The Misery – its what, why and how
By Pradyumna Kumar Jain
Summary
In “The Misery—its what, why and how”, Pradyumna Kumar Jain offers a philosophical exploration of human suffering from a Jain perspective. The essay opens by defining mokṣa (salvation) as the liberation of the soul from karmic bondage, a state characterised by infinite knowledge, perception, bliss and energy. Jain emphasises that salvation is paradoxically both something and nothing: it is a positive state of perfection yet involves the cessation of all worldly activities. He then addresses the causes of salvation. From the absolute viewpoint, the soul itself is the efficient cause; from the relative or empirical viewpoint, the cessation (saṃvara) and shedding (nirjarā) of karma bring about liberation. The essay outlines practical methods of stopping the influx of karmas, such as discipline in thought, speech and action, adherence to non‑violence and truth, and the cultivation of detachment. Jain next inquires why salvation is necessary. He argues that worldly existence is inherently full of misery because of the soul’s entanglement with karma; only by realising its true nature and disengaging from material passions can it attain permanent bliss. In discussing how salvation is achieved, Jain cites Kundakunda’s view that prajñā (intuition or right knowledge) initiates spiritual awakening and that right perception and conduct must follow to secure progress. He describes three stages of spiritual evolution: material‑spiritual, where engagement with worldly duties can lead to spiritual insights; spiritual‑material, where spiritual understanding guides one’s worldly interactions; and spiritual‑spiritual, where the soul focuses solely on liberation. Jain also compares kevala-jñāna with Sri Aurobindo’s “Super‑Mind,” noting similarities but stressing that Jainism does not advocate union with a cosmic consciousness but rather the realisation of the soul’s individuality. He contrasts the Jain notion of nirvana with Buddhist and Advaita Vedānta doctrines to highlight its unique emphasis on non‑violent ethics, non‑absolutism and self‑effort. The essay concludes by affirming that misery arises from ignorance and attachment and that the only way to end it is through rigorous ethical discipline and meditation.
Conclusion
Pradyumna Kumar Jain’s analysis presents misery not as an inevitable condition but as a consequence of karmic entanglement that can be remedied through conscious effort. By integrating doctrinal exegesis, comparative philosophy and ethical instruction, he shows that liberation is both a metaphysical goal and a practical process requiring right knowledge, right faith and right conduct. The article underscores Jainism’s distinctive view that each soul must work out its own salvation through non‑violence, self‑discipline and introspection, offering a hopeful message that the cessation of suffering is within human reach.