Sambodhi

Dogmatic attitude or insistence has no place in the path of life's refinement. Sometimes insistence on a particular philosophic viewpoint degenerates into obstinacy. Absence of dogmatic attitude is the basic formula of syaadvaad (the doctrine of relative judgement), but it cannot be cultivated without life's refinement. Perversion is the result of delusion. Delusion in belief perverts philosophy and delusion in conduct perverts behaviour.

The importance that offering oneself to God enjoys in the philosophy of the Gita is precisely the importance that Jaina philosophy gives to offering oneself to one's own self. Jains believe that atma (individual soul) is itself parmatma or God. The aim of all spiritual philosophies is alike. The attainment of liberation is the final or highest aim of spirituality. In elaborating the means Jaina philosophy gives the highest place to equanimity. Restraint, nonviolence, truth etc. are but its divisions and sub-divisions.

The word sambodhi encapsulates right knowledge, right faith as well as right conduct.

The verses of sambodhi are at once simple and interesting as well as profound. One of the reasons of their originality and simplicity is their being based on the basic teachings of Lord Mahavira. Quite a few verses are in fact translations. But their composition displays an altogether new style. It is hoped that seekers of spirituality would find in the book quite a rich feast.