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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jain texts assign a wide range of meaning to the word Dharma

(Sanskrit: ) orDhamma (Prakrit:). It is often translated as

religion and as such, Jainism is calledJain Dharma by its

adherents.

The word Dharma encompasses the following meanings in Jainism:

The true nature of a thing1.

Rationality of perception, knowledge and conduct2.

Ten virtues like forgiveness, etc. also called ten forms of

Dharma

3.

Ahimsa protection to all living beings4.

Two paths of the monks and the laity5.

Dharma as a dravya (substance or a reality) (the principle of

motion)

6.

1 The nature of a substance

2 Samyaktva - Rationality of perception, knowledge and

conduct

3 Ten Virtues as Dharma

4 Ahimsa as Dharma

5 Two fold path of Ascetics and Laypersons6 Dharma-tattva and Dharmastikaya

7 References

According to Jainism, Universe and its constituents are uncreated

and everlasting. These constituents behave according to the natural

laws and their nature without interference from external entities.

Dharma or true religion according to Jainism is vatthu sahvo

dhammo translated as "the intrinsic nature of a substance is its true

dharma."Krtikeynupreks (478) explains it as : Dharma is

nothing but the real nature of an object. Just as the nature of fire is

to burn and the nature of water is to produce a cooling effect, in the same manner, the essential nature of the

soul is to seek self-realization and spiritual elevation.[1]

Main article: Ratnatraya

According to Jainism, Samyak darsana (Rational Perception), Samyak jnana (Rational Knowledge) and

Samyak caritra (Rational Conduct) collectively also known asRatnatraya or the "Three Jewels of Jainism"

constitute true Dharma. According to Umasvati, Samyak Darsana, Jnana Caritra together constitutes

rma (Jainism) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia file:///C:/Users/akmoe/Documents/JAINISM/Dharma_(Jainism).htm

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moksamarga or the path to liberation.[2]

Samyak Darsana or rational perception is the rational faith in the true nature of every substances of the

universe.[3]Samyak Jnana or rational knowledge is the right knowledge of true and relevant knowledge of

the reality, the tattvas. It incorporates the two principles of Anekantvada or non-absolutism and Syadvada or

relativity of truth. Right knowledge must be free from three main defects: doubt, delusion, and

indefiniteness. Samyak Caritra or rational conduct is the natural conduct of a (soul) living being. It consists

in following austerities, engaging in right activities and observance of vows, carefulness and controls.[4]

The following ten virtues constitute true Dharma [5]-

Supreme forgiveness1.

Supreme humility2.

Supreme straightforwardness3.

Supreme truthfulness4.

Supreme purity5.Supreme self-restraint6.

Supreme penance7.

Supreme renunciation8.

Supreme non-possessiveness9.

Supreme celibacy10.

Main article: Ahimsa in Jainism

According to Jain texts, Ahimsa is the greatest Dharma and there is no religion equal to the religion of

non-violence.

Dharma is the twofold path ofSravakadharma i.e. the path for laypersons and Sramanadharma i.e. the path

of the ascetics or mendicants.[6][7] Sravakadharma is the religious path for the virtuous householders, where

charity and worship are the primary duties. The dharma of a householders consists of observance of twelve

vows i.e. five minor vows and seven disciplinary vows. Sramanadharma is the religious path of the virtuous

ascetics, where mediatation and study of scriptures is their primary duty. The religion of monks consists of

fiveMahavratas or great vows. They are endowed with right faith, right knowledge and right conduct and

engaged in complete self-restraint and penances.

Dharma is one of the six substances constituting the universe.[8]

These substances are Dharma (medium of

motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasa (space), kala (time), Pudgala (matter) and Jiva (soul). Since

Dharma as a substance extends and pervades entire universe, it is also known as Dharmastikaya. It helps the

matter and souls in movement. It itself is not motion, but is a medium of motion. Adharma is opposite ofDharma i.e. it assists the substances like soul and matter to rest.


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^ Krtikeynupreks1.^ Kuhn, Hermann (2001).Karma, The Mechanism : Create Your Own Fate. Wunstorf, Germany: Crosswind

Publishing. ISBN 3-9806211-4-6.

2.

^ Jaini, Padmanabh (1998). The Jaina Path of Purification. New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.

ISBN 81-208-1578-5.

3.

^ *Varni, Jinendra; Ed. Prof. Sagarmal Jain, Translated Justice T.K. Tukol and Dr. K.K. Dixit (1993). Sama

Sutta. New Delhi: Bhagwan Mahavir memorial Samiti. Verse 262 - 4

4.

^ Varni, Jinendra; Ed. Prof. Sagarmal Jain, Translated Justice T.K. Tukol and Dr. K.K. Dixit (1993). Sama

Sutta. New Delhi: Bhagwan Mahavir memorial Samiti. verse 84

5.


Sutta. New Delhi: Bhagwan Mahavir memorial Samiti. verse 296

6.

^ Acarya Haribhadra, Dharmabindu7.


Sutta. New Delhi: Bhagwan Mahavir memorial Samiti. Verse 624

8.

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