Tattva (Reality)

Fundamental Principles of Jainism

जैन धर्म के मौलिक सिद्धांत

Jainism is a science of the self. It teaches that every soul is the architect of its own destiny, bound by Karma, yet capable of achieving the four-fold infinite perfection.

1. The Duality of Existence

The first fundamental principle is that a human's personality is dual: Material and Spiritual.

Jaina philosophy regards that every mundane soul is bound by subtle particles of matter known as Karma from the very beginning. This bondage is the root cause of the cycle of birth and death.

The Gold Analogy

"Just as gold is found in an alloy form in the mines, mixed with impurities, in the same way, mundane souls are found along with the Karma bondage from time eternal."

The Soul (Jiva) trapped in Matter (Ajiva)

2. Potential for Perfection

While the soul is currently imperfect due to Karma, it has the inherent capacity to attain perfection. When liberated, the soul manifests the Ananta Chatusthaya (Four Infinites).

Ananta Darsana

Infinite Perception (Faith)

Ananta Jnana

Infinite Knowledge

Ananta Virya

Infinite Power

Ananta Sukha

Infinite Bliss

3. Spiritual Control & Self-Reliance

Even though man is not perfect, the third principle states that by his spiritual nature, man can and must control his material nature. It is only after the entire subjugation of matter that the soul attains freedom.

Individual Responsibility: Only the individual can separate his own soul from matter. No other person, prophet, or deity can do this for you. You alone are responsible for your actions.

4. The Concept of God

No God, nor His prophet, can interfere with human life. The soul alone is responsible for all it does.

God is not the Creator of the Universe.
Godhood refers to the Emancipated Soul (Siddha).
The Universe runs on its own accord (Universal Laws).

Principles FAQ

Clarifying common misconceptions.

Jainism is often accused of being atheistic because it does not attribute the creation of the universe to God. However, it is not atheistic in the sense that it strongly believes in Godhood (the potential of every soul to become God), innumerable gods (heavenly beings), and the concept of Punya (merit) and Papa (demerit).

No. A fundamental principle of Jainism is that no God or prophet can interfere with human life. Man himself, and he alone, is responsible for his actions. One cannot absolve oneself from the responsibility of experiencing the fruits of one's own Karma.

The ultimate goal is to separate the soul from matter (Karma) entirely. Upon total subjugation of matter, the soul attains its true nature of infinite perception, knowledge, power, and bliss (Moksha/Nirvana).