Consider the following statements.1. The fundamental tenet of the Jai...
- Jain doctrine's fundamental tenet is that all phenomena are linked in a universal chain of cause and effect. Every event has a definite cause.
- By nature, each soul is pure, possessing infinite knowledge, bliss and power; however, these faculties are restricted throughout time by the soul's contact with matter.
- This matter, which produces the chain of cause and effect, of birth and death, is karma, an atomic substance and not a process, as it is in Hinduism and Buddhism. To be free from karma shackles, a person must stop the influx of new karmas and eliminate the acquired ones.
Consider the following statements.1. The fundamental tenet of the Jai...
Explanation:
Statement 1: The fundamental tenet of the Jain doctrine is that all phenomena are linked in a universal chain of cause and effect.
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha). Central to Jain philosophy is the concept of karma, which is the moral law of cause and effect. According to Jainism, all living beings, including humans, animals, and even plants, are bound by the cycle of birth and death due to the accumulation of karma.
Jainism teaches that every action, whether physical, verbal, or mental, generates karma. This karma is attached to the soul and determines the future experiences and circumstances of the individual. The accumulated karma binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death, causing suffering and preventing liberation.
Therefore, the first statement is correct as it correctly states that all phenomena are interconnected in a universal chain of cause and effect, where actions (karma) have consequences.
Statement 2: According to Jainism, to be free from karma shackles, a person must stop the influx of new karmas and eliminate the acquired ones.
Jainism advocates for the liberation of the soul from the bondage of karma. The ultimate goal in Jainism is to attain liberation or moksha, which is achieved by shedding all karmic attachments and reaching a state of pure consciousness.
To achieve liberation, one must practice asceticism, self-discipline, and austerities. Jain teachings emphasize the importance of non-violence, truthfulness, non-attachment, and self-control in purifying the soul and reducing the influx of new karmas.
Additionally, Jainism prescribes various spiritual practices, rituals, and meditation techniques to eliminate the accumulated karmas. These practices involve self-reflection, introspection, and self-purification through renunciation of worldly desires and attachments.
Therefore, the second statement is also correct as it accurately describes the process by which a person can be free from karma shackles in Jainism.
Conclusion:
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct. The fundamental tenet of Jain doctrine is the interconnectedness of all phenomena in a universal chain of cause and effect. To be liberated from the cycle of birth and death, one must stop the influx of new karmas and eliminate the acquired ones. Jainism emphasizes the practice of non-violence, truthfulness, self-discipline, and asceticism to achieve liberation.