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Jain texts assign a wide range of meaning to the
Sanskrit Sanskrit (; attributively , ; nominally , , ) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in South Asia after its predecessor languages had diffused there from the northwest in the late ...
''dharma'' or
Prakrit The Prakrits (; sa, prākṛta; psu, 𑀧𑀸𑀉𑀤, ; pka, ) are a group of vernacular Middle Indo-Aryan languages that were used in the Indian subcontinent from around the 3rd century BCE to the 8th century CE. The term Prakrit is usu ...
''dhamma''. It is often translated as “religion” and as such,
Jainism Jainism ( ), also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religions, Indian religion. Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and history through the succession of twenty-four tirthankaras (supreme preachers of ''Dharma''), with the first in the current ...
is called ''Jain Dharma'' by its adherents. In Jainism, the word ''Dharma'' is used to refer the following: #Religion #Dharmastikaay (the principle of motion) as a
dravya Dravya ( sa, द्रव्य) means substance or entity. According to the Jain philosophy, the universe is made up of six eternal substances: sentient beings or souls ('' jīva''), non-sentient substance or matter (''pudgala''), principle o ...
(substance or a reality) #The true nature of a thing #Ten virtues like forgiveness, etc. also called ten forms of Dharma


Religion

Usage of the word ''dharma'' in reference to the religion.


Ahimsa as Dharma

According to Jain texts, Ahimsa is the greatest Dharma (अहिंसा परमॊ धर्मः hiṃsā paramo dharmaḥ "non-violence is the highest religion") and there is no religion equal to the religion of non-violence.


Dharma bhāvanā

Jain texts prescribe meditation on twelve forms of reflection (''bhāvanā'') for those who wish to stop the influx of ''karmas'' that extend transmigration. One such reflection is ''Dharma bhāvanā''-


Conduct

In Jainism, the ''dharma'' (conduct or path) of the householder (
Śrāvaka Śrāvaka (Sanskrit) or Sāvaka (Pali) means "hearer" or, more generally, "disciple". This term is used in Buddhism and Jainism. In Jainism, a śrāvaka is any lay Jain so the term śrāvaka has been used for the Jain community itself (for example ...
) is distinguished from the conduct of an
ascetic Asceticism (; from the el, ἄσκησις, áskesis, exercise', 'training) is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals. Ascetics may withdraw from the world for their p ...
. Sravaka-dharma 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. Sramana-dharma is the religious path of the virtuous ascetics, where meditation and study of scriptures is their primary duty. The religion of monks consists of five ''
Mahavrata Jain ethical code prescribes two ''dharmas'' or rules of conduct. One for those who wish to become ascetic and another for the ''śrāvaka'' (householders). Five fundamental vows are prescribed for both votaries. These vows are observed by '' ...
s'' or great vows. They are endowed with right faith, right knowledge and right conduct and engaged in complete self-restraint and penances.


As svabhaav (nature) of a substance

According to Jainism, the universe and its constituents are uncreated and everlasting. These constituents behave according to the natural laws and their nature (svabhaav) without interference from external entities. Dharma or true religion according to Jainism is ''vatthu sahāvo dhammo'' translated as "the intrinsic nature of a substance is its true dharma."


Dharmastikaay Dravya (the substance)

Dharmastikaay is one of the six substances constituting the universe. These substances are – Dharmastikaay (medium of motion), Adharmastikaay (medium of rest), Akasa (space), kala (time), Pudgala (matter) and Jiva (soul). Since Dharmastikaay as a substance extends and pervades entire universe, it is known as Dharm-astikaya. It helps the matter and souls in movement. It itself is not motion, but is a medium of motion. Adharmastikaay is opposite of Dharmastikaay i.e. it assists the substances like soul and matter to rest.


Samyaktva - Rationality of perception, knowledge and conduct

According to Jainism, ''
Samyak darsana Jainism emphasises that ratnatraya (triple gems of Jainism) — the right faith (''Samyak Darshana''), right knowledge (''Samyak Gyana'') and right conduct (''Samyak Charitra'') — constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as the tripl ...
'' (Rational Perception), ''Samyak jnana'' (Rational Knowledge) and ''Samyak caritra'' (Rational Conduct) collectively also known as ''Ratnatraya'' or the "Three Jewels of Jainism" constitute the path to liberation. Samyak Darsana or rational perception is the rational faith in the true nature of every substances of the universe. 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 ( hi, अनेकान्तवाद, "many-sidedness") is the Jain doctrine about metaphysical truths that emerged in ancient India. It states that the ultimate truth and reality is complex and has multiple aspects. According to Jainism ...
or non-absolutism and
Syadvada ( hi, अनेकान्तवाद, "many-sidedness") is the Jain doctrine about metaphysical truths that emerged in ancient India. It states that the ultimate truth and reality is complex and has multiple aspects. According to Jainism ...
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.


Ten Virtues as Dharma

According to the Jain text,
Tattvarthsutra ''Tattvārthasūtra'', meaning "On the Nature '' ''artha">nowiki/>''artha''.html" ;"title="artha.html" ;"title="nowiki/>''artha">nowiki/>''artha''">artha.html" ;"title="nowiki/>''artha">nowiki/>''artha''of Reality 'tattva'' (also known as ...
, following are the ten virtues (''das-dharma''). verse 84- #Supreme forgiveness #Supreme humility #Supreme straightforwardness #Supreme truthfulness #Supreme purity #Supreme self-restraint #Supreme penance #Supreme renunciation #Supreme non-possessiveness #Supreme celibacy


References


Sources

* * {{Jainism topics Jain philosophical concepts