought. The term "Karma" is used in different senses by different philosophical systems. The vedic schools of thought speak of Karmakanda as different from Gyanakanda. There, the Karma is synonymous with the action. The term has the same significance in Karmayoga as different from Gyanayoga. The term Karma used Karma theory according to Jainism has different significance. It is used in Jainism as an important factor in the development of organic world. In Poorva Meemamsa and Buddhism, every action is supposed to leave behind it, its effect in the form of Adrushta or Vasana. The term Adrushta was used by Poorva Meemamsa School, which signifies the after-effect of a sacrifice performed by an individual. This after-effect or Adrushta, which means, "Not perceived," is supposed to shape the future destiny of the individual who performs the sacrifice or Karma. Similarly, the Buddhist thinkers who do not postulate self or Atma, speak of the Vasana the after-effect of the psychic life. The only
20/03/2013
Prompt- Discuss how the karma theory plays a role in determining the precepts of Jain ethics. Is the Jain ethic a theory of volunteerism? To what extent is it normative and to what extent does it have a practical connotation?
The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Karma is deeds, including thoughts and words. However, according to Jainism, Karmas are invisible, fine particles of matter prevailing all around us just like the air particles. Our souls attract these karmas through activities related to mind, body and speech. This means every time we get angry, we attract karmas, every time we kill some one, we attract karmas, every time we deceive someone or become greedy, we attract karmas. These karmas form layers upon layers over our souls and keep us from realizing our true potential.
The conception of Karma is a special feature of Jaina thought. The term "Karma" is used in different senses by different philosophical systems. The vedic schools of thought speak of Karmakanda as different from Gyanakanda. There, the Karma is synonymous with the action. The term has the same significance in Karmayoga as different from Gyanayoga. The term Karma used Karma theory according to Jainism has different significance. It is used in Jainism as an important factor in the development of organic world. In Poorva Meemamsa and Buddhism, every action is supposed to leave behind it, its effect in the form of Adrushta or Vasana. The term Adrushta was used by Poorva Meemamsa School, which signifies the after-effect of a sacrifice performed by an individual. This after-effect or Adrushta, which means, "Not perceived," is supposed to shape the future destiny of the individual who performs the sacrifice or Karma. Similarly, the Buddhist thinkers who do not postulate self or Atma, speak of the Vasana the after-effect of the psychic life. The only