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Quotations from scriptures: The code of conduct prescribed in Jainism is based on our concept of soul and its relationship with the other entities of the universe. The quotations from UTTARAADHYAYAN SUTRA, presented in this article, enunciate this truth. |
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Quotations From UTTARAADHYAYAN SUTRA One should fight one's inner enemies - passions, |
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From Religious Books: Enjoy a highly sophisticated view of the Jain theory of karma in this article by an eminent Jain scholar. |
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by Dr. Nathmal Tatia The influx and bondage (of karma) entail some power or potency (VEERYA) on the part of the soul. Yoga is nothing but an imperfect expression of this potency. The various states and processes of karma are due to this potency of the soul. The nature of potency is, in turn, determined by the nature of dispositions of the soul. A soul, at any instant of its worldly existence, is an integrated whole of the dispositions, actual and potential. The infinite potency which is inherent in the soul finds only an imperfect and partial expression, which is responsible for accretion of karmic matter on the soul. |
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From Religious Books: One of the greatest Jain scholars of the twentieth century, Pandit Phool Chandra Siddhantacharya, presents some very novel ideas about nonviolence, which conform to our scriptures. |
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by Pandit Phool Chandra Siddhantacharya In Jain scriptures, violence has been equated to defilement (VIKAAR) of self. Our defilements obscure the qualities of our souls and bring about our spiritual downfall. Sometimes, these aberrations remain buried inside. At times they transpire and manifest their effects. To become angry at someone, to be bent on hurting someone, to abuse or insult someone, to make false accusations, to acquire means to perform undesirable deeds, and the like, are external defilements. Renouncing spiritual progress or the means to spiritual progress and having feelings of attachment and aversion constitute internal defilements. Both kinds of defilements have an undesirable impact on the attributes of soul and so they constitute violence. |
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Meeting of Minds: The present article attempts to deal with a few intelligent and insightful questions. |
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by Dr. Ashok K. Jain, Corpus Christi, TX & Duli Chandra Jain There is a large variety of living beings in this world. They possess different karmas. They have different potentials and capabilities. Therefore, an individual, who is in pursuit of uplift of self, should not indulge in debates or arguments with others belonging to the same religious group or to a different group. |
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From October 1987 Issue: On the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti, the present article appropriately describes the contributions of the Jain religion and philosophy to humanity at large. |
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by Nimisha Parekh More material wealth and possessions do not make us happy. All they can provide is more comforts which, in turn, are likely to lead us to the path of committing some undesirable acts. Worldly wealth creates attachments which result in greed, jealousy, selfishness, ego and violence. |
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From October 1987 Issue: This article makes a serious attempt to challenge the Jain community, which, to some extent, is preoccupied in a variety of meaningless traditions and practices. |
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by Seema Singhvi Jain We, the householders, are expected to partially practice non-possessiveness. We must however work to support our families. But must we worship goddess Lakshmi on DIWALI (the festival of lights)? Earning money for the welfare of one's family is necessary but does it justify having limitless desires and greed? Even our religious institutions are seen to exhibit greed for money and adopt some undesirable tactics. |
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Our Heritage: It is hoped that our readers will study these facts about India with interest. |
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Although modern images of India show poverty and underdevelopment, it was the richest country on earth until the arrival of the British. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India's wealth. |
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Religion & Society: Please keep in mind the Jain teachings of non-possessiveness and relativism while reading this article. |
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Adults are no longer teaching children how to be human, and children are no longer learning how to be human from real people who care about them. Even if your family is a very good family, when you walk out the door you walk into a world that is not constructive. |
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A Moral Story: This moral story presents a vivid example of true victory in life, which brings genuine happiness and peace of mind. |
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An Incident From The Life Of Bhagwaan Mahaveer by Shri Yash Pal Jain Bhagwaan Mahaveer said, "The wheel of religion is in front of me. My austere conduct provides safeguards for all living beings. My aspiration is the seed of religion, which comes to fruition the moment it is sown." The enigma in Pushya's mind was cleared up. Pushya was exhilarated to realize that he who conquers his inner enemies is a genuine universal victor (JIN). |
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Observations & Views: It is hoped that our readers will find the following items of the column 'Observations & Views' enlightening and thought-provoking: |
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Indian Culture And Religion by Mahatma Gandhi A Bold Affirmation Of An Untruth by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan A Lesson From The History Of Mankind |
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Readers' Comments: |
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Dr. Ashok K. Jain, Corpus Christi, TX My family and I are very fortunate to have the opportunity to read the Jain Study Circular. Though brought up in a religious Jain family in India, irrational ritualism had diluted my concepts of religion. The Jain Study Circular has enabled me to understand the concepts of Jainism better. Ripple Shah (via e-mail) I can't say I'm a religious person and I can't say I'm a wise person, but after reading the article 'Nonviolence And War' (Excerpts from Dr. S. Radhakrishnan's book 'Religion And Society' from October 1999 issue of JSC) on the website, I felt like the time I took in reading these excerpts was well spent. It was very intellectually written, but more than that it was very wisely written. Rajeev Suresh Shah, New York NY I grew up reading many of your articles in the green books (Jain Study Circular) in St. Louis. It has made a positive impact on me. Jain Study Circular is very educational in teaching people about the virtues of Jainism. It provides a great service to the Jains in the US in understanding their religion and culture. Dear Readers, We greatly appreciate your interest in the Jain Study Circular. - Directors of JSC |
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From the Jain Study Circle: |
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Jain Study Circle holds quarterly meetings in the New York Metropolitan Area. The next quarterly meeting will be an annual meeting of the Jain Study Circle. It will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2000. Those who wish to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion of the principles of Jainism published in the Jain Study Circular should write to: Jain Study Circle, 99-11 60 Avenue, #3D, Flushing NY 11368-4436 OR call (201) 967-9344 or (718) 699-4653 OR send us an e-mail at contactus@jainstudy.org Terms of 4 directors will expire on December 31, 2000. Please send your nominations with a short biographical sketch by April 15, 2000 on the following address: Mr. Jaykumar Shah, 11 Fox Hill Drive, Wayne NJ 07470. Thanks - Board of Directors Readers are requested to send their comments on the articles published in the Jain Study Circular. Also please send articles for publication in the Circular. We make every effort to answer our readers' letters, and mail books and back issues ordered by our readers as soon as possible. If you do not hear from us within a reasonable time, please send a reminder. We greatly appreciate your interest in the activities of the Jain Study Circular. - Board of Directors |