Jainism Today – A Spiritual Way of Life

Jainism Today – A Spiritual Way of Life


Jainism in the 21st century? What is its contemporary relevance? Explore the beacon of optimism for the present times.
How do you define something that’s all-pervasive, precise, and addresses the most fundamental question of human existence? Defining Jainism as a religious sect restricts the scope of what it offers. Jainism is a unique spiritual system that transcends time, convention, and dogma.

The world around us is continuously progressing and developing. The modern mind is actively seeking spiritual values. The focus is shifting, from gross to subtle and from ordinary to sublime. From orthodoxy and authority, to love, mutuality, and human conscience.

Jainism’s inclusive approach to spirituality is what the world can use to respond to the issues of the 21st century.

Jainism is a living framework. One that blends experience-based worldview with soul-based spirituality. Jainism integrates the cause and effect theory of karma with conduct that respects all life and promotes peace through self-transformation.

A living faith. It roots faith with logic. It urges the seeker to question blind religious beliefs and apply rationality to the quest for spirituality.

A living philosophy. Its principles translate in society to universal and selfless love, equality and non-violence, openness to differing ideologies, simple living, and peaceful coexistence.

A spiritual way of life. It is a personal commitment to peace, a personal commitment for the blissful experience of your own true self, distinct from name and form.

An internal path, focusing on inner cultivation and maturity. Despite being one of the oldest surviving religions in the world, Jainism is guiding collective evolution and transforming lives today.

A relevance to contemporary living.

Ahimsa is often perceived as the lack of violence, but in Jainism, ahimsa also signifies the presence and extension of overwhelming love. Love that is without expectation, love that is indiscriminate, love that is truly unconditional.

Aparigraha is the non-attachment. To worldly possessions, to relationships, and most importantly, to the ego, and to your thoughts and opinions.

If the complete truth can only be obtained through multiple perspectives, you accept that what you consider the truth is only part of the picture. A follower of anekantvada is by default open-minded and accepting.

Jainism is indeed a beacon of optimism for the present times.

Quotes

Every thought influences your feelings, body, relationships, and environment. So choose them wisely.
True success for a devotee is not applause from the world, but Rajipo—the joyous validation of the Guru.
Live with unwavering security, knowing for the radiant white light of the Guru's grace surrounds you like a shield, protecting you every moment.
Two heads never become one, but two hearts can. Set two utensils side by side and they stay apart; place two drops of water and they merge.
As remembrance of the Guru deepens, fascination for the world fades away.
Devotion purifies the heart, discrimination illumines the intellect, and Self-awareness awakens you to your eternal potential.
As a puppet is moved by the puppeteer, so the outer life of an Enlightened One is governed by past karma. Unattached, He remains firmly established in the Self.
Recognise the pure Self amidst the noise/chaos of thoughts as the silent, knowing awareness.
Let kindness extend beyond humans to every creature that shares this world with us.
Surrender of the intellect means: use your mind to carry out the ajna, not to argue against it — even when the ajna defies all logic
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Deep yearning for God has the power to purify you, elevate you and even transform you.