Features of the Jain Tradition are the belief in unending cycles of time, life and death; the spiritual model provided by the 24 Tirthankaras. Jain Tradition, the relation of man and the world is contingent and accidental. The final goal of man is liberation from this world. This tradition is considered as revolt against Vedic tradition especially against authorities of Vedas, animal sacrifice and Brahmanical supremacy.
Important Features of Jain Tradition
Jainism believes that universe with all its components is real. It believes in the reality of world and does not consider world as Maya or illusion. The important features of Jain Tradition are as follows:
•Nature of Universe: The philosophical position of Jainism is described as "Dualism" as it accepts the reality of both, Jiva (consciousness) and Ajiva (unconscious). Jiva and Ajiva constitute the theory of 6 Dravyas or substances in Jainism. Hence, it is also called "Pluralism".
•Atheism: The concept of God as the "Creator" of the world is not acknowledged in Jainism, hence it is Atheistic tradition. According to it, Universe is Eternal i.e. beginning-less and endless, a system governed itself and by its own laws. The universe is real.
•Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the central principle of Jain religion. Non-violence in Jainism focuses on ill effect of violence on the virtues of the soul. This equality of soul is entwined with the doctrine of Non-violence. As all souls are equal, no soul has the right to harm any other soul in whatever form. Ahimsa is based on Reverence for Life, as life is dear to everyone, hence strict Vegetarianism is practised by Jains.
•Anekantvada: Looking at Reality from different points of view is Anekantvada. According to it, truth of a thing can be concluded only after considering all aspects of it in totality. Anekantvada is the essence of Jain Philosophy.
•Aparigraha: More the desires and possessions more are the miseries. Material can bring comforts but not happiness. The principle of Aparigraha helps in controlling possession and hoarding things.
•Atmavada: According to Jainism, there are infinite souls and all are independent. Since time immemorial, souls are bonded with Karmas. Due to their attachment with Karma they transmigrate from one to another. They are not the part of any supreme soul nor created by any such divine power.
•Karmavada: Karma is the cause of suffering in the world, but it is not a form of judgment or punishment. Law of Karma possesses the supreme position in Jainism. The cycle of birth and death, the course of life and the overall working of the universe depend upon law of Karma.
•Optimistic about Liberation: Each soul has potential to become Supreme and attain liberation from cycle of birth and death and in that event all liberated souls are equal. Therefore Jainism is Optimistic, about liberation of all souls. In liberated form soul possesses Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Perception, Infinite Power and Supreme Bliss.
