Jain scriptures are the treasure of vast knowledge. Scriptures deals with multifaceted aspects of learning, such as ontology, metaphysics, ethics, philosophy, politics, economics, health, social life, education, mathematics, management, the doctrine of karma, naya and anekanta etc. I have tried to collect some of the pearls from this deep ocean.
In Dashvekalika Sutra, it is said, "One who knows about jiva and ajiva will know about the rebirth of the living beings.
One who knows about the rebirth of the living beings will know about merit, demerit, bondage and liberation.
One who knows about merit, demerit, bondage and liberation will become detached from materialistic pleasures.
One who becomes detached from materialistic pleasures will renounce the internal and external possession.
One who renounces the internal and external possession will accept the path of initiation.
One who accepts the path of initiation will observe the religion of samvara (stoppage of karma).
One who observes the religion of samvara will make his intense effort to annihilate the karmic bondage.
One who makes his intense effort to annihilate the karmic bondage will obtain the omniscience.
One who obtains the omni science becomes kevali (omniscient) and knows this universe and beyond it.
One who knows the universe and beyond it will be free from all types of bondage."
Thus, it is clear that one who knows about jiva and ajiva will ultimately attain emancipation. In absence of knowledge emancipation is not possible. Ignorance always becomes a cause of sorrow and problems.
There was a wicked man in a village. There was no facility of treatment. So he went to the city nearby. There he consulted a doctor. Doctor prescribed him injections and other medicines. The villager thought, "I would have to bear if the injection is injected so he opened it, poured the medicine in a bowl and drank it." As soon as he drank it, he took his last breath. This was the result of ignorance. Ignorance is always troublesome. In order to lead a peaceful life, knowledge is always required otherwise like the villager we will have to suffer a greater loss for mere materialistic pleasure.
Prior to this book, I have written a book entitled 'An Introduction to Jainism'. After writing that book, I thought what could be more enlightening. This thought motivated me to write down few secrets of Jain principles. The concepts of jiva, ajiva, merit, demerit, karma etc. are the secrets to realize the philosophy of spiritual life.
I am very grateful to Acharya Mahapragya, who is incessant source of inspiration for me. I am also indebted to Yuvacharya Mahashraman and Sadhvi Pramukha Kanak prabha, whose silent motivation inspired me to keep stepping ahead.
Finally, I would like to thank Samani Prasanna pragya who was the mediator between me and Dr. Philip in editing this work. Sadhvi Vandana shree has been a constant helping hand for me.
I hope that readers will enlighten themselves through the light of Jain philosophy.
7th October, 2009 — Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
Jain Vishva Bharati
Ladnun (Raj.)
