Quotations from scriptures: Selections from TATTVAARTH SUTRA TATTVAARTH SUTRA is a brief treatise on TATTVAs - aspects of reality. In the process of discussing these aspects of reality, Acharya Umaswati presents the theory of karma and the path to salvation. In previous issues, rational perception was explained, and, sensory cognition and literal knowledge were discussed. A discussion of the remaining three kinds of knowledge, extraordinary knowledge, mental knowledge and absolute knowledge, is presented in the present issue.

Quotations From Acharya Umaswati's TATTVAARTH SUTRA Scripture does not represent absolute knowledge because it is inanimate and it does not possess consciousness. Knowledge is an attribute of souls and thus souls possess knowledge. The attributes, including knowledge of worldly souls, are partially obscured because of the association of karmas. One can unveil the knowledge of self by studying the scriptures and through rational thinking. Link to Complete Article

 

From Religious Books: In this article, the illustrious scholar, based on his insightful study and perceptive observation presents some important ideas on PUNYA and PAAP based on the scriptures.

Auspicious And Inauspicious: A Jain Scriptural View by Siddhantacharya Kailash Chandra Shastri TILOYAPANNATTI presents an important pitfall of auspicious karmas. One may consider that the material means of luxury and comfort have been provided by one's past auspicious karmas. Thus one may become egoistic, egomaniacal and vain. Vanity causes loss of wisdom and discernment, which, in turn, breed improper thoughts and actions. Link to Complete Article

Knowledge of Reality: The aspects of reality in Jainism involve an interplay between soul, karma and other entities of the universe. A thorough understanding of these interactions represents the first step toward spiritual uplift.

Jainism: An Introduction (Reality Based Ethics) by Duli Chandra Jain Jainism promotes a culture of nonviolence in which an individual's thoughts and actions originate from a rational mind and pure heart, without any ego, pride, fear, intrigue or greed. A culture of nonviolence is the process of improving and refining our lives through our practice of nonviolence. Link to Complete Article

Here is a prescription for dealing with the problems of religious/ethnic hatred and violence.

A Ray Of Hope. . . He (President Jacques Chirac) and other members of his administration realized that among other things, 'disaffection' is at the root of the problems of hatred and violence among various religious/ethnic groups. Link to Complete Article

Three Moral Stories: Our readers are expected to enjoy these delightful moral stories.

Means To Unravel Truth by Yash Pal Jain An Expensive Shawl by Yash Pal Jain You have been blessed with human life that is considerably more valuable than this shawl. However, the way you are whiling away your time in pursuit of creature comforts without any regard to decency and morality has taught me to misuse the shawl. Real Wealth by Yash Pal Jain

From A Young Writer's Pen: The present story is a beautiful illustration of how the Jain theory of karma relates to events that occur in our lives.

The Spiritual Medicine (The Jain Theory of Karma In Action) by Rajeev Mehta We commit violence of our own feelings when we lie or cheat. Similarly, thoughts like anger, jealousy and greed are part of violence. When we do such things, we have fear of getting caught. Such pressure can cause headaches and other diseases. According to the Jain theory of karma, these are bad karmas. Link to Complete Article

Observations & Views: As usual, some thought-provoking reflections have been presented in this column.

Seven Social Sins Mahatma Gandhi's views on Non-stealing and Non-possissiveness A Child's Exemplary Behavior Voice of Reason