Essentials of Jaina Metaphysics and Epistemology (Part 1)

Summary

Hari Mohan Bhattacharya’s article surveys essential points of Jaina metaphysics; In Jaina philosophy all existents are classified into souls (jīvas) and non souls (ajīvas) which include matter space time and motion; Souls are self luminous conscious beings; non souls are unconscious entities; He emphasises that Jainism is pluralistic; reality is not a single substance but a multiplicity of reals each with infinite qualities; Each real undergoes continuous change (paryāya) while maintaining its underlying substance (dravya); This doctrine of permanent substance and transitory modes allows Jainism to avoid both eternalism and nihilism; The author explains that the universe is beginningless and uncreated; matter and souls have always existed; The concept of karma accounts for the bondage of souls and their cycles of birth; Liberation is achieved by purifying the soul through right knowledge faith and conduct; The article discusses the characteristics of non soul categories such as pudgala which can be perceived and has form; dharma and adharma substances which enable motion and rest; space which provides accommodation; and time which allows sequence; Bhattacharya notes that each substance has qualities like extension and touch but their manifestations differ; The Jaina metaphysical model thus accommodates both permanence and change; The author compares Jain pluralism with the monistic systems of Vedānta and Sāṃkhya and with the momentariness of Buddhism; he argues that Jainism offers a more realistic picture because it accepts diversity without denying unity; The article also highlights the ethical dimension; understanding the nature of reality fosters non violence and restraint; Because every entity has an independent existence Jains advocate respect for all life forms; The first half of the paper serves as an introduction to these metaphysical concepts for general readers; It uses simple language and draws on traditional texts like the Tattvārtha Sūtra; The discussion lays the foundation for the later part of the essay which deals with logic and epistemology