Jain Darshan Aur Dharm Ka Bij

This document, an excerpt from "Jain Darshan aur Dharm ka Bij" by Ratanchand Jain, posits that the essence of Jainism lies not in rituals but in the ultimate goal (Lakshya) one sets for life. The author argues that one's Dharma or Adharma is determined by what one seeks to achieve.

The central theme is that the pursuit of worldly status, wealth, power, and fame is characterized as Adharma. This is because such a goal often leads individuals to disregard ethical principles and resort to deceit, violence, and injustice to attain their desires. In contrast, striving for spiritual elevation is presented as the hallmark of Dharma. Those who aim for spiritual heights recognize the futility of worldly possessions and do not engage in sinful practices to acquire them. Instead, they obtain necessities through righteous means.

The author emphasizes that while actions (Kriya) usually align with the goal, the same action can stem from different motivations. For instance, acts of worship, devotion, self-study, vows, and austerities can be performed for worldly pleasures and social prestige, or for the spiritual liberation of Moksha. Therefore, judging a person's religiosity solely by their actions is insufficient; their underlying goal is the decisive factor. If worldly aims motivate these actions, then true Dharma is absent. If spiritual goals are the driving force, then Dharma is present.

The text further illustrates that even mundane activities like eating, sleeping, earning a living, marriage, and procreation can become integral parts of Dharma if the ultimate goal is the attainment of the soul's highest state. For a spiritually oriented individual, eating is for sustenance of the body as a tool for spiritual practice, not for the pleasure of taste. Their movements and interactions are mindful of not causing harm to any living being. They communicate with kindness and humility, and earn their livelihood honestly, avoiding any ill-gotten gains. Even risking their lives to help someone in distress is presented as a manifestation of a spiritualized life.

The principle is further elaborated with a quote: "Whatever the right-sighted soul consumes of conscious and unconscious substances through the senses, all that becomes an aid for shedding karma." This means that when the consumption of things is driven by the goal of spiritual realization, it aids in karma nirjara (shedding of karmas). Conversely, for those whose hearts are set on worldly opulence, even seemingly good deeds remain tainted with sin, as their motivations are driven by sensory desires.

The author uses the analogy of seeds of the same species yielding different fruits when sown in different soils to explain how the same auspicious practices can lead to different outcomes depending on whether the soul is right-sighted (Samya-g-drishti) or deluded (Mithya-drishti).

The latter part of the excerpt delves into the illusionary nature of worldly attractions. It states that while worldly objects may offer temporary pleasure, their allure is fleeting and ultimately leads to dissatisfaction. True happiness and fulfillment can only come from an "unworldly" (alaukik) object, which is identified as the soul's own highest form. This highest form is eternal, inherently blissful, and its attainment leads to lasting peace and freedom from suffering.

The text critiques the modern emphasis on superficial rituals over transforming one's life goal. It argues that instead of merely engaging in rituals, individuals need to correct their life's objective to align with spiritual principles. This would imbue all aspects of life—breathing, walking, thinking, even laughing and crying—with the essence of Dharma. The author laments that while rituals are often performed with great fanfare, the underlying life practices are not inspired by Dharma, leading to a disconnect between outward display and inner reality.

In essence, the document champions a shift in focus from outward actions to the inner purpose of life, asserting that genuine Dharma arises from the pursuit of spiritual elevation, which in turn transforms all aspects of existence into a path of liberation.