An Introduction to True Religion

Summary

An Introduction to True Religion discusses fundamental Jain metaphysics. It starts from the axiom that all existing things are substances with real, concrete existence. Jain thinkers categorize substance into two eternal classes: jiva (living substance or soul) and ajiva (non-living matter). Both classes are beginningless and indestructible; compounds change, but their elements remain the same. The essay asserts that the universe is not created by a supreme god; it is self-operating under inherent natural forces. The soul, a living substance that animates life, is immaterial and distinct from the body. Humans err when they identify the self with the body; true self is consciousness. The article explores attributes of the soul—consciousness, knowledge, feeling and energy—and argues that knowledge and soul are inseparable. Souls are infinite, independent and capable of perfect knowledge. The text explains the mechanism of karmic bondage: the jiva is encased in a karmic envelope (karmana-sharira) from beginningless time, and karmic matter flows into the soul through the mind, speech and body, leading to bondage and rebirth. Four forms of bondage—prakriti‑bandha, sthiti‑bandha, anubhava‑bandha and pradesa‑bandha—determine the nature, duration, intensity and quantity of karmic particles. Eight principal categories of karma (jnanavaraniya, darsanavaraniya, mohaniya, ayu, nama, gotra and antaraya) obscure the soul’s attributes. The article outlines the path of liberation through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. It distinguishes between the householder’s path, which balances worldly duties with gradual self-discipline, and the ascetic path, which requires renunciation and strict vows. Spiritual practices aim to remove karmic matter, realize the soul’s true nature and attain liberation. True religion, according to the author, is not blind belief but the science of inner transformation based on the eternal nature of the soul and the universe.